Good and Evil: Is it always God or Satan? Unpacking Adversity, Divine Purpose, and Testimony

A) As we approach the end of the third letter from the apostle John, we find ourselves in verse 11. John shares a fascinating teaching with his beloved children: "Do not imitate what is evil, but imitate what is good." This highlights a profound truth: we tend to mimic what we worship. When people act wickedly, it's often a clear reflection of what they admire.

B) John then makes an intriguing statement that is often misinterpreted, especially regarding the sovereignty of God. He says, "The one who does good is of God, and the one who does evil has not seen God." Some people take this to mean that everything good is from God and everything bad is from Satan. However, that's not what the verse actually says. It simply means that a person who does good reflects God's nature, while a person who does evil does not. Everything God does is inherently good, even if it seems strange or confusing to us.

C) This is where the real challenge lies: the things God does in our lives may sometimes appear evil to us, but that's because of our limited understanding. God is good, and ultimately, everything He does brings about good, even if it involves allowing some adversity as part of the process. The end result is always for our benefit.

D) As John winds down his letter, he mentions Demetrius, who has a good testimony from everyone. Imagine having the apostle John himself commend you for having a great reputation! John points out that Demetrius not only has the approval of those around him but also reflects the truth of God's word. Additionally, he has the personal endorsement of John. These three testimonies confirm that Demetrius is truly a good person.