A Sermon on Satan

Satan is a little bit like Modern Christianity's Santa Claus. It's not that he doesn't exist, it's the thought that Satan is malignant, and only acts by his own authority. As if Satan does whatever he pleases, and is in total rebellion against God. That he acts on his own authority, and isn't given authority by Christ Himself.

When we understand that bad things happen to us according to God's plan, and that Satan only can act or harm us by God's authority, we understand that our suffering is a part of God's authority. There is no prosperity which God does not bestow, and also no disaster. God is the Author of both good and evil. Does this make God evil? No. For, when you discipline a child for his misbehavior, it is evil, but it is still being done for goodness' sake. When you condemn a criminal to die, it is evil, but it is wrought for goodness' sake. Satan, of course, is vengeful and angry, and would destroy us if he could; but, unless Satan is given that authority by God, he cannot touch us.

And, we must understand that suffering is ubiquitous. Satan shall cause many to suffer, especially good people. Being under fiery trial is not evidence of sin in the Christian's life. It is, rather, evidence of God's holy tribulation, trying the Christian in a furnace to refine them like silver. And to bring out all of the poisonous lead. That is what God is doing by trying us in the furnace. He is drawing out our iniquity, and is fuller's soap. It stings, it burns, it leaves our skin raw. But, it ultimately cleanses us of our impurities.

If you're under affliction, understand God doesn't allow Satan into your life for no reason. It is either to destroy you---if you have no faith---or it is to make you a better person. God can bring destruction upon children, elderly, men, women, whomever He pleases. And when that destruction comes, we must face it and hold onto God like Jacob did the Christophany. Even if God wounds us, we must hold onto Him, as the wound is for our salvation. There will be an end to the wounds and the chastisement. There will be an end to all suffering. And we, being wise, must hold onto Christ with every ounce we have. We must not revile Satan, and say, "He is evil, and does this thing according to his own will." He does not. Satan acts according to God's will, and only has power to destroy up to God's allotted amount. After which, God will not allow Satan to abuse you anymore. When you've reached the end of your trial, when you've reached the end of the hot Chastisement, God will build up your walls, and not let the enemies through the gate. God will bless you at the end of every trial. He will rest you, feed you, like a shepherd goading his flock will cause them to lie down in the pastures, and feed upon the sweet grasses in the meadows. He will lead you to new grasslands, when the previous one is all chewed up. And if you go astray, He will leave those sheep, and come find you.

That is Christ. Satan is God's rod, which comes down upon wickedness. He either reaps goodness in the Christian, or if their sins cause backsliding, he reaps destruction. Satan is meant to either destroy, or he is meant to refine the Christian and make them righteous. Understand this, and you shall be given unto greater blessing, and not be afraid of Satan. Satan is a false brother, one who walks nigh through trials, and comforts with flatteries, while he on the back end is the reaper of your misery. He walks close by, feigning love, but on the other side is creating the havoc and orchestrating your captivity. And Satan works through all people; his unclean spirits are in all the people given to sin, and they create a vice grip by which Satan tightens his shackles around the Christian. Yet, do not fear him. For these things are all ordained and predetermined by God. Satan will, as it were, one day cease from his assault, for the walls of Jerusalem shall be built. And no longer will he be able to tear them down, or assail them. So long as the Christian stops sinning. If the Christian returns to sin, then the walls shall be broken asunder, and there will be no helper this time.

Therefore, repent. And keep one's heart clean.