Venom

"The skin of the truth stuffed with a lie." I heard this some time ago; from where I don't remember. It accurately describes the M.O. of satan, though. I guess that's why we're so easily decieved - there's a nugget of truth buried somewhere, so we think all of it is the truth, whatever 'it' may be.

No, satan is not an idea or some sort of symbolism; he's very real, alive and well, doing exactly what he's supposed to be doing - under the direct authority of our sovereign God. I don't like the author's desciption of satan as "the ancient adversary of God." An adversary indicates equality, and satan is by no means God's (evil) equal. We need to keep in mind that satan possesses only the amount of power that God allows him to have. He does not and cannot usurp the power of God. He has already been defeated by Christ's work on the cross. So while we're very aware of his presence and what he's capable of, we can know beyond a doubt that if he is 'attacking' us, the reality is that ALL things still come from the hand of God. Example: Job. Example: Luke 22 (31, 32) -Jesus says, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."

Satan must obtain God's permission to do what he wants to do. For me, that's comforting. Because when the tests and the trials and the tempations come my way, I can rest assured that, ' No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.' 1 Cor 10:13

Also, instead of 'blaming' satan for all things 'seemingly' bad, and looking for a demon around every corner, I can LOOK FOR GOD. I can seek Him and what HE has for me in it, like:

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

And

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us Romans 5:3-5

These are what God sends or allows in our lives to sanctify us, to transform us more fully into the image of Christ!


A thought on Judas:

Let us not forget that Judas was chosen and used by God for the exact purposes that he fulfilled.

John 17:12 - (Jesus speaking) "While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled." The son of perdition is Judas.

God simply left Judas to his own sinful nature, not divinely intervening in his life to change his evil heart.

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We're off to California on Wed, so I may or may not post then. I definitely won't be around for Friday's and Monday's chapters.