Memory Verse: “You defiled your sanctuaries by the multitude of your iniquities, by the iniquity of your trading; therefore I brought fire from your midst; it devoured you, and I turned you to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all who saw you. All who knew you among the peoples are astonished at you; you have become a horror, and shall be no more forever.” Ezekiel 28:18-19
Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 28:1-19
Introduction:
At one time or another, everyone wants an explanation for why God allows the trials and times of suffering to happen to us.
The Hebrew word for Satan means “Adversary.” Ever since Satan’s rebellion against God, he has been God’s enemy as well as ours. However, although Satan is in rebellion, he is still accountable to God. Also, Satan is a created being and is finite, he is not all-powerful; he can only be in one place at one time. While Satan can tempt us, he cannot know what is in our minds or foretell our future, but most importantly, he can do nothing without the permission of God.
We should never underestimate the evil power or the ferocity of Satan, “because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8b). He is the epitome of evil cunning, and there is not one bit of treachery he will refrain from using to lure some unsuspecting soul away from the paths of righteousness.
Unfortunately, though, we often unwittingly add to Satan’s power by giving him more credit than is his due. Our own carnal lusts can stir up a great deal of mischief with no help from Satan at all. Indeed, much of his diabolic gain is effortlessly achieved through successful appeals to man’s baser nature. Remember, one of Satan’s other names is “deceiver.” We need to also remember that Satan will play on a man’s fear whenever possible. “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Jesus is referring here to Satan and the evil men who do his bidding in this world. He is also putting our fear in a proper perspective because God is much more to be feared than the evil one. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
When we read the passages in Ezekiel it is said that what is written about the King of Tyre alludes to the fallen angel, Lucifer, that is to say, Satan. His downfall was pride, which led to materialism, violence and sinful practices in business and religion. He may tempt you, vex you and cause you a great deal of trouble, but God will never permit him a total victory over one of the elect. Jesus said, “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone [or devil] snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28). We can be quite confident of our eternal salvation as long as we remain active in the will of God.
God is not obliged to bless those who obey Him, but all of His actions are based on His gracious nature and His own free will. He is the sovereign and benevolent Creator who continues to determine the course of the universe according to His own hidden plan; and we have the promise that we can be confident that He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). Just as Job, we must learn to submit to the Almighty God and accept by faith that He has a good plan for us.
Study Questions:
- What are some of the limits to Satan’s powers? Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6.
- Why does the Lord allow bad things to happen to people? Hebrews 12:5-6; Job 5:17-18; Proverbs 3:11-12.
- Jesus was tried by Satan, what were the results? Matthew 4:1-11.
- How did Jesus demonstrate His power over Satan and his demons? Matthew 4:23-24; Mark 5:1-14; Luke 9:1-2.
- How far will the Lord let us be tried or tempted? 1 Corinthians 10:13.
- In a battle with Satan, with whom do we fight? Ephesians 6:10-13. Note: The whole armor of God is the Christian’s protection against evil and the Evil One.
- Does Satan enjoy unrestricted liberty in the world? 2 Peter 2:4-11; Jude 6, 8-11.
- Does Satan believe in God? James 2:19. Note: Satan and his kind know and believe that there is one God, but their kind of belief does not lead to love, submission, and obedience; instead, it leads to hatred, rebellion, and disobedience.