【为何上帝允许罪恶存在？Why Does GOD Allow Evil?】

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为何上帝允许罪恶存在？

耶和华 神将那人安置在伊甸园，使他修理看守。耶和华 神吩咐他说：“园中各样树上的果子你可以随意吃，只是分别善恶树上的果子你不可吃，因为你吃的日子必定死。”（创世纪2:15-17）
  
当基督徒们讨论“罪恶在何时、是怎样进入世界”时，通常表达的观点是：从蛇引诱夏娃开始。但事实上，我们必须追溯到更早的时候，就是从上帝种下分辨善恶树开始。而且，上帝还赐予了亚当和夏娃，在服从与悖逆之间有选择权柄，所以上帝允许罪恶进入祂所创造的完美之地。

现在你可能会问一个困扰很多人的问题，包括基督徒和非基督徒：为何一位慈爱的上帝会允许罪恶存在？然而，多年来却提出了一些不能令人满意的答复，例如：上帝对罪恶是漠不关心的，或是无能为力的。这类回应显然是与上帝在圣经中讲明的自己相矛盾（罗马书5:8惟有基督在我们还作罪人的时候为我们死，神的爱就在此向我们显明了。诗篇47:8 神作王治理万国， 神坐在祂的圣宝座上）。因此，真正的事实是：我们慈爱的天父，是行使祂决对的权柄掌管着世界万有。

上帝让罪恶进入世界是有祂的旨意，分辨善恶之树就是一个考验场：亚当和夏娃必须要在背叛与爱、罪与义、叛逆与顺服之间作出选择。因为上帝渴望祂所造的人是发自肺腑地真正爱祂，所以祂给了人类选择的权柄。真正的爱是给予选择的自由，而不是另一种方式，就是不给人类选择自由，编造机器人式的人来荣耀和赞美祂。

关于罪恶，上帝赐下两个保证。第一，上帝的旨意决不是让我们犯罪（雅各书1:13 人被试探不可说“我是被 神试探”，因为 神不能被恶试探，祂也不试探人），祂渴望我们过被祂称义的生活，使罪恶在我们的心里永无一席之地。第二，当我们犯罪后，认罪并悔改时，上帝会使我们曾经的经历为我们今后的益处而运作（罗马书8:28 我们晓得万事都互相效力，叫爱 神的人得益处，就是按祂旨意被召的人）。

Why Does GOD Allow Evil?

Genesis 2: 15 The LORD GOD took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the LORD GOD commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

When Christians discuss how and when evil entered the world, they most often point to the serpent’s temptation of Eve. But in fact, we must go back a bit further to the moment when GOD planted the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. By offering Adam and Eve a choice between obedience and rebellion, the LORD allowed for evil to enter His perfect creation.

Now, you are probably asking the very question that plagues many people, believers and unbelievers alike: Why does a loving GOD allow evil? Some unsatisfactory answers have been put forward over the years—for example, that the LORD doesn’t care or that HE’s helpless to prevent evil. Such responses contradict what GOD says about HIMSELF in Scripture (Rom. 5: 8 But GOD demonstrates HIS own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, CHRIST died for us.; Ps. 47: 8 GOD reigns over the nations; GOD is seated on HIS Holy Throne.). The truth is, our loving FATHER wields absolute authority over this world.

GOD had a purpose for letting wickedness enter the world. The Tree of Knowledge was a testing ground. Adam and Eve had to choose between rebellion and love, evil and righteousness, disobedience and obedience. Because the LORD desired love from the human beings HE created, HE had to offer a choice. Genuine love is given freely. The alternatives were either to skip the whole creation process or to program mankind like robots to give HIM glory and praise.

The LORD gives two assurances regarding evil. First, HIS purpose is not for us to sin (James 1: 13 When tempted, no one should say, “GOD is tempting me.” For GOD cannot be tempted by evil, nor does HE tempt anyone). HE desires that we live with righteous intent so that evil can find no room in our hearts. Second, when we are touched by evil, HE will cause the experience to work for our good (Rom. 8: 28 And we know that in all things GOD works for the good of those who love HIM, who have been called according to HIS purpose.).

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人生路途的指南针

我儿，不要忘记我的法则〔或作指教〕，你心要谨守我的诫命。因为祂必将长久的日子、生命的年数与平安加给你。不可使慈爱诚实离开你，要系在你颈项上、刻在你心版上。这样，你必在 神和世人眼前蒙恩宠、有聪明。你要专心仰赖耶和华，不可倚靠自己的聪明。在你一切所行的事上都要认定祂，祂必指引你的路（箴言3:1-6）  

如果你在森林里迷路了，那么你能明白这种境况所产生的担忧、混乱和恐慌。想想看，如果在这个时候你的口袋里有一个指南针，那你就会知道你的处境大不相同了。

从灵上来讲，我们也有一个指南针，就是上帝的话语。但是，除非我们选择让它指引我们，否则它不会为我们的益处运作。然而，有时我们因为各种原因而没有随从它指引的方向：

1. 忽视。有时我们忙碌穿梭于生活中，忘记看上帝的指南针（上帝的话语）来确定我们是否走在服从上帝的窄路上。

2. 骄傲。我们经常要决定自己的命运，依靠自己的力量、聪明和能力来计划自己的人生路线。

3. 分心。服从上帝的路并不总是轻松容易的，事实上，有时可能极具挑战性。而撒旦提供了其他的路径，只要我们忽视上帝的指南针去跟从他，他就保证让我们轻松和快乐。虽然撒旦的路最初看起来令人舒适愉快，最终却是导致悲伤和沮丧，并且会永远地与上帝分离。

4. 艰难。每当阻碍出现在生命道路上时，我们自然就倾向于要设法找到其他出路来绕过这些阻碍。但是，忽视上帝的指南针而脱离祂的窄路，我们就会错失上帝借着这些难关所要赐给我们的祝福，就是坚固的信心、神性的品性和永恒的救恩。

亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，当我们能够寻求上帝的指南针时，为何不现在就付诸于行动呢？让圣经作为你人生路途的向导。上帝承诺，如果你跟随祂的路而行，祂就会赐给你在世的年日富有成果、卓有成效（箴言3:1-2 我儿，不要忘记我的法则〔或作指教〕，你心要谨守我的诫命，因为祂必将长久的日子、生命的年数与平安加给你）。祂将指引你生命的每一步，即使在最艰难的时候，也有祂的平安保守你。

A Compass for Life’s Journey

Proverbs 3:
1 My son, do not forget MY teaching,
    but keep MY commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
    and bring you peace and prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favour and a good name
    in the sight of GOD and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to HIM,
    and HE will make your paths straight.

If you’ve ever been lost in the woods, you know the concerns, confusion, and panic this situation causes. Now think what a difference it would have made to know that a compass was in your pocket.

Spiritually speaking, we have such a compass—GOD’s WORD. But it does no good unless we choose to let it guide us. Yet at times, we may fail to follow its direction because of . . .

1. Neglect. Sometimes we are so busy walking through life that we forget to look at GOD’s compass (the WORD of GOD) to make sure we’re headed in the right direction.

2. Pride. Oftentimes we want to determine the destiny ourselves. Relying on our own strength, understanding, and abilities, we plan our own route.

3. Distractions. GOD’s path of obedience isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it can be extremely challenging. Satan offers other trails that promise pleasure and ease if we will just ignore the compass from GOD and follow him. Although these trails seem pleasant at first, they lead to heartbreak, discouragement and eternally separated from GOD.

4. Difficulties. Whenever obstacles appear on the trail, our natural tendency is to try and find a way around them. But by ignoring GOD’s compass and stepping off the narrow path, we’ll miss the blessings HE wants to give us through the rough patches—strong faith, godly character and eternal salvation.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Why should we wander when the LORD’s compass is available? Let Scripture be your guide on life’s journey. GOD promises to give you productive days and fruitful years if you follow HIS path (Proverb 3: 1 My son, do not forget MY teaching, but keep MY commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.). HE will direct each step of your way, and HIS peace will sustain you, even during the most difficult times.

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让上帝的指南针指引你的心和意念

不要自以为有智慧，要敬畏耶和华，远离恶事。这便医治你的肚脐，滋润你的百骨。你要以财物和一切初熟的土产，尊荣耶和华。这样，你的仓房必充满有余，你的酒醡有新酒盈溢。我儿，你不可轻看耶和华的管教，也不可厌烦祂的责备。因为耶和华所爱的，祂必责备，正如父亲责备所喜爱的儿子（箴言3:7-12）

亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，昨天我们探讨了，将倚靠上帝的话语作为贯穿整个人生的指南针的重要。跟从上帝的指引，就会改变我们的行为，挑战我们的思想、态度和渴望。上帝会带领我们从另一角度来思考自己、自己的价值观，甚至是我们所面对的艰难。

我们天生就想决定自己的生命路线，好像用逻辑思维才能得到我们想要的未来。然而，我们自以为有的聪明却是骄傲。我们要抵挡这种倾向，上帝指示我们要敬畏祂，远离罪恶（箴言3:7 不要自以为有智慧，要敬畏耶和华，远离恶事）。这里的“敬畏”不是恐惧天父的可怕，而是发自崇敬的心态，促使我们为了自己的益处，更是为了祂的荣耀而服从祂。

我们天生就要把钱据为己有，因为我们渴望有更好的生活或害怕钱不够，所以导致我们把得到的每一件东西都抓得紧紧。但是，我们的指南针（上帝的话语）指引我们，要把我们拥有的一切首先用来荣耀上帝，并且信靠上帝会供养我们的所需（箴言3:9-10你要以财物和一切初熟的土产，尊荣耶和华。这样，你的仓房必充满有余，你的酒醡有新酒盈溢）。

我们天生就不喜欢上帝的管教，好像祂那让人痛苦的责备显明祂并不关心我们。可是我们的天父说，祂的管教是祂爱我们的证据，也证明我们是祂所喜爱的儿女（3:11-12 我儿，你不可轻看耶和华的管教，也不可厌烦祂的责备。因为耶和华所爱的，祂必责备，正如父亲责备所喜爱的儿子）。

有时我们想要跟从上帝，但是我们只集中在有服从的行为（行祂所吩咐的），却忽略了祂指示我们，在态度和思维方式上也要顺从。要使我们的生命持续坚行上帝的道路，我们必须修正航向，不仅修正我们的行为，也要修正我们的心和意念。

GOD's Compass for the Heart and Mind

Proverbs 3:7-12

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
    and nourishment to your bones.

9 Honour the LORD with your wealth,
    with the first fruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
    and your vats will brim over with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline,
    and do not resent HIS rebuke,
12 because the LORD disciplines those HE loves,
    as a father the son he delights in.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Yesterday we discussed the importance of depending on the WORD of GOD as our compass throughout life. Following the LORD’s directions will change behaviour and challenge our thinking, attitudes, and desires. HE leads us to think differently about ourselves, our values, and even the difficulties facing us.

We naturally want to determine our own course in life. It seems like the only logical way to get where we want to go. But being wise in our own eyes is pride. To combat this tendency, the LORD instructs us to fear HIM and turn away from evil (v. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.). This “fear” is not a horrified dread of the FATHER, but an attitude of respect that motivates us to obey HIM for both our good and HIS glory.

We naturally want to keep our money for ourselves. A desire for a better lifestyle or fear of not having enough leads us to hang onto everything we get. But our compass directs us to honour GOD by giving HIM the first part of all we have, trusting HIM to provide for our needs (vv 9 Honour the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.).

We naturally hate GOD’s discipline. HIS painful reproofs seem to prove that HE doesn’t care about us. But our heavenly FATHER says HIS discipline is the evidence that confirms HIS love and delight in us as HIS children (vv. 11 MY son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent HIS rebuke, 12 because the LORD disciplines those HE loves, as a father the son he delights in.).

Sometimes in our desire to follow the LORD, we focus on obedient actions—doing what HE says—but miss HIS directions concerning our attitudes and thought patterns. To stay on GOD’s path for our lives, we must make course corrections not only in our behaviour but also in our hearts and minds.

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我们向上帝呼求

诗篇57:1神阿，求你怜悯我、怜悯我，因为我的心投靠你，我要投靠在你翅膀的荫下，等到灾害过去。  
57:2 我要求告至高的 神，就是为我成全诸事的 神。  
57:3 那要吞我的人辱骂我的时候， 神从天上必施恩救我，也必向我发出慈爱和诚实。
  
亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，当你面对危机时，什么是你的第一道防线？通常，出于自然反应，我们会尝试用自己的力量处理问题。然而，上帝赐给了我们不同的解决方法。

大卫常常经受到压迫或突如其来的邪恶威胁。当他写下诗篇57章时，正面对着许多困苦，其中包括被扫罗王追杀（撒母耳上24）。而牧人大卫作出的反应，就是向上帝呼求，并投靠上帝，直到灾害过去。

让我们通过研究大卫的诗句来学习他的榜样。今天我们所专注的，就是这篇诗的作者所呼求的那一位。

第一，大卫称上帝为至高者或最高统治者。上帝拥有最高的全能和智慧，所以在我们需求时能够帮助我们的，惟有上帝。

第二，诗篇说上帝是我们的避难所。如果上帝是我们灵的避难所，那么我们就无需再惧怕什么。当危机出现，我们感到无助时，上帝环绕着我们，保守我们。

第三，这篇诗表达出作者对上帝有一颗完全的信心---全能的上帝不仅能够，也将成就万事。上帝会为我们的益处而作出必要的干预，追讨敌对我们的人，并将祂的慈爱和真理环绕我们。

主耶稣在世上的时候，对人类洋溢着极大的爱。因此，当我们的爱心洋溢时，就能够接近祂。如果你的心是不安的，那就呼求上帝。要知道，你是来到一位拥有大能的保护者的宝座前，祂有能力、也非常乐意满足你合乎祂旨意的一切所需。


研经：撒母耳上24:1-22

24:1 扫罗追赶非利士人回来，有人告诉他说，大卫在隐基底的旷野。  
24:2 扫罗就从以色列人中挑选三千精兵，率领他们往野羊的磐石去，寻索大卫和跟随他的人。  
24:3 到了路旁的羊圈，在那里有洞，扫罗进去大解。大卫和跟随他的人正藏在洞里的深处。  
24:4 跟随的人对大卫说：“耶和华曾应许你说，我要将你的仇敌交在你手里，你可以任意待他。如今时候到了。”大卫就起来，悄悄的割下扫罗外袍的衣襟。  
24:5 随后大卫心中自责，因为割下扫罗的衣襟。  
24:6 对跟随他的人说：“我的主乃是耶和华的受膏者，我在耶和华面前万不敢伸手害他，因他是耶和华的受膏者。”  
24:7 大卫用这话拦住跟随他的人，不容他们起来害扫罗。扫罗起来，从洞里出去行路。  
24:8 随后大卫也起来，从洞里出去，呼叫扫罗说：“我主、我王。”扫罗回头观看，大卫就屈身脸伏于地下拜。  
24:9 大卫对扫罗说：“你为何听信人的谗言说，大卫想要害你呢？
24:10 今日你亲眼看见在洞中耶和华将你交在我手里，有人叫我杀你，我却爱惜你，说‘我不敢伸手害我的主，因为他是耶和华的受膏者。’  
24:11 我父阿，看看你外袍的衣襟在我手中。我割下你的衣襟，没有杀你，你由此可以知道我没有恶意叛逆你。你虽然猎取我的命，我却没有得罪你。  
24:12 愿耶和华在你我中间判断是非，在你身上为我伸冤，我却不亲手加害于你。  
24:13 古人有句俗语说‘恶事出于恶人’，我却不亲手加害于你。  
24:14 以色列王出来要寻找谁呢？追赶谁呢？不过追赶一条死狗，一个虼蚤就是了。  
24:15 愿耶和华在你我中间施行审判、断定是非，并且鉴察，为我伸冤，救我脱离你的手。”  
24:16 大卫向扫罗说完这话，扫罗说：“我儿大卫，这是你的声音么？”就放声大哭。  
24:17 对大卫说：“你比我公义。因为你以善待我，我却以恶待你。  
24:18 你今日显明是以善待我，因为耶和华将我交在你手里，你却没有杀我。  
24:19 人若遇见仇敌，岂肯放他平安无事的去呢？愿耶和华因你今日向我所行的，以善报你。  
24:20 我也知道你必要作王，以色列的国必坚立在你手里。  
24:21 现在你要指着耶和华向我起誓，不剪除我的后裔，在我父家不灭没我的名。”  
24:22 于是大卫向扫罗起誓，扫罗就回家去，大卫和跟随他的人上山寨去了。  

When We Cry Out to GOD

Psalm 57:

1 Have mercy on me, my GOD, have mercy on me,
    for in YOU I take refuge.
  I will take refuge in the shadow of YOUR wings
    until the disaster has passed.

2 I cry out to GOD MOST HIGH,
    to GOD, who vindicates me.
3 HE sends from heaven and saves me,
    rebuking those who hotly pursue me—
    GOD sends forth HIS love and HIS faithfulness.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

When you face a crisis, what is your first line of defence? The natural response is to attempt to fix the problem in your own strength. GOD, however, gives us a different way to handle difficulty.

David was no stranger to pressure or sudden appearances of evil. When he wrote Psalm 57, he was facing many hardships—including pursuit by King Saul, who wanted to kill him (1 Sam 24). The shepherd’s response was to cry out to GOD and take refuge in HIM until the calamity had passed.

Let’s learn from David’s example by exploring his words. Today, we will focus on the ONE to whom the psalmist cries.

First, David refers to GOD as El Elyon, or Supreme Ruler; HE is the Most High with all power and wisdom, the only ONE who can help us in our need.

Second, the Psalm says that GOD is our refuge. If HE is a place of shelter for our soul, then we need not fear. HE hovers over us and protects us when crises arise and leave us feeling helpless.

Third, the Psalm expresses complete confidence that the ALMIGHTY can and will accomplish all things. HE will do whatever is necessary to intervene on our behalf, to hold accountable those who oppose us, and to surround us with HIS love and truth.

During HIS time on earth, JESUS displayed great passion. Therefore, we can approach HIM when emotions run high. If your heart is troubled, cry out to the LORD. Know that you come before the throne of HIM who is a powerful protector, capable and willing to do all you need.

Scripture Study: 1 Samuel 24
1After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the Desert of En Gedi.” 2 So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats.

3 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. 4 The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.

5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” 7 With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.

8 Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. 9 He said to Saul, “Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’? 10 This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’ 11 See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. 12 May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. 13 As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.

14 “Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Who are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? 15 May the Lord be our judge and decide between us. May he consider my cause and uphold it; may he vindicate me by delivering me from your hand.”

16 When David finished saying this, Saul asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” And he wept aloud. 17 “You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly. 18 You have just now told me about the good you did to me; the Lord delivered me into your hands, but you did not kill me. 19 When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today. 20 I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. 21 Now swear to me by the Lord that you will not kill off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s family.”

22 So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.