Lessons from Job (Part 2A)

10 MAY 2020

A glimpse of the heavenly conflict and the given powers of Satan


There are some who desire to embrace the faith but they are afraid of the spiritual conflict with Satan. Accordingly, such people would take a neutral position (do not take sides with God or Satan). Unfortunately, there is no neutral position. If you are not on God’s side, the Word of God declares as follows: 


John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

The heavenly conflict

The book of Job gave us a glimpse of the heavenly conflict. In this revelation set out in Job 1:6-12 and Job 2:1-6, we were given a record of two conversations between God and Satan. One may wonder in the first place why God would want to speak to Satan. Examining the two passages, we were informed of the presence of the ‘sons of God’ (v.6) and these conversations were for the ears of the sons of God. In the context of this passage, the ‘sons of God’ are the angelic beings. Furthermore, God inspired the writer of this book of Job to record these conversations for our learning and understanding of the heavenly conflict. 

The books of Ezekiel 28:11-19 and Isaiah 14: 12-17 recorded the account of Satan’s rebellion. The name Satan name means ‘an adversary’ and he is indeed an adversary to God.  Although the Bible did not mention when Satan rebelled against God, it is sufficient for us to know that since Adam was on earth, Satan has been going about opposing God’s plan by influencing man to sin against God. In the rebellion account, Satan was expelled from the 3rd heaven (i.e. the dwelling place of God, 2 Cor 12:2) and is presently residing in the 2nd heaven (i.e. the sphere of the stars). In Ephesians 2:2, Satan is referred to in the Bible as the prince of the powers in the air. In the future great tribulation, he will be cast into the earth (Rev 12:7-12). 

The heavenly conflict in the spiritual realm between Satan and God inevitably affects us. We are living in the physical realm whereby we can see, touch and taste. But there also exists a spiritual realm which is unseen to the naked eye. 

We worship God in the spiritual realm. Although we do not see Him, we know He is pleased with our worship. In John 4:24, the Lord says “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth”. Therefore, as there is a physical realm, we must also recognise the existence of a  spiritual realm. 

Things unseen do not mean they are non-existent. The spiritual conflict between God and Satan in the spiritual realm will inevitably affect us in the physical realm.  Satan, the adversary of God, is always looking for opportunities to attack all the servants of God (1 Peter 5:8). In Job’s case, he was persecuted by Satan because God says he was a perfect man. 

The given powers of Satan


Satan as an archangel was bestowed great powers by God. 
The following verses are reminders for Christians that much as we dislike Satan, we need to handle this angelic being carefully and not use our human nature to condemn him. The following verses remind us to use the Lord’s name to rebuke this person.

Jud 1:8  Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 

Jud 1:9  Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. 

Jud 1:10  But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

Although Satan has great powers, it is comforting for us Christians to know that he lacks the attributes of God. He is not omnipotent, not omniscient and not omnipresent. I shall briefly set out the following evidence to show that he lacks such powers.

1) Omnipotent
When we say God is omnipotent, it means that He is all-powerful and He can do everything. Satan does not have this power. In Job 2:6, Satan was allowed to do anything concerning Job but he cannot take his life. God is still in control. Accordingly, we take comfort in the knowledge and belief that whatever happens to us, God is still in control. I am vastly comforted when God says: 

Mat 10:29  Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 

Mat 10:30  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 

Mat 10:31  Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

2) Omniscient
 The people in the world are always impressed by soothsayers’ predictions of the future and even in the Bible, there are such records written in Acts 16:16. However, such predictions are just a faint manifestation of the powers of omniscience. Satan thinks that he can predict his victory over the Lord— but he fails to prevent the Lord Jesus’ victorious death on the cross for us.  In Job 1:13-19, Satan thought that Job would crumble and curse God— but he failed to predict the outcome as Job was still steadfast in his faith in God.  

3) Omnipresent
This is the power of God to be everywhere at any given time. When we gather in His name (Matt 18:20) we literally believe that the Lord Jesus is present with us at 9 am. Likewise, when another faithful assembly in a different country gathers at the same time to worship God in accordance to His Words, the Lord Jesus will also be present there. This is the power of omnipresence. Satan obviously does not have it. In Job 1:7, Satan reveals that he walks to and fro in the earth. Although he is a spiritual being and can travel faster than man, his powers are limited as he cannot simultaneously be at the same place at the same time.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The spiritual conflict that affects believers can be a deterrent to someone who wants to be a Christian. They might be put off because of the spiritual conflict as pointed out here. There are some who desire to embrace the faith but they are afraid of the spiritual conflict with Satan. Accordingly, such people would take a neutral position (do not take sides with God or Satan). Unfortunately, there is no neutral position. If you are not on God’s side, the Word of God declares as follows: 

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

On balance, it is very important for everyone to avoid the wrath of God. As for the spiritual conflict, we need not be afraid as our Lord can deliver us. He knows our weaknesses and has sent the Lord Jesus— His beloved Son— to overcome Satan for us. He says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  

When the Lord says he overcomes the world, he means Satan is defeated. 

With God’s blessings, 
CL





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