WE MUST NOT DO EVIL THAT GOOD MAY COME

WE MUST NOT DO EVIL THAT GOOD MAY COME

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:  Romans 3:8 (KJV)
“And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.”

Supporting Texts: Romans 6:1-2, Isaiah 5:20, Proverbs 14:12, 2 Corinthians 4:2, Galatians 6:7

INTRODUCTION:
There is a growing deception in today’s world where people believe the end justifies the means. They think that if an action yields a seemingly good result, it is justifiable—even if the process was sinful or ungodly. This mindset is dangerous and contrary to the nature and standards of God.

Paul strongly refutes this error in Romans 3:8. The idea that one can do wrong with the hope that good will result is not only unscriptural but damnable. God's character does not approve of using evil to accomplish His purpose. Holiness must define both our actions and motives.

We must understand that God's righteousness demands uprightness from His people. God can never be pleased with a compromise, even if it is decorated with the name of success or positive outcomes. Evil remains evil, no matter the end result. We must resist this deceptive philosophy.

1. THE FALLACY OF SITUATIONAL ETHICS
Some believe that moral standards can change based on the situation or outcome.

a) God's standards are unchanging
God does not shift His righteousness to suit our circumstances (Malachi 3:6).

b) Truth is not subjective
Right and wrong are not defined by our feelings or situations (John 17:17).

c) Compromise is dangerous
Yielding to evil, even with a good goal, leads to corruption of values (1 Corinthians 15:33).

d) The means matter to God
God is as concerned with how we live as He is with what we achieve (Micah 6:8).

Biblical Example: Saul's disobedience in 1 Samuel 15—he spared what God told him to destroy, thinking it would serve a good purpose, but God rejected him.

2. GOD’S JUDGMENT ON DELIBERATE SIN
Sin done with intention, even for a ‘good’ reason, brings judgment.

a) Grace is not a license for sin
Paul asks in Romans 6:1-2, “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.”

b) God is not mocked
What a man sows, he will reap (Galatians 6:7-8).

c) Intention does not cancel disobedience
Wrong is wrong even when meant to help someone or achieve a goal (Proverbs 14:12).

d) God's justice is impartial
He judges actions based on truth and righteousness (Romans 2:6-11).

Biblical Example: Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6:6-7—he touched the Ark with good intention, but it was still disobedience and he died instantly.

3. TRUE GOOD CANNOT EMERGE FROM EVIL ROOTS
Righteous outcomes must come from righteous paths.

a) God uses holy vessels
He works through purity, not compromise (2 Timothy 2:20-21).

b) Ends do not justify means
God rejected Cain’s offering because it did not come from a right heart (Genesis 4:5-7).

c) God desires obedience over sacrifice
He values compliance with His word more than any result we offer (1 Samuel 15:22).

d) God's name must not be used to endorse sin
Taking God's name to justify wrongdoing is blasphemy (Exodus 20:7).

Biblical Example: Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10)—they gave an offering but lied about it. Their action was evil even though the gift looked good.

4. THE DANGER OF MORAL RELATIVISM IN THE CHURCH
The church must not absorb worldly ideologies that corrupt holy living.

a) The Church is the pillar of truth
We are called to be light and salt, not compromise with darkness (Matthew 5:13-16).

b) Moral relativism weakens convictions
When sin is explained away, holiness is lost (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

c) Holiness must be preached
God’s word must be upheld even if it offends popular culture (Hebrews 12:14).

d) The fear of God must return
A generation that fears God will avoid evil for any reason (Proverbs 8:13).

Biblical Example: Balaam in Numbers 22–24—though he spoke God’s word, his heart loved the reward of unrighteousness, and he led Israel to sin.

CONCLUSION:
We must not be deceived by the philosophy that evil can be excused if it leads to good. God is righteous and expects His children to uphold righteousness at all times. Holiness cannot be compromised for any reason.

Believers must refuse shortcuts, lies, deception, or sin, even when tempted by the possibility of gain. We must live in a way that pleases God both in the process and the outcome.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from every temptation to do evil in the name of good.
2. Father, help me to walk in integrity and righteousness all my days.
3. I reject every philosophy that justifies sin in Jesus’ name.
4. Lord, set my heart on holiness and uprightness.
5. Let the fear of God dominate my decisions.
6. Cleanse me from every secret compromise, O Lord.
7. Lord, let your truth reign in my heart and mind.
8. I receive grace to uphold righteousness in a corrupt generation.
9. Father, make me a vessel of honour, fit for your use.
10. Lord, expose and uproot every false belief in my life.