Satan Needs Permission
Satan needs permission. There you can stop reading now!
If you have been a believer for any amount of time you probably have heard statements like
“Satan made me do it.”
“Not today satan.”
“The devil’s trying to get me down.”
Or my favorite “We have to resist the devil’s plan.”
Often times we claim the adversary is more powerful than God says he is. Let’s look at some traits and comparisons from our Creator and The Adversary:
God is all-powerful (Satan’s power is limited)
God is everywhere present (Satan cannot be everywhere at once)
God is all-knowing (Satan doesn’t know everything)
God was not a created being (Satan was and depends upon God for his existence)
So while the Bible does mention types of Satan’s or adversaries they are not the source of all trials and tribulations amongst the believers. In fact, the bible speaks far more of Israel’s own fleshly traits as the source of the majority of the trials and tribulations.
So today I want to share with you a little bit about what the Bible has to say about the extent of Satan’s power and how we as believers need to take more accountability for our own actions.
1. Satan approaches God as a subordinate. (Job 1:6)
2. Satan needs God’s permission to tempt. (Matthew 4:1 and Job 1:12)
3. Satan cannot influence nature without permission (Job1:12-19)
4. Satan cannot cause physical harm or kill without God’s permission (Job 2:2-6)
5. The bible does say that Satan has power over death as listed in Hebrews 2:14
6. Satan cannot even touch a believer without permission (Job 1:10 and 1 John 5:18)
7. Satan cannot force you to do anything (Acts 26:17-18). SHOWS HE HAS NO AUTHORITY OF HIS OWN.
8. Satan doesn’t know what’s in your heart (1 Kings 8:39)
Psalm 94:11 points out that it is God who knows your heart and he alone.
Matthew 9:4 Also points out that Yeshua knew their thoughts and what was in their hearts. This is another slam dunk for those who teach that Jesus was just a man and not divine. He like the Lord knew what the Scripture says only the Lord knows.
9. Satan is a coward. (James 4:7) says that if you are subject to God and resist the Devil he will flee)
As believers, a lot of us were taught to focus on Heaven. That was the goal. Eternal life. Throughout the Scripture though it is clear that Eternal life is not just about where we will go but what life we live now.
Just like the adversary our power is given by God. We too have the choice. Do we use that power for the Kingdom of God or do we rebel against God and use it to build our own kingdom.
If we use the power granted by God to build our Kingdom we ourselves are becoming like the satan. A worker of evil on this earth. This work is contrary to what the king has called us to do.
So before we go giving the devil all of this credit let us stop and think:
1- Are we creating our own struggles?
2- Is it actually the devil?
3- If it is actually the devil who is causing us struggles then we must prayerfully look to see why God would grant the devil permission. It could be that he is testing and growing our faith. Or it could be that we aren’t truly God’s. If we aren’t truly God’s once again it is because of our own lifestyle, actions, hearts.
Remember in all things Satan needs permission. Either yours or God’s. Let’s examine the areas of our lives and make sure we aren’t giving him permission.
Scripture references for further study.
Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them
Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil
Job 1: 12 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he has is in your power; only upon himself put not forth your hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. . . . While he [a servant] was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and has burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell you. and, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell you
Job 2:2-6 The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it." The LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil. He still persists in his integrity, although you incited me against him, to destroy him for no reason." Then Satan answered the LORD, "Skin for skin! All that people have they will give to save their lives. But stretch out your hand now and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face." The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, he is in your power only save his life”
Hebrew 2:14 Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the Devil
Job 1:10 Have you not put a fence around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land
1 John 5:18 We know that those who are born of God do not sin, but the one who was born of God protects them, and the evil one does not touch them
Acts 26:17-18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me
1 Kings 8:39 then hear in heaven Your dwelling place, forgive, act, and render to all whose hearts You know - according to all their ways, for only You know what is in every human heart