In the Presence of Evil

The sermon is delivered at the General Assembly of the Church of the Living God PGT in Tyler, TX, with Dr. Wheeler L. Jones as the Senior Pastor. The context of Joseph's story in Genesis revolves around familial betrayal and eventual reconciliation, set against the backdrop of ancient Near Eastern society where divine intervention was often sought and perceived in natural and political events.

This sermon speaks to the universal human experience of encountering evil, whether through external forces or internal struggles. It offers a counter-narrative of divine providence and grace, providing hope and encouragement to those navigating personal suffering and injustice. The message is particularly relevant in times when faith might waver due to the pervasive nature of evil, offering a theological framework to understand suffering and God's ultimate sovereignty.

• **Cultivate a Vision of Divine Sovereignty Amidst Adversity:** Effective leaders must articulate a theological framework that helps their people understand suffering not as an endpoint, but as a crucible through which God's greater purposes are forged. Emphasize that 'God meant it for good,' providing hope and resilience.
• **Champion the Power of Grace and Forgiveness:** Leaders should consistently preach and model the transformative power of grace, allowing followers to acknowledge their past without being bound by it. This creates a culture where brokenness can lead to redemption, just as 'every saint has a past while every sinner has a future.'
• **Empower Active Resistance to Evil Through Goodness:** Instead of merely decrying evil, leaders must equip their congregants with practical, spiritual responses—shining light, doing good, praying for persecutors, and entrusting justice to God. This moves people from passive lament to active, Spirit-led engagement.
• **Identify and Value 'Reubens' in the Community:** Leaders should foster an environment where intercession and mutual support are celebrated. Recognizing and empowering those who 'have our backs' and 'fight our battles behind the scenes' strengthens the collective resilience of the community.
• **Preach a Sustained Vision for Transformation:** A sermon series, as demonstrated here, allows for a deep dive into complex themes, building understanding incrementally. This sustained approach in preaching and teaching can profoundly shape the spiritual formation and long-term resilience of a congregation.

1. In what ways have I experienced 'the unwelcome misery and mess evildoers place in our path,' and how has my faith been tested in those moments?
2. Who are the 'Reubens' in my life—those who intercede, support, and fight battles on my behalf, even when I'm unaware?
3. What 'evil pasts' or 'mounds of dirt' has God's grace allowed me to put behind me, and how am I living in the freedom of that transformation?
4. How can I, in the face of evil, more intentionally 'let my light shine,' 'give God the best of my service,' 'do good,' 'speak a kind word,' and 'put prayer on my persecutors'?
5. Am I truly trusting God to 'work it out' and 'turn my enemies over to Jesus,' or am I still carrying the burden of worry and unforgiveness?

This sermon leaves a legacy of profound hope and theological understanding for those grappling with the existence of evil. It cements the belief that God's redemptive power transcends human malice, offering a framework for viewing suffering not as a setback, but as a divine setup for greater good. The emphasis on grace, forgiveness, and actively radiating God's light in dark places encourages a resilient, proactive faith that empowers individuals to be agents of God's Kingdom even in the most challenging circumstances. It would remind listeners for years to come of God's ability to 'flip the script' in their lives and that they are indeed 'more than conquerors.'