Category Archives: Evil

Bible, Disobedience, Evil, Good, Obedience, Scripture, Works

PRACTICING THE WRONG THINGS

ROMANS 7:19

“For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.”

When I was in college, I had this recurring nightmare that I arrived at a class for an exam only to discover that I had studied the wrong information. After hours of cramming, I failed miserably, not from lack of preparation, but from preparing with the wrong information. If you want to do well at anything in life, you have to prepare well and use the right stuff. You will never learn to drive a manual transmission if you only drive automatics, right?

Paul states the obvious in today’s verse. He basically says, “I can’t do this because I am doing that.” He wants to do good but is too busy doing bad. Let me remind you that Paul wrote this letter from Corinth towards the end of his third missionary journey. I wouldn’t call what he had been doing evil or bad works. Just the opposite. He had put his life on the line numerous times. So, why would he say this in today’s verse?

APPLICATION

Our hearts are inherently wicked. Paul uses the Greek word kakós for “evil.” The Topical Lexicon says, “It functions as a broad moral term encompassing wicked character, destructive actions, corrupt motives, and harmful consequences.” Let me just say, people in ministry are not exempt from evil. After all, we are only human like the rest of you. I know some preachers who have their “hit list” of people they wish would get out of their way. That may sound funny, but it is too true.

Paul was writing this letter from a pretty wicked city. Corinth was not known for its wholesome atmosphere. It was full of pagan gods and idol worship. I am sure Paul struggled at times keeping his temper or his attitude in check against such evil. I truly believe today’s verse showing his confession of such things should encourage us to be more open and confessional. We have all been there at one time or another.

Let me encourage you to spend more time practicing the good things and less time the evil things. Spend more time praying than complaining. Invest more in purifying your minds and less time filling it with mindless dribble. Don’t walk into that final evaluation period having spent all your time in the wrong stuff. Walk in fully confident of having spent time with the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is His wisdom we seek, not our own.

Lord, fill me with the desire to please You in all I do and to spend time with You each day.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Confession, Evil, Forgiveness, Scripture, Sin

FORGIVEN

ROMANS 4:7

“‘BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED.’”

When I think back to my life before Christ, I am so thankful for His grace and mercy. I was never evil, but my actions and deeds were. I don’t have to enumerate them here. I am sure you had similar deeds in your “Before Christ” days. Am I right? Knowing what is not good and still doing it is just evil. It’s what I used to tell my children was “willful disobedience.” I was willfully disobeying. I deserved punishment, but I got grace. Hallelujah!

In today’s verse and tomorrow’s, Paul quotes from Psalm 32:1-2, which I quoted yesterday in my blog. Most scholars agree that David wrote this Psalm after his sins involving Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah. It may have been written right after Nathan confronted him or at a later time while he was reflecting on it. Either way, it is a beautiful psalm of confession and forgiveness. You can use this as your own psalm of praise over your forgiven sins.

APPLICATION

Do you remember the story behind this psalm? David had stayed home from the war (his first mistake) and when he couldn’t sleep one evening, he took a walk on his rooftop. It was there he saw Bathsheba bathing on a nearby rooftop. Let’s be clear – that first glance was not sin. The second glance, however, is where it all began. Lust sprang up in his heart and he began to plot to “take” this woman. Lust let to the sin of adultery and then murder.

Sins have a way of multiplying quickly. I just had a thought pop into my head (dangerous, I know). Do you remember “herman” bread or maybe you called it “friendship” bread? You got a starter blob from someone or started your own. Then you watched that blog grow in the frig due to the yeast expanding. You were supposed to take part and make bread and then give part of the remaining blob away. My mom never gave any away. We had “herman” bread coming out our nose, lol.

That’s how sin spreads. Left unchecked it expands and grows and will eventually lead to death. If you have unconfessed sins today, bring them to Jesus. Maybe you’re reading this, and you are not a believer yet. Make this day your day of salvation. Say with David, “BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED.”

Father, I praise You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for rescuing me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Corruption, Evil, Goodness, Rejection, Scripture

NO ONE DOES GOOD

ROMANS 3:12

“THEY HAVE ALL TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME CORRUPT; THERE IS NO ONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”

No truer statement could be said about our society today than this verse. People had just as soon shoot you as greet you. In some of our cities people are dying every week from gang violence or random shootings. This week three police officers were killed during a domestic disturbance. No one seems to be doing good. In fact, it’s just the opposite. They all seem to be doing bad.

Paul uses a word for “does good” that is a very common verb. It’s used over 600 times. But the important part of this particular usage is the tense of the verb. This is a Present Participle Active. What does that mean? It means it’s a continual practice among these people. Their lifestyle, described in the previous two phrases of the verse, tells it all. “They have all turned aside” and “they have become corrupt.” Because of this they are incapable of practicing good.

APPLICATION

Let’s look at what causes their lack of doing good. Paul says, “they have all turned aside.” The meaning of this is to deliberately avoid something or reject something. It’s not just an oversight. These individuals have made a choice to shun God, and one result is the inability to practice good. Sure, they may do a good thing occasionally, but as a lifestyle it is not in their thoughts. The word here is only used two other locations (Romans 16:17 and 1 Peter 3:11)

They are also corrupt. It’s funny that this word means “spoiled.” Have you ever taken a big swig of milk that has turned sour. Yuk! Gross! That’s the idea here. They are useless. What do you do with spoiled milk? You discard it. It’s good for nothing. That Greek word is only used here in Romans 3:12.

Are you doing good? Are you practicing good? Or are you a defiant, sour person? The choice is yours. You have to turn towards Christ and keep yourself fresh in His Word. Then you can live a life doing good for Him and others. Will you do that today?

Father God, cleanse me and purify my motives so that I am looking for ways to serve You and others.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Evil, Lifestyles, Scripture, Unrighteousness, Wickedness

NOT A PRETTY LIST

ROMANS 1:29

“people having been filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, and evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice; they are gossips,” 

I have often made pros and cons lists when I needed to make a decision. It could be about a move somewhere or trying to decide about a new job. I know some people who have those kinds of lists about whom they will date. It doesn’t make much sense to make a decision when the cons outweigh the pros, right? Aren’t you glad God didn’t weigh us that way?

In today’s verse, Paul begins a list that is pretty bad. It’s a list of behaviors and lifestyles that go against every fabric of decency, much less any sort of godliness. Now, before you start judging people over these behaviors, remember that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Our job as believers is to walk in such a way that we avoid these behaviors. The key to the verse is the participle verb at the beginning, “having been filled.” Let’s look at that.

APPLICATION

“Having been filled” is from the Greek verb pléroó. It can be translated as “to fully, completely fill, (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), (figuratively) to fully supply, satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction).” (Lexical Summary) So, you see it can have lots of meanings. Barnes says about this phrase, “Being filled – That is, the things which he specifies were common or abounded among them. This is a strong phrase, denoting that these things were so often practiced as that it might be said they were full of them. We have a phrase like this still, when we say of one that he is full of mischief, etc.”

These were not one-time events in these people’s lives. This was their lifestyle. We all sin. We all fail. But we cannot stay there. We can’t remain in the sin. We can’t continue in the sin “that so easily entangles us.” I once talked with a guy who “slipped” four times and had sex with women other than his wife. And he couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t forgive him. Lifestyles matter when it comes to living for Jesus. Amen?

I don’t really need to go through the list of things Paul mentions here. You can look all those up if you want further explanations of them. The point I want to make is we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, not hedonistic lifestyles. We need to be filled with the motive to glorify Jesus in all we do, not glorify our own fleshly appetites. What or Who is filling you today?

Fill my cup, Lord. I lift it up, Lord. Come and quench the thirsting of my soul.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Beware, Bible, Enemies, Evil, Gospel, Scripture, Warnings

BEWARE!

PHILIPPIANS 3:2

“Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;”

Contrary to what some of my UGA Dawg haters claim, this verse is NOT talking about my beloved Dawgs, lol. Seriously though, this verse is a warning verse. Being aware of your surroundings is important, especially on the highway. My Uncle always warns me before I leave on a road trip to “watch out for those fools on the road.” In other words, drive defensively.

Paul tells us to beware of three things – dogs, evil workers and the false circumcision. We’ll take a look at what he meant by all three. But first, why did he tell us to “beware”? That’s the Greek word blépō which means “to see, be observant (watchful).  Blépō) suggests ‘to see something physical, with spiritual results (perception).’ That is, it carries what is seen into the non-physical (immaterial) realm so a person can take the needed action (respond, beware, be alert).” (HELPS Word studies). Paul tells them to put on their spiritual eyes.

APPLICATION

Paul says to “beware of dogs.” The word for “dogs” was used to describe a spiritual predator who feeds off others. Dogs were not like they are today. Back then most dogs were scavengers. In fact, one term they were called was “mooch pooch” because they ran around mooching off anything they could find. Spiritual dogs look for weaknesses in others and pounce on them to try to bring them down.

“Evil workers” are those “Judaizing teachers, who,..pretend to be strenuous advocates for good works, are, in fact, evil workers; sowing the seeds of discord, strife, contention, and division, among the…members of Christ.” (Benson commentary). There is nothing much worse than someone pretending to be one thing but turning out to be something totally different. You might call these individuals a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Lastly, Paul “beware of the false circumcision.” These were the people who insisted that circumcision was required of the Gentiles for salvation. Paul seemed to battle this group wherever he went. But Paul insisted that adding anything to what Christ did on the cross for us was, in fact, adding to the Gospel.

Now, let me warn you. These people are still out there. All three still exist in some form or the other. Sadly, many of them are in our churches trying to tear down the purpose of the church and its mission. Keep your spiritual eyes on. Look past the physical into the spiritual motives of people. Our only purpose should be to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and glorify the Father in heaven.

O Lord, give me Your eyesight to perceive and recognize those who would do me or others harm spiritually.

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Bible, Evil, Jesus, Old Self, Scripture

THE OLD SELF

COLOSSIANS 3:9

“Do not lie to one another, since you stripped off the old self with its evil practices,

I am getting older every day. How about you? We all are. There is only one other alternative, right? And as we get older, it gets harder to let go of our old ways. Those habits are so hard to stop. Now, not all those habits are bad. But some… Well, let’s just say they ought to go the way of the dinosaur.

Paul reminds the Colossians (and us) that our old self is gone. We discussed how we have thrown it away. The Greek word for “stripped off” is apekduomai and only occurs here and earlier in Colossians 2:15. In both cases it is in the Middle voice which means you have to choose to do this. It is not done to you. Paul says we have chosen to strip “off the old self with its evil practices.”

APPLICATION

Don’t read that and just go past it. This is important. We have to choose to strip off this old stuff. We cannot walk the straight and narrow while we are carrying around all this baggage. The image of stripping off something is important. I have this picture in my mind of violently tearing it away. It’s not something you do slowly.

Let me give you an example. I recently was told about the conversion of someone who was struggling with their sexuality. They came to a church service, fell under conviction and came forward for salvation. The next Sunday the Pastor noticed this person still dressing in a way that resembled their old lifestyle. He approached them and said, “What are you doing?” They replied, “Well, I thought I would change a little bit at a time.” What?! No! You have to tear it off. You have to strip it away.

What are you wearing from your old self? What are you hanging on to? Let it go – now! It has to go! It does not represent who you are now. Walk afresh. Walk in victory.

O Father, give me the power to strip off all the old stuff and wear Your garments.

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Armor, Battles, Bible, Devil, Evil, Satan, Scripture

WITHSTAND

EPHESIANS 6:13

“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”

Man, do I love bread! Just ask my wife. I could eat a dozen hot biscuits with honey. And those Red Lobster garlic biscuits are to die for. But I have to withstand temptation or bust my britches, lol. The temptation is great. I am easily led astray, I’ll admit it. But when I am successful and withstand the freshly baked bread, I feel better. I know I have made the right choice.

Now, Paul is not talking about sticking to your diet in today’s verse. But he is talking about fully resisting the evil one and all his lures. The Greek word for “resist” is “anthístēmi (from antí, ‘opposite/against’ and hístēmi, ‘to stand’) – to take a complete stand against, i.e. a ‘180 degree, contrary position’; to establish one’s position publicly by conspicuously ‘holding one’s ground,’ i.e. refusing to be moved (‘pushed back’). (HELPS Word studies)

APPLICATION

This word can also mean to “forcefully declare one’s personal conviction.” It was a military term meaning to strongly resist an opponent. I think you get the picture. You have to resist. You have to take a stand. You have to be prepared (thus the armor) for anything that comes your way.

Anthístēmi is also used in James 4:7 that says, “Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” It is also 1 Peter 5:9 where we read, “So resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers and sisters who are in the world.” Paul, James and Peter all knew the importance of resisting the devil. They had all personally experienced his attacks and knew how to resist him.

You have to equip yourself with the Word. Jesus used the Word to battle Satan in the wilderness. Why should we try anything else? Know the Word. Use the Word. Watch the Word repel the devil’s attacks. We have no reason to fear him. Withstand Warrior!

Lord, I am so thankful that You have equipped me to withstand the evil one in evil days.  

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Bible, Disgraceful, Evil, Scripture, Shame

DISGRACEFUL SPEECH

EPHESIANS 5:12

“for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.”

There are some things you just don’t talk about. Some say you should never discuss politics or religion at family gatherings. I am not sure I agree with that, but there are other things that are off limits. For instance, you may know of something really bad someone has done. Should you bring that up to others? Should you discuss immoral activities in the world publicly?

Paul tells us in today’s verse it is “disgraceful” to talk about such things. The Greek word translated as “disgraceful” only occurs four times in the New Testament. Two times it refers to women not cutting their hair or not speaking in church. The other time it is talking about dishonest money. The word means shameful, sordid or improper.

APPLICATION

Paul is the only author who uses this Greek word all four times. But he only uses it to address speech once – right here in today’s verse. All these negative behaviors he has been talking about in this chapter are off limits. But it’s not just in not doing them. He tells the Ephesians to not even talk about them.

You have to remember that a lot of these things Paul has been talking about came out of the pagan worship of Ephesus. They were vile and horrible practices that should not even been mentioned any more. We have some of those same practices in our world today. Missionaries in some countries report demonic rituals and activities in the local idol temples. We don’t talk about these things because we do not want these things on our mind.

I am reminded of Colossians 3:2 which says, “Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.” Our thoughts should be towards heaven, not on these pagan activities. Clear your mind and mouth of such things. Concentrate on His Word and His Spirit. Let those things drive your speech.

Father, keep my mouth full of Your words so that I can encourage others.

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Bible, Deception, Devil, Disobedience, Evil, Scripture, Wrath

WORLDLY DECEPTION

EPHESIANS 5:6

“See that no one deceives you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”

Many years ago, when I was on a trip, I was propositioned by a lady while I was eating my dinner alone in a restaurant. I had seen her and another lady sitting across the restaurant at another table when I was seated. About halfway through my meal she approached and asked if I was interested in some “company.” I proudly raised my left hand, pointed at my wedding band and said, “Sorry, I am happily married.” She said back very quickly, “That’s okay, honey. She won’t know.” I told her again that I was not interested and she walked away.

Worldly deception has been around a long time. Paul warned the Ephesians about it in today’s verse. All the things in which they had been involved (see verse 5) and all the things their unbelieving friends were still practicing were a lure by the evil one. They were probably saying things like, “Oh, come on. You’ve always participated in these things. They are our custom.” These “sons of disobedience” were being used by the evil one to try and drag these new believers right back to their old lifestyles. Paul says, “No, you have a new life now.”

APPLICATION

In Romans 2:7-9, Paul shows us the contrast between being a child of obedience versus a child of disobedience. “7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life; 8 but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of mankind who does evil, for the Jew first and also for the Greek,”

We will always have people in our lives who will try to lead us astray. Even other believers who are deceived may try to do this. So, how do you protect yourselves? James 1:22 says it rather simply. “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” We have to live out the Word of God in our daily lives. We have to walk in truth.

2 Corinthians 11:3 is another verse I have memorized about this worldly deception. “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray for your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” Stay sharp. Stay in the Word and set your mind on things above. 

Lord, guard me against any worldly influence as I walk with You

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Bible, Deceit, Deception, Devil, Evil, Schemes, Scripture

DECEITFUL SCHEMING

EPHESIANS 4:14

“As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;”

Raise your hand if you like being deceived. What? Nobody raised their hand? Me either! No one likes being deceived. We feel betrayed, lured into something we don’t want to do. In today’s cyber attacks, people are often deceived into clicking a link to something that looks innocent. It could be a video that appears to be from a friend but turns out to be a way for a hacker to gain access to your computer and hold you ransom in order to get money from you. It really is deceitful scheming.

In today’s verse, Paul warns us against falling for these types of schemes from people. They want to fool you into believing things that are contrary to the truth of God’s Word. The word translated “scheming” is methodeia. It’s a method used in organized evil-doing (well-crafted trickery). (HELPS Word studies). “Deceitful” is the word plane, which implies deviant behavior. It’s a departure from what God says is true; an error (deception) which results in wandering (roaming into sin). (HELPS Word studies).

APPLICATION

How do we guard ourselves from such attacks? I only know of one way – remain in the Word. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 2:3, “For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit;” No! Our exhortation comes from truth – God’s truth. His Word will never deceive but will always lead us to more truth.

I had a conversation recently with a young man who had gotten involved with a “Christian” cult years ago. This cult was formed as a church and was led by a man who constantly defended himself from any accusation. The Gospel was not the primary focus of his “preaching” but rather just defending his actions. When this man and his wife left this church, they were told they would go to hell for leaving his church. That is not truth. That was deceitful scheming.

Who is this source of scheming? None other than the devil himself. Paul will tell us later in Ephesians 6:11 that we need to, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Paul also tells us in 2 Corinthians 2:11, as he is discussing the topic of forgiveness, “so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”

Beware of anything that does not point you to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Only His truth is trustworthy. Measure everything against His Word. Then you can be sure to walk in spirit and in truth. 

I am so thankful that Your Word is truth and can always be trusted.

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