This week, we address one of the biggest questions in Christian theology: If God is all-good and all-powerful, why does evil exist? Many people struggle with this paradox, and some even reject faith in God because of it. However, the Bible does not ignore this issue. Instead, it presents a God who suffers with us, understands our pain, and has promised to end evil forever.

- SATURDAY – Introduction

- Memory Text

Revelation 21:4

KJV ⁴ And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. CEV ⁴ He will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. These things of the past are gone forever.

- Lesson

Many atheists claim that the existence of evil disproves God. They argue that if God were both good and all-powerful, He would eliminate suffering. But Scripture presents a different perspective—a God who loves us yet allows free will, which led to the entrance of sin and suffering.

While we may not fully comprehend why God allows certain evils, we are assured that He hates sin even more than we do and has already provided the solution to evil through Jesus Christ.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that sin and suffering are not from God but were introduced by Satan’s rebellion. However, God has a plan to restore everything to perfection.

- Conclusion

The Bible assures us that evil will not last forever. God’s plan is to restore righteousness and eliminate sin completely.

- Reflection

What does Revelation 21:4

KJV ⁴ And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. CEV ⁴ He will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. These things of the past are gone forever.
teach us about the future of suffering?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can faith in God bring comfort even when we don’t understand suffering?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – “How Long, O Lord?”

- Lesson

Read the following:
Job 30:26

KJV ²⁶ When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness. CEV ²⁶ But when I beg for relief and light, all I receive are disaster and darkness.

Jeremiah 12:1

KJV ¹ Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously? CEV ¹ Whenever I complain to you, Lord, you are always fair. But now I have questions about your justice. Why is life easy for sinners? Why are they successful?

Jeremiah 13:22

KJV ²² And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, and thy heels made bare. CEV ²² Do you know why your clothes were torn off and you were abused? It was because of your terrible sins.

Malachi 2:17

KJV ¹⁷ Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment? CEV ¹⁷ You have worn out the Lord with your words. And yet, you ask, “How did we do that?”You did it by saying, “The Lord is pleased with evil and doesn't care about justice.”

Psalm 10:1

KJV ¹ Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? CEV ¹ Why are you far away, Lord? Why do you hide yourself when I am in trouble?

The question of why evil exists is not just modern—it appears throughout the Bible. Many biblical figures struggled with the reality that the wicked seem to prosper while the righteous suffer. They often cried out, “How long, O Lord?”, asking why God allows injustice to continue.

Even Jesus, on the cross, expressed deep anguish when He cried, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46

KJV ⁴⁶ And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? CEV ⁴⁶ Then about that time Jesus shouted, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you deserted me?”
). This shows us that God is not indifferent to our suffering.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that God permits sin to run its course so that its true nature can be seen. This ensures that no one will ever choose rebellion again.

- Conclusion

Even when we don’t see immediate justice, the Bible assures us that God’s judgment will come in His perfect time.

- Reflection

What do these verses teach about how believers have struggled with the problem of evil?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does Jesus’ suffering on the cross help us trust in God during difficult times?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – “There Are Many Things We Do Not Know”

- Lesson

Read the following:
Job 38:1-12

KJV ¹ Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, ² Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? ³ Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. ⁴ Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. ⁵ Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? ⁶ Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; ⁷ When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? ⁸ Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? ⁹ When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, ¹⁰ And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, ¹¹ And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? ¹² Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; CEV The Lord Speaks ¹ From out of a storm, the Lord said to Job: ² Why do you talk so much when you know so little? ³ Now get ready to face me! Can you answer the questions I ask? ⁴ How did I lay the foundation for the earth? Were you there? ⁵ Doubtless you know who decided its length and width. ⁶ What supports the foundation? Who placed the cornerstone, ⁷ while morning stars sang, and angels rejoiced? ⁸ When the ocean was born, I set its boundaries ⁹ and wrapped it in blankets of thickest fog. ¹⁰ Then I built a wall around it, locked the gates, ¹¹ and said, “Your powerful waves stop here! They can go no farther.” ¹² Did you ever tell the sun to rise? And did it obey?

Job 42:3

KJV ³ Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. CEV ³ You asked why I talk so much when I know so little. I have talked about things that are far beyond my understanding.

When Job demanded answers for his suffering, God responded with questions. Instead of explaining why Job suffered, God reminded him of His infinite wisdom and power. Job realized that he did not know everything and humbly accepted God’s wisdom.

Like Job, we often don’t understand why suffering happens. But trusting God means believing that even when we don’t have answers, He does.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that God’s ways are beyond human understanding. While He does not always reveal why things happen, He asks us to trust in His love and wisdom.

- Conclusion

Even when we don’t have explanations, we can trust that God is working for good.

- Reflection

What do Job 38:1-12

KJV ¹ Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, ² Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? ³ Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. ⁴ Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. ⁵ Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? ⁶ Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; ⁷ When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? ⁸ Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? ⁹ When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, ¹⁰ And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, ¹¹ And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? ¹² Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; CEV The Lord Speaks ¹ From out of a storm, the Lord said to Job: ² Why do you talk so much when you know so little? ³ Now get ready to face me! Can you answer the questions I ask? ⁴ How did I lay the foundation for the earth? Were you there? ⁵ Doubtless you know who decided its length and width. ⁶ What supports the foundation? Who placed the cornerstone, ⁷ while morning stars sang, and angels rejoiced? ⁸ When the ocean was born, I set its boundaries ⁹ and wrapped it in blankets of thickest fog. ¹⁰ Then I built a wall around it, locked the gates, ¹¹ and said, “Your powerful waves stop here! They can go no farther.” ¹² Did you ever tell the sun to rise? And did it obey?
and Job 42:3

KJV ³ Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. CEV ³ You asked why I talk so much when I know so little. I have talked about things that are far beyond my understanding.
teach about human understanding?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does accepting our limitations help us grow in faith?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – The Origin of Evil

- Lesson

Read the following:
Ezekiel 28:12-17

KJV ¹² Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. ¹³ Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. ¹⁴ Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. ¹⁵ Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. ¹⁶ By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. ¹⁷ Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. CEV ¹² Ezekiel, son of man, sing a funeral song for the king of Tyre and tell him I am saying: At one time, you were perfect, intelligent, and good-looking. ¹³ You lived in the garden of Eden and wore jewelry made of brightly colored gems and precious stones. They were all set in gold and were ready for you on the day you were born. ¹⁴ I appointed a winged creature to guard your home on my holy mountain, where you walked among gems that dazzled like fire. ¹⁵ You were truly good from the time of your birth, but later you started doing wicked things. ¹⁶ You traded with other nations and became more and more cruel and evil. So I forced you to leave my mountain, and the creature that had been your protector now chased you away from the jewels. ¹⁷ It was your good looks that made you arrogant, and you were so famous that you started acting like a fool. That's why I threw you to the ground and let other kings sneer at you.

Isaiah 14:12-14

KJV ¹² How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! ¹³ For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: ¹⁴ I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. CEV ¹² You, the bright morning star, have fallen from the sky! You brought down other nations; now you are brought down. ¹³ You said to yourself, “I'll climb to heaven and place my throne above the highest stars. I'll sit there with the gods far away in the north. ¹⁴ I'll be above the clouds, just like God Most High.”

The Bible reveals that evil began with Lucifer, a high-ranking angel who rebelled against God. Instead of being content with his position, he desired to be like God. His pride led to his fall, and he introduced sin into the universe.

God did not create sin, but He created free will. Without freedom, love cannot exist. Lucifer’s rebellion shows what happens when someone chooses self over God.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Lucifer’s rebellion was based on lies and deception. He sought to undermine God’s character, convincing many angels to follow him.

- Conclusion

Sin began when Lucifer misused his freedom. God allows free will because true love cannot be forced.

- Reflection

What do Ezekiel 28:12-17

KJV ¹² Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. ¹³ Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. ¹⁴ Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. ¹⁵ Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. ¹⁶ By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. ¹⁷ Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. CEV ¹² Ezekiel, son of man, sing a funeral song for the king of Tyre and tell him I am saying: At one time, you were perfect, intelligent, and good-looking. ¹³ You lived in the garden of Eden and wore jewelry made of brightly colored gems and precious stones. They were all set in gold and were ready for you on the day you were born. ¹⁴ I appointed a winged creature to guard your home on my holy mountain, where you walked among gems that dazzled like fire. ¹⁵ You were truly good from the time of your birth, but later you started doing wicked things. ¹⁶ You traded with other nations and became more and more cruel and evil. So I forced you to leave my mountain, and the creature that had been your protector now chased you away from the jewels. ¹⁷ It was your good looks that made you arrogant, and you were so famous that you started acting like a fool. That's why I threw you to the ground and let other kings sneer at you.
and Isaiah 14:12-14

KJV ¹² How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! ¹³ For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: ¹⁴ I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. CEV ¹² You, the bright morning star, have fallen from the sky! You brought down other nations; now you are brought down. ¹³ You said to yourself, “I'll climb to heaven and place my throne above the highest stars. I'll sit there with the gods far away in the north. ¹⁴ I'll be above the clouds, just like God Most High.”
teach about Satan’s fall?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is free will necessary for true love to exist?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – The Great Controversy

- Lesson

Read the following:
Revelation 12:7-9

KJV ⁷ And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, ⁸ And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. ⁹ And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. CEV ⁷ A war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels were fighting against the dragon and its angels. ⁸ But the dragon lost the battle. It and its angels were forced out of their places in heaven ⁹ and were thrown down to the earth. Yes, that old snake and his angels were thrown out of heaven! That snake, who fools everyone on earth, is known as the devil and Satan.

2 Corinthians 11:14

KJV ¹⁴ And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. CEV ¹⁴ And it is no wonder. Even Satan tries to make himself look like an angel of light.

The war in heaven was not a physical battle but a war of ideas and loyalty. Satan accused God of being unfair, and many angels believed him. Even today, Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, deceiving people into rejecting God’s truth.

The great controversy is not just about power—it’s about God’s character. Satan wants people to believe that God is not loving or just, but the Bible reveals the truth.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that God permits evil to continue for a time so that its true nature is fully revealed. This ensures that no one will ever choose rebellion again.

- Conclusion

The battle between good and evil is not over yet, but God’s victory is assured.

- Reflection

What do Revelation 12:7-9

KJV ⁷ And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, ⁸ And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. ⁹ And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. CEV ⁷ A war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels were fighting against the dragon and its angels. ⁸ But the dragon lost the battle. It and its angels were forced out of their places in heaven ⁹ and were thrown down to the earth. Yes, that old snake and his angels were thrown out of heaven! That snake, who fools everyone on earth, is known as the devil and Satan.
and 2 Corinthians 11:14

KJV ¹⁴ And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. CEV ¹⁴ And it is no wonder. Even Satan tries to make himself look like an angel of light.
teach about the great controversy?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does understanding the great controversy help us remain faithful?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – The End of Evil

- Lesson

Read the following:
Revelation 20:7-10

KJV ⁷ And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, ⁸ And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. ⁹ And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. ¹⁰ And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. CEV ⁷ At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be set free. ⁸ He will fool the countries of Gog and Magog, which are at the far ends of the earth, and their people will follow him into battle. They will have as many followers as there are grains of sand along the beach, ⁹ and they will march all the way across the earth. They will surround the camp of God's people and the city God loves. But fire will come down from heaven and destroy the whole army. ¹⁰ Then the devil who fooled them will be thrown into the lake of fire and burning sulfur. He will be there with the beast and the false prophet, and they will be in pain day and night forever and ever.

Nahum 1:9

KJV ⁹ What do ye imagine against the Lord? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time. CEV ⁹ So don't plot against the Lord! He wipes out his enemies, and they never revive.

The Bible promises that sin will be destroyed completely. At the final judgment, Satan and his followers will be permanently removed, and God’s universe will be restored to peace.

Nahum 1:9

KJV ⁹ What do ye imagine against the Lord? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time. CEV ⁹ So don't plot against the Lord! He wipes out his enemies, and they never revive.
tells us that affliction will not rise a second time. Sin will be fully exposed, and no one will ever choose rebellion again.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that when sin is fully eradicated, the universe will be completely restored. The redeemed will understand why God’s justice and mercy were necessary.

- Conclusion

God promises that sin and suffering are temporary. One day, everything will be made new.

- Reflection

What do Revelation 20:7-10

KJV ⁷ And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, ⁸ And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. ⁹ And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. ¹⁰ And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. CEV ⁷ At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be set free. ⁸ He will fool the countries of Gog and Magog, which are at the far ends of the earth, and their people will follow him into battle. They will have as many followers as there are grains of sand along the beach, ⁹ and they will march all the way across the earth. They will surround the camp of God's people and the city God loves. But fire will come down from heaven and destroy the whole army. ¹⁰ Then the devil who fooled them will be thrown into the lake of fire and burning sulfur. He will be there with the beast and the false prophet, and they will be in pain day and night forever and ever.
and Nahum 1:9

KJV ⁹ What do ye imagine against the Lord? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time. CEV ⁹ So don't plot against the Lord! He wipes out his enemies, and they never revive.
teach about sin’s final destruction?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is it important to understand that sin will never rise again?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Further Thought

- Lesson

This week’s lesson has shown that evil is not from God, but a result of rebellion. Though we struggle with suffering, the Bible assures us that God has already won the war against sin. Evil will not last forever, and God’s kingdom will be fully restored.

In the meantime, we are called to trust in God’s wisdom and hold onto His promises, knowing that He will bring ultimate justice.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that God’s judgment is not about revenge but about restoring righteousness and peace. One day, all of God’s creation will see the full truth and rejoice in His justice.

- Conclusion

Evil may exist for a time, but its end is certain. God’s justice will make all things right.

- Reflection

How does knowing the end of the great controversy strengthen our faith?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we live in faith and hope while waiting for sin to be eradicated?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

The Problem of Evil

This week’s lesson explored why evil exists in a world created by a loving God. The Bible teaches that sin originated with Lucifer and has affected all of creation. However, we are assured that evil will not last forever. God’s plan is to restore everything to righteousness, and through Jesus, we have victory over sin.