Coming to Grips with Evil

This sermon addresses the theological problem of evil by examining Genesis 3, arguing that sin entered the world not through external forces or divine weakness, but through the distortion of God's word by a crafty deceiver. The text contrasts the failure of Adam and Eve, who succumbed to temptation by doubting and disregarding God's commands, with the success of Christ, who resisted the same types of temptations by knowing, trusting, and obeying Scripture. The preacher emphasizes that while God sovereignly permits evil for His inscrutable purposes, the practical defense against sin lies in a disciplined pursuit of biblical knowledge. The central exhortation is for believers to engage in consistent Scripture reading to establish a foundation of trust and obedience that enables them to withstand deception and live in accordance with God's will.