Topical Bible: The Love of God: Exhibited in Defeating Evil Counsels

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The love of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, manifesting in various ways, including His intervention to defeat evil counsels. This divine intervention underscores God's protective nature over His people and His commitment to righteousness and justice.

Old Testament Examples

1. Joseph and His Brothers: In Genesis, Joseph's brothers conspired to harm him out of jealousy. However, God's love and providence turned their evil intentions into a greater good. Joseph himself acknowledges this when he says, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people" (Genesis 50:20). Here, God's love is evident in transforming a malicious plot into a means of salvation for many.

2. Balaam's Prophecies: In the Book of Numbers, Balak, the king of Moab, sought to curse Israel through the prophet Balaam. Despite Balak's evil counsel, God intervened, turning the intended curses into blessings. Numbers 23:8 records Balaam's realization: "How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced?" God's love for Israel is demonstrated in His protection against spiritual and physical harm.

3. Haman's Plot Against the Jews: In the Book of Esther, Haman devised a plan to annihilate the Jewish people. Through divine orchestration, Queen Esther and Mordecai were positioned to thwart this evil counsel. Esther 9:1 highlights the reversal: "On the very day when the enemies of the Jews had hoped to gain power over them, the opposite occurred, and the Jews gained power over those who hated them." God's love is shown in His deliverance of His people from destruction.

New Testament Examples

1. The Pharisees and Jesus: Throughout the Gospels, the Pharisees and other religious leaders frequently plotted against Jesus. Despite their schemes, God's love and purpose prevailed. In John 11:53-54 , after the plot to kill Jesus is revealed, He withdraws to a safe place, demonstrating God's protective love over His Son until the appointed time for His sacrifice.

2. The Early Church and Persecution: In the Acts of the Apostles, the early church faced numerous threats and conspiracies. One notable instance is the plot to kill Paul, which was uncovered and thwarted by God's providence. Acts 23:12-24 details how Paul's nephew discovered the plot, leading to Paul's safe transfer to Caesarea. God's love is evident in His safeguarding of His messengers to ensure the spread of the Gospel.

Theological Implications

The defeat of evil counsels through God's love highlights several key theological principles:

· Sovereignty of God: God's ability to overturn evil plans underscores His supreme authority over all creation. His love is not passive but actively works to fulfill His purposes.

· Divine Justice: God's intervention against evil counsels reflects His commitment to justice. His love ensures that righteousness prevails, even when faced with human wickedness.

· Protection of the Faithful: God's love is a shield for those who trust in Him. Throughout Scripture, His intervention in defeating evil counsels serves as a testament to His faithfulness and care for His people.

In summary, the love of God, as exhibited in defeating evil counsels, is a profound testament to His protective, sovereign, and just nature. Through His divine intervention, God not only thwarts the plans of the wicked but also brings about His greater purposes, demonstrating His unwavering love for His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 23:5
Nevertheless the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam; but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing to you, because the LORD your God loved you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Carey's Immediate Influence in Great Britain and America
... a field of missions has been discovered and exhibited. ... fact you ought to forgive
it as God for Christ's ... to forgive each other mutually and to love one another ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xiii careys immediate influence.htm

Centenary Commemoration
... name is forever shrined in the deep love and reverence ... God provided the man to assume
the weighty charge ... against another, and in its provision exhibited a truer ...
/.../the sermons and addresses at the seabury centenary/centenary commemoration.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... of the oppressor: "Jahveh is a jealous God and avengeth ... inhabited by the Mannai;
but after defeating his foe ... fire to the villages from sheer love of destruction ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... perish, O Lord:"but let them that love Him be ... And would to God this people were under
my hand ... The King of Manasseh had no difficulty in defeating his adversary ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm