September 19

THE PURPOSE OF EVIL / PART 11

THE PURPOSE OF SATAN / #2

According to J. Preston Eby:

-"Jesus declared of Satan, "The THIEF comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (Jn. 10:10). Out of God's own mouth proceeds the assertion, "I have created the WASTER to destroy" (Isa. 54:16). We gather from this passage that Satan is a created being with a definite purpose. That purpose is stated in the opening words of the above quoted verse: "I have created the smith (the Devil) that blows the coals in the fire, and that BRINGS FORTH AN INSTRUMENT for his work." The "Smith" that "blows upon the fire" is also the one who heats the furnace seven times hotter! "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing had happened unto you." (I Pet. 4:12). Our trials and testings are associated in the Word of God with the ministry of Satan. You never thought of Satan having a MINISTRY? "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be TEMPTED (tested) OF THE DEVIL. And when the Tempter came to Him, he said, If You be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread" (Mat.4:1-3). "Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the Devil shall cast some of you into prison, THAT YOU MAY BE TRIED ... be faithful... and I will give you a crown of life" (Rev. 2:10). "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired to have you, THAT HE MAY SIFT YOU AS WHEAT: but I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not: and when you are converted, strengthen your brethren" (Lk. 22:31-32). "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same AFFLICTIONS are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (I Pet. 5:8-9)." ( The Serpent, J. Preston Eby )

-As you can clearly see, Satan has a definite purpose. His purpose is to be a force of OPPOSITION, giving the sons of God obstacles to overcome. These obstacles cause us to learn how to access the overcoming power that is available to us IN CHRIST. He is an instrument created by God, even being brought forth by God, in which he is to be used for a specific work in the hearts and lives of God’s people. Let us recognize this truth by submitting to God, …

-FOR HE IS IN CONTROL OF SATAN!-