#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” — Romans 13:4 (ESV)
Have you ever wondered how God is working to restrain evil in our world? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the darkness around us, but God has not left us without hope. He has set up various systems and institutions to keep evil in check until the ultimate solution comes.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
God’s providential plan to restrain evil involves multiple layers. As Romans 13:4 explains, God has instituted human government to maintain order and justice. This aligns with Norman Geisler’s assertion that “God uses secondary causes to accomplish His purposes.” Government, as a servant of God, is tasked with upholding righteousness and punishing wrongdoing, which directly ties into the role of capital punishment as a means to fight crime.
Furthermore, the church plays a crucial role in this plan. As J. Warner Wallace notes, “The church is God’s agent of transformation in a fallen world.” Acts 16:5 and 1 Timothy 3:15 highlight the church’s mission to strengthen believers and act as a beacon of light, empowered by the Holy Spirit to combat wickedness.
Additionally, the family unit, as emphasized in Proverbs 22:15 and 23:13, provides stability and moral guidance. As Lee Strobel points out, “Families are the building blocks of society, and God uses them to instill values and virtues.”
God’s Word serves as our moral compass, guiding us away from evil. Psalm 119 underscores the importance of living according to God’s commands, which influences those around us positively. Tim Keller reminds us, “The Bible is not just a book of rules, but a guide for life that shapes our character and actions.”
Finally, the promise of a future judgment (Hebrews 9:27) acts as a deterrent against evil. William Lane Craig explains, “The reality of divine judgment underscores the moral accountability of every individual.”
Encouragement & Application:
While the problem of evil remains, God’s providential steps reassure us that He is actively working to restrain it. Take comfort in knowing that you are part of God’s plan through your involvement in the church, your family, and your adherence to His Word. Engage in these communities, seek guidance from Scripture, and trust that God’s ultimate solution is on the horizon.
Reflection Questions:
- How do you see God’s providential steps at work in your community or personal life?
- In what ways can you contribute to restraining evil through your involvement in the church or family?
- How does the promise of future judgment influence your actions and decisions today?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the hope and assurance that You are actively working to restrain evil in our world. Help us to trust in Your providential plan and to play our part in the church, our families, and through Your Word. Guide us to live righteously and to be a light in the darkness. We look forward to the day when You will ultimately triumph over all evil. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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