Who and where "on earth" is our spiritual enemy, Satan?

[gloriousbegin]

Admin: Please move this thread to another forum if needed. Thks!

Question: Who and where "on earth" is our spiritual enemy, Satan?

One of the worse things for our troops about the war on terror is understanding exactly who the enemy is. The terrorist doesn't wear a particular uniform defining his allegiance.

This same thing could be said for our spiritual enemy, Satan. 2 Corinthians 11:14 tells us he comes as an angel of light therefore disguising himself as something "good".

So I'm asking for opinions on "where" and "in what" earthly objects or places does our spiritual enemy, Satan, work his deception?

If we're going to recognize and stand against this intelligent enemy during these end times, then we need to know where "on earth" he is.

In other words in what "good" earthly item(s) do you think Satan works?

Examples:
Hypocrites that look like they are doing good but are out for their own good.

Churches that preach that "good works" are the way to get to God instead of God's grace through Christ's death on the cross.

Thanks so much for any answers!

[Magnum]

I think he's roaming the earth seeking whom he may devour. His throne is in Pergamum Turkey. Too many people give too much credit to satan. He is not omnipresent. He is in one place, at one time.

[sracer]

Satan has been given temporary and limited dominion over the things of this earth. All within the limits defined by the Lord who is omnipotent and sovereign over all.

Our spiritual enemy is more than just Satan however. It is Satan, his minions, the spirit of antichrist in unbelievers, and our flesh (the "old man").

It's not a matter of "good earthly items" being used by Satan, but about everything in the context of God's Word and His perfect Will. That is the "lens" that we should view those things through.

Read God's Word, earnestly and sincerely seek His Will in prayer, and you will be able to discern those things. It is not always a black-and-white list.

(NOTE: I'm not saying that unbelievers are our spiritual enemies... only that the spirit of antichrist in them that leads them away from God is.)

[ConservPride]

In other words in what "good" earthly item(s) do you think Satan works?


Money.

It can be a snare for the poor. The "need" for money to acquire the necessities in life can also lead to bad ways to attain that money.

For greedy people it is a tool for acquiring what they desire. It fuels their lust for worldly items.

Some people will go to extreme measures to attain money. They will lie, steal and kill for it. Money can have a hand in breaking ALL ten commandments.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

[Magnum]

Money.

It can be a snare for the poor. The "need" for money to acquire the necessities in life can also lead to bad ways to attain that money.

For greedy people it is a tool for acquiring what they desire. It fuels their lust for worldly items.

Some people will go to extreme measures to attain money. They will lie, steal and kill for it. Money can have a hand in breaking ALL ten commandments.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Money is not the problem, it's the LOVE of money that's the problem. I realize you included the proper scripture, but, your answer was "money". It always aggravated me to hear Pink Floyd sing, "Money, so they say, is the root of evil today".

[Blessedx4]

Satan has been given temporary and limited dominion over the things of this earth. All within the limits defined by the Lord who is omnipotent and sovereign over all.

Our spiritual enemy is more than just Satan however. It is Satan, his minions, the spirit of antichrist in unbelievers, and our flesh (the "old man").

It's not a matter of "good earthly items" being used by Satan, but about everything in the context of God's Word and His perfect Will. That is the "lens" that we should view those things through.

Read God's Word, earnestly and sincerely seek His Will in prayer, and you will be able to discern those things. It is not always a black-and-white list.

(NOTE: I'm not saying that unbelievers are our spiritual enemies... only that the spirit of antichrist in them that leads them away from God is.)
:thumb

one of my favorite passages of scripture covers this (God's word literally answers every question we have) There is a spiritual realm we cannot see with our eyes of flesh. And this scripture also tells us what to do :):

Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Money is not the problem, it's the LOVE of money that's the problem. I realize you included the proper scripture, but, your answer was "money". It always aggravated me to hear Pink Floyd sing, "Money, so they say, is the root of evil today".

:sad

Money is a necessity and not evil. But anything can morph from necessity to an idol pretty easily -(obsess with it & lie, cheat, steal, to get it). Then money has become an idol for us and our resulting attitude and actions are what's evil.

[Magnum]

Money is a necessity and not evil. But anything can morph from necessity to an idol pretty easily -(obsess with it & lie, cheat, steal, to get it). Then money has become an idol for us and our resulting attitude and actions are what's evil.

er, yeah............the love of/desire for.......money. That's what I said. :wave

[Blessedx4]

yeah and I was agreeing with you (hence the nodding smilie ;):)

[gloriousbegin]

ok so here's a hard one, and maybe controversial.

What about Bible commentaries?
Or the information that's written at the bottom of our Bibles that's not scripture?

I think Satan can use human writings to deceive others. I sometime get confused on what I've read in scripture and what I've read in the information at the bottom of my Bible.

[PlentyGroovy]

I found commentaries to be really helpful. Sometimes they show something I hadn't thought of when I read the passage. They aren't the end all to be all though, scripture is multi-faceted. If you have a New King James or a NIV, the commentaries are most likely fine. If you are reading one of those new age bibles though...there have been a few that aren't fine.

[LooC]

I think he's roaming the earth seeking whom he may devour. His throne is in Pergamum Turkey. Too many people give too much credit to satan. He is not omnipresent. He is in one place, at one time.
And too many people don't give him enough credit:

2 Cor 4:4 In whom the GOD OF THIS WORLD hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

[ConservPride]

Money is not the problem, it's the LOVE of money that's the problem. I realize you included the proper scripture, but, your answer was "money". It always aggravated me to hear Pink Floyd sing, "Money, so they say, is the root of evil today".

I answered according to the question. It is not just the "love" of money that can be a problem. The poor struggle with money, which has become a necessity, and some may do bad things to attain money for their necessities. It's not that they have a "love" for money, but that the money is necessary for their daily living expenses. Some people will work jobs that are very physically demanding and "public services" that promote general welfare, but they are paid very little. Then you have people who "lie" for a living (actors), and "play" for a living (athletes) who are VERY overpaid. Using money to place a value on "things" is one thing, but when money has placed a value on people and what their time and work is worth, and the above is the result, (public "servants" getting little while celebrity "idols" get lots) then something is definately messed up in how we value our money.

[Gods Trombone]

I have assumed that the question was answered by the scripture referred to in the OP.

14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

So false teachers of the Word are referred to in this scripture.


Admin: Please move this thread to another forum if needed. Thks!
Question: Who and where "on earth" is our spiritual enemy, Satan?

One of the worse things for our troops about the war on terror is understanding exactly who the enemy is. The terrorist doesn't wear a particular uniform defining his allegiance.

This same thing could be said for our spiritual enemy, Satan. 2 Corinthians 11:14 tells us he comes as an angel of light therefore disguising himself as something "good".

So I'm asking for opinions on "where" and "in what" earthly objects or places does our spiritual enemy, Satan, work his deception?

If we're going to recognize and stand against this intelligent enemy during these end times, then we need to know where "on earth" he is.

In other words in what "good" earthly item(s) do you think Satan works?

Examples:
Hypocrites that look like they are doing good but are out for their own good.

Churches that preach that "good works" are the way to get to God instead of God's grace through Christ's death on the cross.

Thanks so much for any answers!

[Gods Trombone]

Delete double post .

[Magnum]

And too many people don't give him enough credit:

2 Cor 4:4 In whom the GOD OF THIS WORLD hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

I suppose I should have gone into more detail with regards to that statement. What I meant was, that most of what people blame satan for, cannot be him, i.e.,, if you and I both get tempted by the devil at exactly the same time, it CAN'T be him. If it were him, he would be omnipresent, which he's not. So, what I meant by people giving him too much credit was that chances are it was an underling, or, we might just be reaping what we've sown etc. etc.

[sracer]

ok so here's a hard one, and maybe controversial.

What about Bible commentaries?
Or the information that's written at the bottom of our Bibles that's not scripture?

I think Satan can use human writings to deceive others. I sometime get confused on what I've read in scripture and what I've read in the information at the bottom of my Bible.
I have very little use for Bible commentaries...

Satan can use human writings to deceive others, but he can use Scripture itself to deceive as well. A single verse taken out of context is all that is needed for someone to start a false religion.



I answered according to the question. It is not just the "love" of money that can be a problem. The poor struggle with money, which has become a necessity, and some may do bad things to attain money for their necessities. It's not that they have a "love" for money, but that the money is necessary for their daily living expenses.
That too is a love of money. On the surface it may appear to be necessary, but that person is simply putting faith in what money can do for them in their situation rather than what God can do.

[Singlesis]

Job 1:6-7
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, “[B]From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”


2nd Corinthians 2:11
... lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.


Satan is not omnipresent, but he also has hordes of fallen angels or demonic spirits at his command. Notice in the following verse, the one(s) we wrestle with are listed as plural (multiple) entities.

Eph. 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

[moss]

That is a good question in which I have thought about. The day Jesus the Lord was to be crucified, He said something like, this day is the prince of this world cast out. I thought that ment Satan was "up there" with his angels.

[Rainbo2]

It isn't only Satan who is the problem, as Singlesis pointed out, he took 1/3 of the heavenly host with him. I tend to look at him more as a general over an army directing his troops.

I think that our own desires trip us up, like greed, gluttony, the desire to be in control of out lives. Satan or his army doesn't have anything to do with that, he just sits back and watches us mess up, but he will use those desires to his advantage. By whispering that money will make our lives so much better, that we should eat the whole pie we deserve it, or that we know what's best for us God is far off and can't really know.

I don't think to many things are really inherently evil or Satan possessed for want of a better term, a book isn't evil, nor is a troll doll, even most religions aren't. It's all about what it's used for by us. I do think that some things can open a door that lets the demons start whispering to us.

[gloriousbegin]

I have very little use for Bible commentaries...

Satan can use human writings to deceive others, but he can use Scripture itself to deceive as well. A single verse taken out of context is all that is needed for someone to start a false religion.


I agree totally. I have often been deceived by Bible commentaries. I don't even read the notes at the bottom of my Bible anymore.
Humans will always have error in their writings. The only way to stay on God's track is to ask Him for guidance and discernment and then read scripture.

[Doxiemom]

I think that sometimes these boards(shocking!!!!!!) can become a spiritual enemy.

Go to a few very popular catholic and other chrsitian sites and read the vomit that is spued out. The hatred and the self pride of what they are NOT is the point. "I am not a ............." has become a god.

They have become a modern day Inquistion without any blood. Does not make it any more right.

We are not to go into the temple and begin our prayer by telling God that, while being a sinner, the other man is a far worse sinner. Somehow, God, that makes me shine with a little less dirt on me.

[ehbowen]

I suppose I should have gone into more detail with regards to that statement. What I meant was, that most of what people blame satan for, cannot be him, i.e.,, if you and I both get tempted by the devil at exactly the same time, it CAN'T be him. If it were him, he would be omnipresent, which he's not. So, what I meant by people giving him too much credit was that chances are it was an underling, or, we might just be reaping what we've sown etc. etc.

Please give me the Scripture which states that Satan, or angels in general, can only be "in one place at one time."

While you're looking that up, let me give you Matthew 18:10: “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven."

So 'guardian' angels, for the lack of a better term, are always physically present before the Father in Heaven. Yet, at the same time, they are involved enough with Earth to do their job observing us. Two places at one time—at least. Perhaps more. Perhaps a LOT more.

[sracer]

Please give me the Scripture which states that Satan, or angels in general, can only be "in one place at one time."
(Job 1:7), "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.”
Satan is going to and fro, and he is "walking". That is a clear indication that he is not omnipresent.

(1Pe 5:8), "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
Another reference to Satan moving around.

While you're looking that up, let me give you Matthew 18:10: “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven."

So 'guardian' angels, for the lack of a better term, are always physically present before the Father in Heaven. Yet, at the same time, they are involved enough with Earth to do their job observing us. Two places at one time—at least. Perhaps more. Perhaps a LOT more.
No, that is not what that verse says. It says that their angels see the face of God the father. The angels are only in one place at one time. They can see both at the same time.

[ehbowen]

(Job 1:7), "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.”
Satan is going to and fro, and he is "walking". That is a clear indication that he is not omnipresent.

(1Pe 5:8), "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
Another reference to Satan moving around.

Nothing in either of those verses states or implies that Satan was limited to a single place at a single time. By your argument God is not omnipresent, because he walked with his angels to visit Abraham and because Jesus, after his resurrection, walked with the disciples to Emmaus.

Please note that I am not arguing that Satan is at God's level, although it is true that Satan is referred to as being the "god of this world". I'm arguing that there are many possible steps between true unlimited omnipresence and "one place at one time". Multipresence, if you will, akin to a multi-tasking computer.

Do you really want to do nothing more than stand around Heaven's throne room for all the rest of eternity? Do you have no desire whatsoever to get out and explore the New Jerusalem and the rest of this amazing universe that God has created? According to you it's either one or the other. I'm saying that God will make it possible to do both at the same time.

[CaiperLane]

(Job 1:7), "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.”
Satan is going to and fro, and he is "walking". That is a clear indication that he is not omnipresent.

(1Pe 5:8), "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
Another reference to Satan moving around.

Maybe he's flitting around the globe in his spaceship.


:heh

[Magnum]

Please give me the Scripture which states that Satan, or angels in general, can only be "in one place at one time."

While you're looking that up, let me give you Matthew 18:10: “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven."

So 'guardian' angels, for the lack of a better term, are always physically present before the Father in Heaven. Yet, at the same time, they are involved enough with Earth to do their job observing us. Two places at one time—at least. Perhaps more. Perhaps a LOT more.

So, you're saying angels and or demons are omnipresent? er, are they all-powerful too? Omniscient? I can tell you that I always see my wife's or son's face, that doesn't mean I'm omnipresent. Certain things are G-d's and His alone, this is one of those things.

[BHiles]

I believe Satan is the big picture guy. I really think it very rare that individually we encounter him. I believe he is the author of consiracy and deceptions on a global basis. I believe every new device man can dream up satan is already devising its perversion. He only has to spin them and most of the time our flesh will follow. I believe we encounter demons (spirits) ocasionally but fare less than we might want to believe. Mostly they leave you alone until you step out in faith to act against their dominion eg witnessing etc.

Mostly we can agree with Paul.

Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Satan's goal is to sever our relationship with Christ with any thing he can use.

[Magnum]

I believe Satan is the big picture guy. I really think it very rare that individually we encounter him. I believe he is the author of consiracy and deceptions on a global basis. I believe every new device man can dream up satan is already devising its perversion. He only has to spin them and most of the time our flesh will follow. I believe we encounter demons (spirits) ocasionally but fare less than we might want to believe. Mostly they leave you alone until you step out in faith to act against their dominion eg witnessing etc.

Exactly right. We're fond of blaming the devil for a lot of things, forgetting that we have a pretty good knack of taking the wrong path without his help.

[Timothy]

I would have to say that our number one spiritual enemey is not Satan, but our own flesh. If Satan were removed, we would still have the flesh, it sinful lusts, and we would still sin.

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

I John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
James1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.


So I would agree with along the lines of what BHiles has already said. The Biblical scholar Sir Robert Anderson also recognized this. In his book "The Silence of God," published in 1897, Anderson wrote something called "The Satan Myth." Below is the portion from his book where he discusses this:

How deep-seated and venerable is the popular belief that all misdeeds of a certain gravity are due to Satanic influence. But this belief suggests a difficulty which has perplexed and distressed many a thoughtful Christian. Multitudes innumerable thus transgress. Nor are they to be found only in the squalid dwellings of our city slums, but in the abodes of wealth and culture; not only in our great unlovely towns, but in every village and hamlet in the land. Nor are these shores in any special sense the domain of Satan On the contrary, if vice and crime are signs of his presence and power, other countries must claim more of his activity than our own. And when we turn to the darker scenes of heathenism, the appalling tale of hideous vice and cruelty gives proof that, there, the devil must be still more busy than in Christendom. But if the majority of the many thousands of millions of mankind are thus under his personal influence, he must be acquainted with the life and circumstances of each individual. Are we, then, to conclude that he is practically omnipresent and omniscient? Are we to ascribe to him these attributes of Deity?

As regards the unseen world, any belief which does not rest upon revelation is essentially superstitious: what, then, is the testimony of Scripture on this subject? The first chapter of the Epistle to the Romans treats of the condition of the heathen with a definiteness which leaves nothing to be desired. To this passage, then, let us appeal, and by it let the popular belief be tested. Here are the words :-

"Knowing God, they glorified Him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonoured among themselves: for that they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions. . . . And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting" (Rom. i. 25-28, R.V.).

If Satan were immediately responsible for the baser immoralities of men, it is inconceivable that such a passage would contain no allusion to the fact; but allusion there is none. The words are clear and simple-" God gave them up"; and human nature in its alienation from God accounts for their depravity. Nor will it avail to plead that it is only pagan depravity which is here in question. If no devil is needed to account for the abominations of the heathen world, why appeal to the supernatural to explain the vices and crimes of Christendom? To do so is as unphilosophical as it is unscriptural.

And why should Satan tempt men in this way? His doing so would be intelligible if his power over them depended on their leading vicious lives. But Scripture vetoes this suggestion. Some who own his sway are slaves of vice, but others are religious zealots of blameless character; and our Lord expressly declares that it is the zealots who are farthest from the kingdom. (Matthew 21:31)

Not that immorality is any passport to heaven, any recommendation to Divine favour. On the contrary, it is a highway to "the City of Destruction"; but it is for this very reason that it brings a man within reach of hope, for in "the City of Destruction" it is that the Saviour is seeking the lost. The devotee of blameless life, who thanks God that he is not as other men, is entirely on the devil's side; whereas, were he tempted to open sin, he might be brought to his knees to pray that other prayer which would bring all heaven to his help.

How it would simplify matters if morality were a distinctive badge of the regenerate, and immorality characterised the rest! But vice is not the hall-mark of the devil's handiwork. "A form of godliness' (II Corinthians 11:14-15 R.V.) is one of his "devices." Among the most dangerous enemies of Christ and Christianity, are men who live pure and upright lives, and who preach righteousness. "And no marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light: It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness." And if "the very elect" are deceived by the fraud, it is mainly because they are blinded by this error of the Satan myth. It is not, I again repeat, in the domain of morals that the devil's influence is distinctively declared, but in the spiritual sphere. Our race has not sprung from Adam in Eden innocence, but from Adam the fallen and sinful outcast. Human nature is thus poisoned at its very source by ignorance and distrust of God. It is a fallen nature. And Satan it was who thus debased it. What wonder, then, that he is able to influence the main currents of human thought and action in regard to things Divine? What wonder that he can control the religion of the race!

All this may excite the contempt of the agnostic, but we challenge him to offer some other explanation of the well ascertained facts. The evolutionist pretends to account for the condition of the lower strata of humanity; but how can he explain the phenomena of the religion of Christendom? In spite of all the advantages which civilisation affords, men have bartered the sublime truths of Christianity for the superstitions of old-world paganism. Such figments as baptismal regeneration and the possession of mystic powers by a priestly caste are wholly repugnant to Christianity, and Judaism, even in its apostasy, was free from them; and yet they have been adopted as an integral part of the Christian religion. This one fact is proof that, so far at least as the origin of man is concerned, evolution is false and the story of the Eden fall is true.

But this kind of Satanic influence involves no knowledge of the inner experience of each life, no possession of Divine attributes. It implies no special action directed simultaneously against millions of individuals scattered over all the globe. That the devil does deal with individuals we know, but Scripture indicates that such cases are exceptional. The warning to the Twelve, that Satan desired to have them, though intended for all, was specially for Peter. It is but natural that he should seek to drag down those who stand out as champions of the truth. Nor can even the lowliest disciple be sure of immunity from his attacks. He "walketh about," we read, "as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (I Peter 5:8) And a prowling lion may seize even the very weakest for his prey. This may explain conflicts which sometimes try the faith even of the humblest Christian.

The old classification of "the world, the flesh, and the devil" is a right one. And "our wrestling is not against flesh and blood." (Ephesians 6:12) In the "flesh" sphere our safety is in flight. But flight from Satan is impossible. "Flee youthful lusts;" (II Timothy 2:22) but "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) Such is the distinction clearly marked in Scripture. The baser "lusts of the flesh" are entirely under a man's control, unless indeed he is enervated by vicious indulgence; but with the strongest and holiest of men "the whole armour of God" is the only sure defence against the attacks of Satan. (Ephesians 6:11)

Of the devil's aim and methods I have already spoken. No one, I repeat, may assert that he might not use the basest means to ensnare a minister of Christ, and thus mar his testimony and destroy his usefulness. But it cannot be asserted too often or too plainly that his normal effort is not to tempt to the commission of sins such as lead to contrition, and teach us how weak we are; but, by drawing us away to mere human morality, or religion, or philosophy, to deaden or destroy our sense of dependence upon God. For sin may humble a Christian; but human philosophy and religion can only foster his self-esteem. And pride is "the snare of the devil"; (I Timothy 3:6-7) not humility.

That there are "unclean spirits" we know. And certain abnormal phases of depravity may be due possibly, even in our own day, to demoniacal possession; but this is wholly distinct from Satanic temptations. And demons even are not all "unclean." The warned-against "teachings of demons" in "later times" are not incitements to vice, but to a more exacting morality and a spirituality more transcendental than even Christianity enjoins. Marriage itself is repulsive to this fastidious cult, and certain kinds of food, "which God created to be received with thanksgiving," it absolutely rejects. (See 1 Timothy 4:1-4. It may be noticed here in passing that during recent years, both in Europe and America, these doctrines have been insidiously taught by certain spiritualists, who commend their teaching by seemingly pure and blameless lives.)

The flagrant immoralities of some of the Corinthian converts drew from the apostle no suggestion of Satanic agency, save indeed as a possible means towards the restoration of those who had sinned. (I Corinthians 5:1-5) The warning, "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us," was given when their zeal to clear themselves betrayed them into resentment against the offenders. (II Corinthians 2:11) And it was the advent of false teachers "preaching another Jesus" which evoked the further warning against the Serpent's "subtilty," lest their minds should be "corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." (II Corinthians 11:3-4) So again, when persecution prevailed in the Thessalonian church, he was solicitous "to know their faith," fearing "lest the Tempter should tempt them," and their confidence in God should fail.

There is one passage of Scripture which some seem to think refutes what has been here maintained. As a matter of fact it may be appealed to in support of it. The following are the opening words of the second chapter of Ephesians.

"And you did He quicken, when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins, wherein aforetime ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience; among whom we also all once lived in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest" (Eph. ii. 1-3, R.V.).

Those who read this passage in the light of the Satan myth entirely lose its special teaching. The life of every unregenerate man, whether marked by the grossest vice or by high morality, by utter atheism or by intense religious zeal, is "according to the spirit that worketh in the sons of disobedience." The life of Saul the persecutor had been as pure and blameless as was the life of Paul the apostle of the Lord. And yet he here brackets himself with the Ephesian converts. Hence the emphatic "all" of the third verse. All alike had walked "according to the prince of the power of the air," and therefore "according to the course of this world," for Satan is this world's prince and god. (John 14:30, 16:11; II Corinthians 4:4) So far from implying that their "trespasses and sins" had been due to supernatural incitement, the apostle expressly declares they had been altogether natural and human. The Gentile sensualists were but "doing the desires of the flesh"; the Jewish zealot "the desires of the mind." (In the N. T. “the flesh” means usually either the body, or bodily nature, of man, or else human nature as a whole in its fallen and corrupt condition. But in Ephesians 2:3 it is contrasted with “the mind,” and therefore it appears to mean man’s corrupt bodily nature. In Ephesians 1:18; 4:18 (as also in 1 John 5:20), dia>voia is translated “understanding.” (In 1:18 the R. V. reads kardi>a.) St. Paul uses the word flesh in different senses even in the same passage; see Ephesians 2:3, 11, 15, ex. gr.)

For the terms immorality and sin are not convertible. The one refers to an arbitrary human standard of right; the other to a standard altogether Divine. As already indicated, the essence of sin is lawlessness. Man was endowed by his Creator with a will absolutely free. But, though all blessing depended on his keeping it in subjection, he asserted it in opposition to the Divine will. And as the result "the carnal (or natural) mind is enmity against God; for (as the apostle adds) it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." (Romans 8:7) Our fallen nature has thus become subject to its own law of gravitation; and it would be as unreasonable to expect a man to achieve the physical feat of mounting upward towards the sky, as to suppose that, apart from Divine grace, the life of an unregenerate sinner could turn Godward. In the one case as in the other, a miracle alone could account for the phenomenon. And such a miracle both the apostle himself and the Ephesian converts had experienced. Hence the added words :- "But God, being rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, quickened us together with Christ." (Ephesians 2:4-5) No miracle, indeed, is needed to enable men to lead moral and religious lives. Here the words of Enid's song are true:

It is in the spiritual sphere that, by the law of his nature, he ever gravitates downward, and falls away from God.

Finally, I would again remark that the Christian who turns to prophecy with a mind unbiased by traditional views about Satan will find new meaning in the predictions relating to the "latter days." Delegated authority was all the devil claimed in the Temptation, as appears from the very words he used. To him, he declared, had been "delivered" the kingdoms of the world, with all the power and the glory of them. (Luke 4:6) But the power and the glory the Christian has been taught to ascribe to God alone. In his last great effort, therefore, Satan incarnate will claim to be Divine. (II Thessalonians 2:4) And the lie, we are told, will be accredited by "all power and signs and lying wonders." (II Thessalonians 2:9) God's "millennium" will be anticipated and travestied by the reign of the Man of Sin. And the fact that the devil will yield to him "his throne and great authority"' (Revlation 13:2) has led to the assumption that his rule will be marked by Saturnalian orgies of violence and lust. But how, then, can we explain the words of Christ, that the world will hail him as the true Messiah, and that, if such a thing were possible, the very elect would be deceived by the imposture? (Matthew 24:24) If read with a right appreciation of the Satan of Scripture, these words of our Divine Lord are a most solemn warning to the believer, even for the days we live in; but read in the false light of the Satan myth, they remain an insoluble enigma.

[gloriousbegin]

I would have to say that our number one spiritual enemey is not Satan, but our own flesh. If Satan were removed, we would still have the flesh, it sinful lusts, and we would still sin.


Isn't one of the purposes of the Millennium to show us that we will sin even if Satan is locked away and can't tempt us?

[sracer]

Nothing in either of those verses states or implies that Satan was limited to a single place at a single time.
It certainly does. If he was omnipresent, he wouldn't have to walk to and fro... he'd already be there.

By your argument God is not omnipresent, because he walked with his angels to visit Abraham and because Jesus, after his resurrection, walked with the disciples to Emmaus.
Of course I'm not saying that. But Jesus did temporarily refrained from exercising his omnipresence to walk bodily among us.

Please note that I am not arguing that Satan is at God's level, although it is true that Satan is referred to as being the "god of this world". I'm arguing that there are many possible steps between true unlimited omnipresence and "one place at one time". Multipresence, if you will, akin to a multi-tasking computer.
There is no scriptural support for that belief and it scientifically makes no sense.

There is no scripture that states or implies that Satan is omnipresent. There are numerous verses that describe the omnipresent nature of God.

Do you really want to do nothing more than stand around Heaven's throne room for all the rest of eternity? Do you have no desire whatsoever to get out and explore the New Jerusalem and the rest of this amazing universe that God has created? According to you it's either one or the other. I'm saying that God will make it possible to do both at the same time.
You are free to believe whatever you wish. As long as you present your belief as an opinion and NOT "truth as found in Scripture" then we'll just have to agree to disagree.

[ConservPride]

So I'm asking for opinions on "where" and "in what" earthly objects or places does our spiritual enemy, Satan, work his deception?

If we're going to recognize and stand against this intelligent enemy during these end times, then we need to know where "on earth" he is.

In other words in what "good" earthly item(s) do you think Satan works?


I thought of another one. The Constitution. Our freedoms granted under the Constitution seem like a good thing, but evil things have come out of them. For instance, freedom of the press. Thanks to this freedom, we have "adult" magazines that corrupt many people, destroying marriages and exploiting women. Also, judges have somehow decided that the Constitution has granted women the right to murder their own flesh in the womb. I can't tell you how they interpreted that, but they say the Constitution grants that right as "Freedom of Choice". Funny that they neglect to consider that this deprives the rights of the father of the child and the child itself.