Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 4
The speaker warns against “put[ting] wicked things on God and just say[ing], ‘well, you don’t understand’”—what would be examples of “wicked things” modern Christians subtly attribute to God when defending their system?
Another way to ask: What are some wrong or harmful things Christians today might secretly blame God for when they try to defend their beliefs about how salvation works?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript doesn’t list modern examples, but it implies “wicked things” would be attributing moral wrong to God—portraying him as unjust, unfair, or as the author of evil—and then shutting down objections by appealing to mystery.
- The speaker cautions: “it doesn’t mean that we can put wicked things on God and just say, well, you don’t understand.”
- He frames the objector’s accusation as “God has been unfair,” and Paul’s reply puts boundaries on that posture.
- He acknowledges unresolved realities like evil (“we wouldn’t have evil on the earth”), yet says God’s higher ways don’t justify slandering God.
- He contrasts true humility (“we’re not going to fully understand all of his ways”) with excusing bad theology by appeal to incomprehensibility.
- He rejects a reading where God “arbitrarily” makes one vessel for honor and another for dishonor without human involvement, since that can imply morally troubling conclusions.