Many people are unaware of the four facts Jesus stated concerning Satan. Jesus spoke a lot about Satan. Number one, in Matthew Chapter 13, verse 39, he referred to him as the enemy and the evil one. Jesus referred to Satan as the enemy in the story of the weeds. Matthew, chapter 13, verses 24-30. Here's another one. According to Jesus, the kingdom of heaven is like a farmer who sows excellent seeds in his field. But that night, while the laborers were sleeping, his adversary came and sowed weeds among the wheat before slipping away. Weeds proliferated as the crop began to develop and yield grain. "Sir, the field where you put that good seed is full of weeds," the farmers' workers said to him. What happened to them? This was done by an adversary. The farmer yelled! Should we remove the weeds? When they said no, he said, "He will uproot the wheat if you do." Allow them to grow together until the harvest, at which point I will instruct the harvesters to separate the weeds, bind them into bundles, and burn them, while storing the wheat in the barn. Matthew, chapter 13, verses 36–39. Jesus then entered the home, leaving the crowds outside. "Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field," his followers pleaded. "The Son of Man is the farmer who plants excellent seed," Jesus said. The field represents the globe, and the excellent seed represents the kingdom's inhabitants. The weeds represent the bad one's followers. The devil is the adversary who sowed the weeds among the wheat. The harvest represents the end of the world, and the harvesters are angels. An adversary is someone who dislikes or despises another person and attempts to injure, contradict, or find that person. As a result, a God-enemy opposes God's presence and goals in this world. The Bible specifically designates Satan, the Devil, as God's adversary. Throughout history, Satan has attempted to derail God's plan to damage humanity and lead them away from God. Aside from Satan, the Bible mentions several additional enemies of God and his people. An enemy of God is often referred to as an adversary or a foe in the Bible. Anyone who disobeys the Lord's precepts is labeled as God's adversary. The devil is referred to as the evil one throughout the Bible. 1 John, Chapter 5, Verse 19. We know we are from God, and the entire world is under the control of the evil one. Despite the fact that the majority of humanity is under Satan's control, believers believe in God. Christ has arrived and has given spiritual knowledge. Chapter 5, verse 18 of One John. We know that everyone born of God does not continue to sin, but he who was born of God shields him because the Evil One does not touch him. According to 1 John, chapter two, verse 13, I'm writing to you, father, since you know who he is. I'm writing to you, young men, because you've defeated the devil. I write to you, children because you know the Father.
Number two, the world's princes. When Jesus predicted his own death, he said, "Now is the time for judgment on this earth." The princes of this world will now be wiped out. "The world was about to crucify the Lord of life and glory," he remarked in John chapter 12, verse 31. By doing so, it would condemn itself and receive the retribution for its heinous rejection of Christ. The guilty humanity was going to be condemned. Satan is the ruler of this world. In a real sense, cavalry completely defeated Satan. He believed he had finally and completely defeated the Lord Jesus. Instead, the Savior established a means of salvation for men while simultaneously defeating Satan and all his minions. Although the devil's punishment has not yet been carried out, his fate is sealed. He is still about his terrible work around the globe. But it will only be a matter of time before he is thrown into the lake of fire. When the Lord realized that the moment for his treachery was approaching and that he wouldn't have much time to speak with his own. Satan was getting closer. But the Savior knew that the enemy would be unable to identify any wrongdoing in him.
Christ lacked the ability to respond to the devil's terrible temptations. It would be absurd for anyone other than Jesus to claim that Satan could not discover anything in him. I won't say much more to you since the prince of this planet is on his way. He has no control over me. Chapter 14, verse 30 of the Gospel of John. Satan lords over a planet populated by mortals and angels who are separated from God. This planet encompasses bogus religionists and threatens to defeat God's legitimate offspring. One Does not love the world or anything in the world, according to the New International Version. Anyone who loves the world does not love the Father. Everything in the world, including the passion of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, comes from the world, not from the Father. The world and its wants perish, but whoever fulfills God's will lives forever. His influence extends to global philosophies, education, and commerce. He has complete influence over the world's beliefs, ideas, speculations, and fake faiths, which evolved as a result of his lies and deceptions. Amplified Bible, Matthew, chapter 12, verse 24. But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, "This man only drives out demons with the help of Satan, the prince of demons." Amplified Bible, Romans chapter eight, verses seven through eight. The fleshly mind, with its wicked desires, is actively antagonistic to God. It does not adhere to God's law because it cannot, and those who live in the body, catering to sinful desires and impulses, cannot please God. This universe is Satan's answer to God's dominion and reign. His longing to be like God drove him to sin. And now he rules over all rebels who have fallen into sin, just like him. Bible Amplified, 14th chapter of Isaiah I'm going to soar above the clouds. I'll dress up like the Most High. This world seeks to destroy God's real children. Amplified Bible, Vol. 8, Verse 44, Amplified Bible, Vol. 8, Verse 44, Amplified Bible, Vol. 8, Verse 44, Am You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice your father's wants. He has always been a murderer, and he cannot stand the truth because there is no truth in him. He talks about what comes naturally to him, when he lies, since he is a liar and the father of lies and half-truths. Number four, that he is intended to have Peter Peters' life, is possibly the best redemption story ever penned. He was a fisherman, and fishermen, as Peter illustrates in the Bible, were stereotypically men of action, quite physical, and fearful of others. However, Peter was confronted with a big challenge because the devil had left a mark on him. And Jesus informed him of this in order to provide authority to the situation. At the Last Supper, Jesus warned Simon Peter of an impending test of faith. Simon Simon, Satan has requested you in order to sift you like wheat.
The talkative disciple appeared to be in a pickle in Luke 22, verse 31. Satan desired to sift Peter as wheat, which meant that he attempted to shake Peter's faith so severely that he fell, indicating that God's faithful servant lacked competency. But Peter wasn't the only one in peril. The term for you is plural in Luke 22, verse 31. Jesus informed Peter that Satan had targeted all of the disciples. Some translations, such as the Berean Study Bible, define the entire group. Simon, Satan has requested that each of you be sifted like wheat. This passage allows us to peer into an invisible world. It raises many doubts, but it also provides numerous reassurance, the most important of which is the chain of command. God plainly has the upper hand, and the devil is on a tight leash. Did you catch the verb that came after Satan's name? Satan has inquired. The outspoken disciples appear to be in the same situation as Job when Satan attempted to put him to the test. Chapters one through two of Job. Job, first chapter. Verse 10. He has not erected a hedge around himself, his house, and everything he owns on all sides. Bowing is a blessing for His work, and His substance grows in the land.
The devil demanded, resolved, or decided nothing. He was intrigued and asked for permission to tempt Simon Peter. He was also requested to work as a temp. Doesn't it alter our opinion of the Old Snake? God will use all beings to further His Kingdom. The term "Satan" refers to an opponent or accuser. He accuses God's people of wrongdoing. Chapter three, verse one of Zechariah. The angel then showed me Joshua, the high priest, standing before the angel of the Lord, with Satan accusing him at his right hand. One Chapter five, verse eight, Peter Be on the lookout for your adversary, the devil, who prowls around like a roaring lion hunting for someone to devour. Sift as wheat is a simile. That can also indicate separating someone. Wheat or grain was filtered through a sieve or huge strainer in biblical times. The dirt and other impurities that clung to the grain during the threshing process were separated from the good, usable grain when it was violently agitated. The purpose of sifting Peter and the other disciples as wheat was for Satan to crush and destroy their faith. In reality, the adversary wants to destroy the faith of every believer. The thief comes only to steal, murder, and destroy, according to John chapter 10, verse 10. I've come to let them enjoy life and their habits to the fullest. I have urged in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith not falter, Jesus assured Peter. So, once you've repented and returned to me, strengthen your brethren. The early church's leadership revealed that the Lord's Prayer for Peter was answered in Luke, chapter 22, verse 32. Jesus made no guarantee to eliminate Peter's future test, and he prayed for his faith to remain firm. Trials are to be expected in the Christian life. We must go through many trials to enter God's kingdom, declared the missionaries in Acts 14, verse 22. God utilizes these situations to mold our personalities, fortify our faces, and make us more like Jesus. KJV, Romans chapter eight, verse 28. And we know that for those who love God and are called according to His plan, all things work together. My brethren, rejoice when you face various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith creates patience; nevertheless, let patience complete its job, so that she may be perfect and complete, wanting nothing. NKJV, I Peter, chapter one, verses six through seven. In this, you greatly delight, even if you have been saddened for a short while by different trials, so that the sincerity of your faith, which is far more precious than gold that perishes, may be found to praise, honor, and glory in the revelation of Jesus Christ.
When we encounter a challenge, Jesus is there to strengthen us and intercede on our behalf. Verse 13 of Philippians chapter four. Four, I can accomplish it all because of Christ, who gives me strength. It's comforting to know that Satan's ability to sift Peter as wheat was restrained by Christ's intervention. When Satan comes after us, we must keep in mind that Jesus Christ is always present to intercede on our behalf. Hebrews, chapter seven, verse 25 (NKJV). As a result, he is also able to save to the fullest all who come to God through him, because he is always present to intercede for them. Jesus believed Simon Peter would recover and assist the other disciples. Another reason the Lord allows challenges in our lives is to teach us how to help others grow in faith. NKJV, 1 Corinthians chapter one, verse six. Now that we are tormented, it is for your comfort and salvation, which is beneficial for enduring the same sufferings that we do. If we are consoled, it is for your comfort and salvation. Peter was overconfident before his three-fold rejection, trusting in his own strength. However, after being sifted like wheat, Peter admits that failure is possible owing to fleshly weakness. Chapter 14, verse 38 of Mark. Watch and pray so that you do not succumb to temptation. The spirit is eager, but the body is frail.
Peter would have compassion and mercy for others now that he understood how easy it is to fall, as well as help them avoid making the same error. Repentance and restoration, rather than immaculate perfection, indicate true faith and endurance. We, like Peter, rise up and keep going after we fall. When Satan comes to sift us like wheat, we have an advocate in Jesus Christ who prays for us. NKJV, John 17, verses nine through eleven. I'm praying for them. I pray not for the world, but for those you have given me. Four. They are yours, and all of mine are yours, and yours are mine, and in them, I am glorified. I am no longer in the world, but these are. And I come to you, Holy Father, to keep those whom you have given me in your name, so that they may be one as we are. I pray that you keep them safe from the bad one, not that you take them out of the world. He will shield us from the devil's attacks on our faith and hope. KJV, John chapter 10, verses 27–28 My sheep hear my voice, and I recognize them; they follow Me; I give them eternal life; they shall never perish, nor shall any man take them from My hand. Hebrews chapter seven, verse 25 (NKJV). As a result, he is also able to save to the fullest all who come to God through him, because he is always present to intercede for them. He who started a good work in us will see it through. Philippians chapter one, verse six, knowing that he who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
We are all walking through the valley of failure. The question is how you will respond. Many people give up and choose a defeated existence over a vibrant, kingdom-serving one. Failure, on the other hand, does not have to be the end. It is a chance to start over in Christ's strength. The adversary expected Peter's faith to be so shaken that he would fall away from Jesus like chaff. Peter was determined to keep his vow to Jesus. Even if everything comes apart, I will not. Even if everything else fails, I will not. Chapter 14, verse 29 of Mark. But Satan recognizes the power of terror. The purpose of Satan's sifting of believers is to weaken our faith to the point where we are no longer valuable to God. He desires that we refrain from participating in the Lord's kingdom activities. As a result, he focuses on our weaknesses, the areas where we assume we are invincible, or at the very least well shielded. We are disillusioned and discouraged when the devil succeeds. This, however, does not have to be the case. God can use our failure to accomplish spiritual housecleaning if we are willing. Peter set aside his pride and put on the courage of the Holy Spirit. He then exposed himself to public disgrace, persecution, and death in order to promote the gospel. Failure fueled increased faith and true servanthood. It is a wonderful consolation to know that God is always stronger than Satan, and that by trusting in Him, we can avoid Satan's fury and get a life-giving crown. However, the text does not end there. God's word of consolation and hope is still being spoken. In our daily trials, we require encouragement. So, in times of sorrow and weakness, we will not renounce our faith and curse God. We require assurance that the ups and downs of our faith will not result in a permanent decline. Jesus gives us such encouragement and reassurance in verse 32. Simon Simon, behold, Satan asked for you so that he could sift you like wheat, but I prayed for you so that your faith would not fail. And when you have returned, strengthen your brothers. It is reassuring to know that God is enormously stronger than Satan and that if we trust God until the end, he will grant us eternal life, but it is doubly encouraging and hopeful to know that God is infinitely stronger than Satan. Before that, Jesus Christ and God the Father do not wait to see if we would have the courage to persist in faith. Take note of Jesus' prayer to his father for Simon. In verse 32, the word "you" is singular. I said a prayer for you. Simon is his name.
He begs God to do whatever is necessary to save Simon from destruction. "And after you have turned, empower your brethren," Jesus continues, indicating that he is confident that his father will answer his plea. Simon will deny him three times, he knows. It is a fleeting weakness, a brief lapse in confidence, but it is immediately followed by painful tears of repentance—chapter 22, verse 62 of Luke, and turning. The father granted Satan the ability to sift Simon. He did not let Simon fall through the sieve in response to Jesus' request. He provides us with a twin weapon of hope and encouragement. We are not without a defense against the enemy. God will always see that faith succeeds and that his children have faith, so we are not left to rely exclusively on our own power to carry the shield of faith. This is the significance of those wonderful verses three through five in One Peter Chapter One. It is a blessing to be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has begotten us again to a lively hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled by his great compassion. And it does not fade away; it is preserved in heaven for you, who are kept by God's power through faith for salvation, ready to be revealed at the end. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have been born again to a lively hope. My own sheep hear my voice and pay attention to me. They recognize me and follow me. And I grant them everlasting life. And they will never, ever, ever perish. And no one will ever take them from me. My father, who has given them to me, is greater and mightier than all, and no one can take them from his grasp. I approach the Father, who is identical in essence and nature. According to the Bible, the strengthened becomes the strengthener (John chapter 10, verses 27-30, Amplified Bible). Our excitement in God's promises is always increased when it overflows into the lives of others. What about the other ten apostles? This has the potential to teach us a lot. God sometimes speaks directly to you in the early morning hours, increasing your faith alone. However, God usually deepens our faith through another person. God provides us with a son, Peter, who brings us just what we need to keep going: the word of grace. A testimony, of how, according to Psalm Chapter 30 Verse 5, Amplified Bible, his anger lasts only a minute, but his favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may endure all night, but gladness will break out in the morning.