Core Christian Value
God is sovereign and in complete control. God allows Satan to tempt you and to accuse you but God always provides the love, power and support that you need.
To answer that question, let’s begin by listening to a conversation between God and Satan.
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. JOB 1:6-12 NKJV
We can see, by this excerpt from the book of Job that God is in charge. Whatever power and freedom Satan has comes from God. If you know the entire story of Job, you know a lot about the limitations of Satan’s power and the nature of our Lord. God is truly omnipotent (all powerful) omniscient (knows all things) and omnipresent (always present). Yet we know that God allows man to be tempted by Satan. Satan is the tempter, the accuser of man and God allows the test. Discuss the difference between someone who tempts you to sin and One who permits the test. Then listen to the words of Jesus:
“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” MATTHEW 6:13 NKJV
Only one entity is in total control. That Entity is our God. Listen:
“Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the LORD Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.” DEUTERONOMY 4:39 NKJV
“Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. “JOHN 12:31 NKJV
Does it seem like life is a test? Do you know who is tempting you to fail to honor and obey God? To whom must you turn if you are going to successfully endure the tests of life? Listen:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 PETER 5:8 NKJV. Satan is the accuser but Jesus Christ “in us” is our strength.
Listen to a verse that you should memorize:
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 KJV