But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul
William MacDonald explains how God permits evil but does not originate it, emphasizing the departure of the Spirit from Saul as a pivotal moment illustrating God's holiness and sovereign control over evil.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the complex biblical theme of God's relationship to evil through the story of Saul's loss of the Spirit of the Lord. He clarifies how God, though holy and incapable of originating evil, permits evil within His sovereign will for His ultimate purposes. Using scripture from both the Old and New Testaments, MacDonald provides a balanced understanding of divine sovereignty, spiritual warfare, and the nature of evil. This message encourages believers to trust God's control even in difficult circumstances.
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“But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him.” (1 Sam. 16:14)
There are verses in the Bible that seem to assign evil actions to God. For example, when Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel, “God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem” Qudg. 9:23). In the days of Ahab, Micaiah said to the wicked king, “The Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets” (1 King 22:23). Job attributed his losses to the Lord when he said, “What? shall we receive good at the hands of God, and shall we not receive evil?” (Job 2:10). Then again the Lord Himself says in Isaiah 45:7, “I make peace, and create evil.”
Yet we know that because God is holy, He can neither originate evil nor condone it. No sin, sickness, suffering or death come from the Lord. He is light, and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). It is unthinkable that He should be the cause of anything that is contrary to His own moral perfection.
It is clear from other scriptures that Satan is the author of disease, suffering, tragedy and destruction. Job’s losses and intense pain were caused by the Devil. Jesus said that the woman who was bent double had been bound by Satan for eighteen long years (Lu. 13:16). Paul spoke of his thorn in the flesh as “the messenger of Satan” (2 Cor. 12:7). Satan is the culprit behind all the troubles of mankind.
But how then do we reconcile this with the verses that picture God as creating evil? The explanation is simply this: in the Bible God is often said to do what He permits to be done. It is the difference between His directive will and His permissive will. He often allows His people to go through experiences that He never would have chosen for them in the first place. He allowed Israel to wander forty years in the wilderness whereas His directive will, if it had been accepted, would have brought them into the Promised Land by a shorter route.
Even in permitting the evil of demons and of man, God always has the last word. He overrules it for His own glory and for the blessing of those who are exercised by it.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Departure of the Spirit from Saul
- The Spirit of the Lord left Saul
- An evil spirit from the Lord troubled him
- The significance of spiritual presence and absence
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II. Biblical Passages on God and Evil
- Verses that seem to assign evil actions to God
- Examples from Judges, Kings, Job, and Isaiah
- Understanding the context of these verses
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III. God's Holiness and the Origin of Evil
- God cannot originate or condone evil
- Satan as the author of suffering and evil
- Distinguishing between God's directive and permissive will
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IV. God's Sovereign Permission and Overruling
- God permits evil for His purposes
- Examples of permissive will in Scripture
- God's ultimate control and glory in evil situations
Key Quotes
“But how then do we reconcile this with the verses that picture God as creating evil? The explanation is simply this: in the Bible God is often said to do what He permits to be done.” — William MacDonald
“He often allows His people to go through experiences that He never would have chosen for them in the first place.” — William MacDonald
“Even in permitting the evil of demons and of man, God always has the last word.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Trust that God is sovereign even when facing evil or difficult trials.
- Recognize the difference between God's directive will and what He permits.
- Remain faithful and dependent on the Holy Spirit to avoid spiritual decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does God create evil according to the Bible?
While some verses suggest God sends or permits evil, the Bible teaches that God is holy and does not originate evil; He allows it within His sovereign will.
What does it mean that the Spirit departed from Saul?
It signifies God's withdrawal of His empowering presence from Saul due to disobedience, allowing an evil spirit to trouble him.
Who is responsible for suffering and evil?
Satan is identified as the author of suffering and evil, while God permits such things for His purposes but does not cause them directly.
What is the difference between God's directive and permissive will?
God's directive will is what He desires and commands, while His permissive will allows things He does not desire but permits for His greater plan.
How does God use evil for His glory?
God overrules evil situations to bring about His glory and the blessing of those who trust Him through trials.