We all have tough questions. Especially when we watch the news, read the Bible, or try to believe in a good God. In this series, we’ll explore the hardest questions that challenge our journeys of faith. This week we explore the question of why God allows so much evil in the world.
Discussion Questions for FAQ: The Series Pt 2 | January 13, 2019 | Click here for printable version.
Key Bible Passage: Genesis 50:20
Discussion
- When do you tend to wrestle with the question of why there is so much evil in the world? What provokes this question for you?
- The message suggested that sometimes God uses evil to bring about a better result. (See Joseph’s story and how he responded in Genesis 50:20.) When have you experienced this in your own life?
- If you were not (or are not) a Christian, how might you process the problem of human evil in the world? Would it be more difficult to address or easier?
- Why do you think God took a risk and created a world where people might reject him and do horrible things? Was it worth it? Do you think he ever regretted his decision? Can you relate to him?
- Was the message helpful or unsatisfying to you? Why?
- Is there any “evil” in your life or the world right now where you’ve been trying to make sense of it and understand why it happened? A situation where perhaps you just need to grieve, lament, or protest?
- What is one practical way this message or discussion has challenged you to live differently this week?
Moving Forward
Do some online research this week. Find a psalm or portion of the Bible where someone grieves, laments, or protests evil. Read the passage each day this week in response to evil you see in your own life or our world.
Pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) each morning this week. Pause at the line “Deliver us from evil” and make it personal adding specific evils you see or experience. For example, “deliver me from Joe at work who keeps mocking me; deliver our city from its addiction to drugs…”
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