Bible Discussion Thread

 
  • Parker on Matthew 1 - 1 year ago
    1) If God is God why does he have to deal with the Devil at all?

    2). information on the wise men who came from the east. China?
  • Richard H Priday - In Reply on Matthew 1 - 1 year ago
    Another thought in that vain is that since God cannot sin He had to use an entity that did in order to accomplish His purposes. He doesn't tempt anyone ( James 1:13); but His created being(s) can be used through sin to accomplish His purposes. If not allowed to sin; or having a sin nature man would have no desire or even need to be saved. Satan also can't be forced to do anything; he is limited to accomplish God's purposes or he would have ended all life on earth according to the Book of Matthew chapter 24; verse 22. Man is drawn in and enticed by his own sin; prompted by Satan so that man is without excuse. Satan is to be judged eventually fully; and blamed for the initial downfall of man; but man himself can't say the "Devil made him do it." Such was implied in Eden; the Lord knew better. He will pay; however so we shouldn't bypass that important fact. God's patience will end in His timing and all will be made right.
  • Richard H Priday - In Reply on Matthew 1 - 1 year ago
    Some things can't be understood. I have a few thoughts here in regard to Satan's creation and fall that may be helpful.

    Satan himself was created as all things as God desired; origimally as we can see from both Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 as a "Cherubim" and song worship position to glorify God in heaven. He clearly had free will; and also clearly saw spiritual realities so that he chose to rebel after becoming proud; then drew 1/3 of the angels after him ( Rev. 12:4).

    God foreknew the need for the adversary for one clear reason; to test His saints as to their loyalties. Job apparently was unaware of the heavenly discussions going on with Satan and God and that Satan was the source of his troubles. Nonetheless; He tested what Satan had accused Job of; namely cursing God when things didn't go well as well as when his body was afflicted with boils.

    This testing of character could also be evident when the "thorn in the flesh" that Paul had WAS clear as to its source; nonetheless GSod's grace was sufficient and He was NOT granted the healing he prayed for 3 times. ( 2 Cor. 12:7-10).

    Secondly; it is necessary to lay down our lives sacrificially for the Lord or "carry our crosses daily." ( Luke 9:23). God used Satan to bring forth the "son of Perdition" with Judas Iscariot ( John 17:12 prophesied in Psalms 109:8 and elsewhere); as well as testing Peter in Matthew 16:23. Since Satan has been granted temporary authority in this world; He has been allowed both with false doctrines and outward persecution to test the saints; and ultimately; of course the Antichrist will be used when the whole world goes through its trial ( Rev. 3:10). As God draws all men to Himself (that are His sheep); He uses Satan as a "dragnet" to draw the whole world to eventually fight Christ ( Psalm 2; Rev. 19) as well as take the Mark of the Beast and worship him.

    Rewards for the saints; therefore are procured through a conflict and resistance. Spiritual warfare is where victories are won.
  • T Levis - In Reply on Matthew 1 - 1 year ago
    Job 12:16, Revelation 12:10, James 1:5-7,

    Wise men; Matthew 2,

    Hopefully these are helpful in your study
  • Eddie12 - In Reply on Matthew 1 - 1 year ago
    He deals with the devil to give us free will



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