"Simple Concerning Evil"

Just a couple of quick thoughs. "Simple concerning evil" means to not mix or mingle with evil. So you might start at Gods first warning to man about mixing with evil in Genesis when He commanded not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. By not listening to God, that was where all mans trouble started, and evil, just as it was then is still evil now, there are consequences when we do not listen to Gods warning about mixing with it. Then you could pick some other people in the bible throughout time that mixed with evil and had to suffer the consequences of that.

 

A few come to mind: Lot, Solomon, Samson, David. Since teens' friends are so important to them, I think II. Sam. 13 is a good illustration of how Amnon was influenced by his friend Jonadab to do wrong. You could also show how Pilate was swayed by the crowd into making the wrong decision when his conscience knew better. You could contrast this w/ Joseph or Daniel who stood firm during temptation. Hope this helps.

 

One very important thing you will need to explain is that "simple" there does not mean "easy" (as in "The teacher thought he had outwitted me with the algebra problem, but I found it simple to do.") Nor does it mean "intellectually weak" (as in "He never learned to read properly, as he was rather simple.") As I understand it, the word in Romans 16.19 means "harmless", and indeed is translated that way in the two other places where it occurs:

Mt 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless <185> as doves.

Php 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless <185>, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;​

Am I correct in assuming, because Romans 16.19 is addressed to believers, that the 200 are Christians?

 

Samson...his gradual ignoring of his Nazirite vows...

his "shortcut" through the vineyards...
his touching of the lion's carcass...

 

It is also a false philosophy of man that we must learn about false religions to be able to witness to others. Learning the truth alone and being grounded in it is sufficient to have the ability to recognize a lie and to be an effective witness. Studying a lie only serves to tear down ones faith as was Paul's concern in Romans 16.

 

I think this verse sums up the concept; notice the progression.

This is precisely why our country is in the moral morass we are in today - a progressive embracing of liberal ideas that are increasingly contrary to His Word.

Or to quote the serpent, "Hath God REALLY said---?"

 

Ok, but keep in mind that Paul used Greek Philosophy to witness to the Athenians.

 

Why?

Solomon is probably your best bet. Or the Author of Ecclesiates.

 

No he used the gospel.

 

He used the gospel as well but don't imagine for a minute he was ignorant of Greek Philosophy. And an early church father Ireaneus in Against Heresies is very familiar with gnostisism. He argued quite well against it. Look, there are people who are easily ensnared by false doctrine and religion. However, a good antidote is be familiar with scripture. The problem is when scripture takes a back seat to the other religion. But that doesn't mean we can't become familiar with it. A military tactic is to know your enemy. I've read the Qu'ran, Bagvad Gita, Bits of the Talmud and a slew of other things. Has that reduced my relationship with Jesus? No. I just happen to know the bible better than these. I don't go to their churches or worship with them or partake in their cerimony. But I understand them.

 

He did not set out a an apostle to study greek philosophy. He was a well learned man before his conversion. And yet he said:

1Co 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
1Co 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
1Co 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
1Co 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God


We live in a day and age when the church is accused of failing in evangelism because it doesn't go far enough in mans philosophy and culture. The truth is we have gone to far in it all and that is why the church is failing. We no longer wait in weakness and fear on a true demonstration of the Spirit and Power of God.