2. The knowledge of good and evil entered at the garden of Eden (Gen. 2:9, 17; 3:5, 22) From that time onward, there has been a constant battle between the two (Rom. 7:14-25) We need to read God’s word to know the difference between the two (Deut. 30:15; see 27:1-30:14) We need to pray for discernment between the two (1 King 3:9; Heb. 5:14)

3. We know, on the one hand, we are told to avoid and “abhor that which is evil” (Rom. 12:9; see also Psa. 34:14; 97:10; 119:109, 113; Prov. 8:13; Amos 5:15; 1 Pet. 3:11) But, on the other hand, we are told to “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21) What are we doing with evil to make contact with it in order to overcome it?

4. Face it with patient trust in God (Gen. 50:20) Treat it to acts of kindness (Mt. 5:43-48; Lk. 6:35; Rom. 12:17-21; see Prov. 25:21-22) Pray for it with a forgiving spirit (Lk. 23:34; Acts 7:59-60; 2 Tim. 4:14-16) Vigorously condemn it and aggressively oppose it in love (Eph. 4:15; 5:7-13; 2 Tim. 2:24-26)

5. Resist it by drawing near to God (Mt. 4:3ff; Eph. 4:27; Jas. 4:7-8) Repent of it and convert from it (Acts 26:17-18; Jas. 5:19-20; 1 Jn. 1:9) Keep it out and God’s word in (1 Jn. 2:13-14) If we do not overcome evil, it will overcome us!