Topical Bible: Simplicity: should be Exhibited: Concerning Evil

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Simplicity, in the context of Christian living, often refers to a purity of heart and intention, characterized by a straightforward and unpretentious approach to life and faith. This simplicity is particularly significant when it comes to the believer's relationship with evil. The Bible encourages believers to maintain a simple, untainted perspective concerning evil, avoiding its complexities and deceptions.

Biblical Exhortation to Simplicity Concerning Evil

The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, provides a clear directive regarding simplicity and evil: "I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil" (Romans 16:19). This verse underscores the importance of being knowledgeable and discerning in matters of goodness while maintaining an innocence or simplicity concerning evil. The call is to avoid becoming entangled in the intricacies and allurements of evil, preserving a heart that is uncorrupted and focused on righteousness.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ exemplifies simplicity concerning evil through His teachings and actions. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs His followers to pray, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13). This prayer reflects a desire for divine guidance away from evil, emphasizing a reliance on God to maintain purity and simplicity in the face of temptation.

The Role of Wisdom and Discernment

While simplicity involves innocence, it does not imply naivety. Believers are called to exercise wisdom and discernment, recognizing the presence of evil without becoming ensnared by it. Proverbs 14:15 states, "The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps" . This verse highlights the balance between maintaining simplicity and exercising caution, ensuring that one's simplicity does not lead to gullibility.

Guarding the Heart

The heart is central to the biblical understanding of simplicity concerning evil. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life" . By guarding the heart, believers protect themselves from the corrupting influences of evil, allowing simplicity and purity to flourish.

The Call to Childlike Faith

Jesus emphasizes the value of childlike faith, which embodies simplicity and trust. In Matthew 18:3, He declares, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" . This call to childlike faith encourages believers to approach God and the world with a simple, trusting heart, unburdened by the complexities of evil.

Conclusion

The biblical call to simplicity concerning evil is a call to purity, wisdom, and discernment. By maintaining a simple heart and mind, believers can navigate the challenges of a fallen world, focusing on what is good and righteous while avoiding the snares of evil.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 16:19
For your obedience is come abroad to all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise to that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Church as She Should Be
... of God, and the wisdom of God." In its simplicity lies its ... She should be amiable,
and she is. ... great skill and wisdom, and common sense, always exhibited in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... proposition; but they may more largely be exhibited in these ... after this manner, than
if I should call him ... men, and wicked customs, that the simplicity of the ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

Summary of the First Part of the Foregoing System.
... have examined those arguments in detail, and exhibited the principles ... If a horse
should fall from the moon, it ... of receiving the truth with the simplicity of a ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter i summary of the.htm

John i. 19
... arrived at this supposition from simplicity and ignorance ... at first say so was, lest
they should be detected ... for the unbelief which they exhibited towards Christ ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xvi john i 19.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... appear among them, and he, Zebulon, should some day ... direction of the thoughts, and
simplicity of heart ... character, not as they had exhibited themselves during ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

1 Thessalonians iv. 3-Jan
... Tell me, should you and your servant go to the same ... When you see women exhibited
as it were in the ... the wife to please her husband by modesty and simplicity. ...
/.../homily v 1 thessalonians iv.htm

The Call of Abraham
... could have trained his faith to so great a strength as that which it exhibited in
his ... Another reason why we should follow with simplicity and faith all ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the call of abraham.htm

Of the Loving of God in Ourselves and Other Creatures...
... nature are upon occasions only to be exhibited towards all ... care of ourselves requires
that we should not so ... Now till we come to a perfect simplicity of thought ...
/.../chapter v of the loving.htm

The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith.
... cerulean arch we see, Majestic in its own simplicity. ... condition of the age" when
He should become incarnate ... goat on the day of expiation, exhibited this feature ...
/.../the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the prophetic theme rev gervase.htm

1 Cor. xvi. 10
... as I was saying, but also they exhibited great piety ... from being ashamed of that sort
of simplicity, he even ... God forbid that in very deed we should be provided ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xliv 1 cor xvi.htm