B. DEVELOPING CONVICTIONS

How does one learn to hate evil? [Matthew 6:13, Romans 12:9 and Proverbs 4:25-27] This was the question to be discussed.

In a class at church recently, there was a discussion about the 25 instruction items from Romans 12:9-21. One of the classmates wanted to know how to develop our hatred for evil.  The other friends hung on every word as we looked at evil from the place of violating The 10 Commandments. Anything opposite of obedience to these is evil. A prayer was initiated, “God give us a hatred for evil!”

Matthew 6:13:

“And lead us not into temptations but deliver us from the evil one.”

Romans 12:9:

Love must be sincere, hate what is evil, cling to what is good.

Proverbs 4:25-27:

²⁵ Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. ²⁶ Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
²⁷ Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

1. What is your concept of evil?

2. List some things that you see as evil.

3. What does God see as evil?

4. Hebrews 5:14 teaches that as we pursue growth and maturity, we can discern good from evil.

5. What evils are the greatest dangers in your life?

6. If you followed those evils, what would be the results of your life?

1. What steps can you take to guard yourself from evil?

2. How would you develop a prayer life that asks God to give you a hatred for evil? Romans 12:9: “Hate what is evil”?

3. How will you apply these steps in your life this week?

4. How can I be of help?

5. How will you know this is a conviction?

1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.

2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?

3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?

4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?