The Devil

[james1523]

It is narrowly taught in churches that the Devil is only a personal being, a fallen archangel, and that the devil doesn't live inside any Christians.

When a Christian does something very bad, the blame is attributed to some external influence, demon or evil spirit, that has overcome them. But actually the evil was already within them to begin with, due to their fallen sinful flesh.

But it may surprise some, or even shock, that not only do Christians have God living inside of them, but the devil lives inside as well. It can be offensive to say that the devil lives in them - because they don't think they are really that bad. Maybe they see sin as something neutral, human, something belonging to themselves, not satan. They admit there is evil in them, but it couldn't possibly be as bad as the devil. They rationalize and even justify their sins, as if some sins are better than other sins. Yes they lie sometimes, even gossip a little or "borrow" a few coins from the tip jar, but the devil couldn't possibly live in them, because they are "not that bad". What about good Peter, who only wished Christ not to die on the cross, a seemingly loving and kind word, yet Jesus looked at him squarely and called him Satan (Matt 16:23). But until we realize that yes the devil is in us, we are rotten to the core, we are really very bad, we are capable of extremely terrible things, we cannot see the greatness of Christ's sacrifice and His Spirit in us, and mature in the Christian life. I believe it was for this reason, that Peter denied Christ three times. Peter had not yet realized that he was in fact a very evil person, even Satan, and that his goodness amounted to nothing.

Paul summarizes this best by saying:

Rom 7:18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. ...

There is nothing good in our flesh, the nothing good is our fallen sin nature, and the personification of this fallen nature is Satan.

In the Bible, Satan, or the devil, is also a personification of the fallen sinful flesh. and this is something that every Christian has with them, until the day they die.

Peter, was a beloved disciple of Christ, yet Jesus called him (or rather, his fallen opinions of man), Satan:

Matt 16:23 “Get behind me, Satan!...


Judas Iscariot was also said to be a devil, due to his love for money, thievery and intended betrayal of the Lord:

John 6:70 Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil<wbr style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 12.133334159851074px;">!...

The thing to note here, is that Jesus did not say Peter or Judas "had a devil" in them, as if it was some external evil influence that could be cast out in the name of Jesus - Jesus said that Peter and Judas was a devil.

Just as we are children of the Heavenly Father because God lives in us, we were (and indeed sometimes are, by our sinful behavior) children of the Devil because of satan that dwells in our fallen flesh:

John 8:44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does.

Most Christians probably think they only have one Father, God. But the Bible reveals we have two fathers. God, the Heavenly Father, dwelling in our spirit, and "satan", the earthly father, dwelling in our flesh. This makes the seriousness of our sin even more apparent - whenever we love to do the evil things satan does, we are acting as his children, we are not merely , "God's child who sins occasionally". Those Jesus calls "children of the devil", in John 8:44, were not mass murderers or satan worshippers, they were Israelites, Jews even, outwardly righteous, zealous believers and followers of God. So we should not think, that Christians, no matter how much they pray or go to church, cannot be children of the devil as well.


Inside every Christian is a little "Garden of Eden", where Satan and God both exist, and both are in a continual battle for the soul (mind and emotions). God's habitation is the human spirit, yet Satan's habitation is the fallen flesh. The battle, takes place in the soul (our mind). The only way that Jesus could defeat the devil, was for his flesh nature to die. This is why Christ had to die, not only as a sacrifice for our sins, but also to kill off the dwelling place of Satan. For this reason, every Christian is troubled by the devil, the fallen flesh, until they die.

This battle takes place in the mind, and is one of the reasons the Scripture says to renew our minds (Rom 12:2), and think about spiritual or heavenly things (Phil 4:8).

If we don't realize that the "devil" lives in us as well, then we may be like Peter, who thought he could never fail the Lord, and never fall. Peter must have thought there was nothing bad or evil in him, and that he was thoroughly good, but he fell terribly when he cursed and denied the Lord. When we do fall, then it will come as a shock to us, and we may think "how could I have ever done such bad things?". But if we realize that evil lives in us, then we will be better prepared to recognize and defeat an "attack of satan" that comes from our fallen sinful flesh. We should also realize that we cannot "cast out" our sinful flesh, there is no evil spirit to cast out - this is why a number of deliverance ministries try hard to cast evil spirits out, but the person still has the sin problem. One such example is homosexuality, it cannot be cast out, because it is a problem with the fallen flesh of the person themselves. I'm not aware of anyone having a "spirit of homosexuality" cast out of them. The reason is it is their own sinful flesh that is the problem, and it can only be defeated for good by physical death. In the mean time, until we die, all of the biblical instructions apply to defeat satan - to crucify our sinful nature (Gal 5:24), set our mind on the Spirit, and rely and trust on the power of God.

 

[Davy]

Hi James 1523, It seems to me you are confusing inherited sin which lies within each human and the Devil. Although there are instances in the bible of people being possessed with demons and Satan tempting and influencing people. The bible does not support the fact Satan is in everyone or is influencing everyone.

In Romans 7:18, Paul is talking about the influence of sin and imperfection, which all Christians must constantly battle against, not that they can win, even Paul had to admit that. We only win through knowing the ransom sacrifice allows us to have a righteous standing before God, and the forgiveness of our sins. This is made clear by reading the contents of Paul's comments. Romans 7:18-20, (NASB) says: "18-For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19-For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20-But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me."

In Matthew 16:23, (NASB) Jesus told Peter: "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." Although Jesus used the word Satan, he was not suggesting he had Satan in him. According to Adam Clarke, the proper translation is "Get behind me, thou adversary," from which the Greek word is taken. Our blessed Lord certainly never designed that men should believe he called Peter, DEVIL, because he, through erring affection, had wished him to avoid that death which he predicted to himself. This translation, which is literal, takes away that harshness which before appeared in our Lord's words.—Adam Clarke's Commentary. W. E. Vine agrees with this by stating, the appellation was given by the Lord to Peter, as a "Satan-like" man, on the occasion when he endeavoured to dissuade Him from death.—Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words.

As regards John 6:70, (NASB) where Jesus said, "Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?" W. E. Vine, says: Judas, who gave himself over to the "Devil," was so identified with him, that the Lord described him as such, "a devil."—Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Judas Iscariot was a devil, the traitor who would betray Jesus. Satan put the idea into Judas' heart to betray Jesus and then entered Judas to instigate the actual betrayal.—Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary. However, this does not mean that Satan is in everyone or that Satan is influencing everyone. Nor can this be used to suggest through sin Satan is working in each and every person.

When Jesus said in John 8:44, (NASB) "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father." A person's actions reveal what is in his or her heart. The Devil was a murderer from the beginning and has always hated the truth. In short, the Devil is the father of lies. The intent to murder (Jesus the messiah) comes from the Devil. The Devil was the instigator of Jesus’ murder and the perpetrator of the lies that the Jews believed about Jesus. The attitudes and actions of the Jewish leaders clearly identified them as followers of the Devil, though they may not have been conscious of this. But their hatred of truth, their lies, and their murderous intentions indicate how much control the Devil had over them. They were Satan's tools in carrying out his plans; they spoke the very same language of lies.—Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary. Although these specific men were likely being influenced by Satan to destroy Jesus, this again does not support the belief all humans are under Satan's influence.

Although everyone is under the influence of inherited sin and imperfection, very few are likely to be under the influence of Satan or have him dwell within them.

 

[james1523]

Although everyone is under the influence of inherited sin and imperfection, very few are likely to be under the influence of Satan or have him dwell within them.

Personification or Generalization of the Devil is not a new concept. For example, whenever a person is attacked by a demon, they may say "satan attacked me". Of course, it is not likely to be the actual person of Satan himself. In the same way, to be under the influence of inherited sin and imperfection, is to be under the influence of Satan, and have "him" (as a personification) dwell within them. This does not mean that the actual person of Satan is inside every person, it means that his influence, and his nature, is inside of them, the kingdom of darkness. A person cannot say they lie occasionally and yet are not under the influence of the devil. To lie, cheat, steal, etc is to be under the influence of the devil. Even the most benign and smallest sin or "white lie", is in fact because of the devil. We often don't realize this or think these sins are "that bad", because we have not realized just how rotten and sinful we truly are, and still have a degree of self-righteousness. Whether a person is telling some white lies, or a little gossip, or committing mass murder, it is the same nature of the devil. In the case of Peter, he only shared his mere human opinion, and yet Jesus called him Satan.

A common belief is that God is everywhere but Satan can only be at one place at one time. That is not true, because by tricking Eve into eating the forbidden fruit, Satan poisoned everyone, even animals, with his influence and nature, and for this reason everyone needs deliverance from the kingdom of darkness.

 

[rag4aCrown]

Until this flesh lay down, we are in constant battle. Amen. The flesh always warring against the spirit and the spirit always warring against the flesh. Amen.
Deny the flesh, pick up your cross and follow me.
Put ye on Christ; for we have been made brand new in HIM. Amen.

God is the creator of ALL things. Amen. There is no power but of God. Amen. ALL good things come from God. We, who have been born of the Spirit, recognize immediately the thought that comes is good or evil. We have been given power of the thought, lust, and the flesh; if we are indeed born again. Amen.

Have you not read Job? This was very powerful and helpful to me when the Lord gave me revelation knowledge on this. The devil can not even try our faith unless he has been sent by God. Amen. Now that is not to say that ye have been tempted by God. God tempts no man. And, God can not be tempted with evil. Amen. The devil has a job to do as well. He works for the Lord. Yes, even the devil bows before the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Amen. If you are a child of the KING; you are protected by the KING. Amen. If one is not a child of the KING; the devil has open range on them. Amen.

The devil shows up amongst the angels of God. And he and God have a discussion. And the Lord's faithful servant Job was brought up. The devil said to God, "I can't touch Job, you have a hedge up around him." God said, "I will take it down. You go try my servant Job. There is not a more faithful man found on earth than Job. You can do anything to him you want but you shall spare his life for he belongs to me" So, the devil went to try Job. Job ENDURED and would not turn his face from God. Job lost everything; his children, crops, stock... everything. Job simply said, "The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away." Amen. Job ENDURED major health issues. However, Job would not turn his face from God. Amen. When there was nothing more the devil could do to Job, he returned to God and God restored Job everything; PLUS. Amen.

The devil goes about seeking whom he may devour. Who is denying the flesh? No one; not none.
We go to Walmart, seeking our worldly treasures and what the eyes lust after. God says we are to Trust in HIM for everything. Amen. We do it not. Amen.
We get sick and run to doctors and hospitals for medicine and surgeries. Doing so, we are denying the power of God. Amen. Now, if one believes that God created everything; and created our bodies out of the dirt of the earth; why does one not believe in the power of God. Amen. Hence, that is part of the anti-Christ traits. Denying the Son, the Father, and the Power. Amen.
Most people doesn't even realize what a true blessing is. When God blesses us; He hands it to us freely. Amen. Just as the sun and the rain is a blessing from God. It didn't cost us a thing. He freely gave it to us. Amen. We will go buy a new car, stress out over making the payments, saving a bank roll for its expenses and say "God blessed me with a new car." No, you blessed you with what your eyes lusted for. Amen. If God blesses you with a new car He will hand you the keys, no payments required. Amen.

Unless we be converted, and become as a little child we will not even see the kingdom of God.
Think about a "little child". They are care free. Amen.
They are not concerned with what to eat; someone will take care of them. Amen.
They are not concerned with what they will wear; someone will provide for them. Amen.
God asked us to TRUST Him for ALL our needs; He will provide for us. He knows we have need of these things. Are we not worth more than a bird?
Nope, we want, what we want, when we want it. Amen.

It is truly time for ALL to wake up. Amen.
We want the best of both worlds. God said these things will not be so. If we have lived in luxury and comfort in king's clothes on the earth. We have are reward.
Why do we believe we deserve a mansion when we have done absolutely nothing for it?
Be ye DOERS of the Word; and not hearers only. Amen.
Nope, we read it, know it says these things, ignore it, and will weep and whale when we don't get to go in the doors of heaven. Oh, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Amen.
WAKE UP! WAKE UP!!!!! I pray God we all wake up........

Father God, in the name of Jesus, help our inconsistences and our imperfections. Amen.
Father God help us all. Amen.

All praise, honor, and glory be to God. Amen.

 

[james1523]

Actually there is nothing in the Bible that suggests that the devil needs special permission from God to act against Christians.

Job is a special case, with special blessing and protection by God. The devil needs to ask God for permission only in the case that the Christian has special protection by God.

For the most part, 1 Peter 5:8 tells us to be alert and watch out, because the devil can attack at any moment, he does not need God's specific permission. In fact, the devil rejects God's authority, and is unlikely to actively seek God's permission.

The devil can only act within the boundaries that God has set in place, but if we give the devil room, and go outside of God's boundary and protection, the devil can act without asking permission.

 

[B-A-C]

Satan can tempt us and try to cause us to sin. But he doesn't need a lot of help.
We are very capable of sinning on our own. In fact Satan cannot force us to sin, we only sin when we choose to.

Our flesh is sinful enough without Satan's help.

 

[rag4aCrown]

God asked the devil "where have you been?" The devil responded, "Oh, going to and fro about the earth." (seeking whom he may devour). The devil didn't ask God for permissions. God said, "Have you tried my servant Job?" God puts a hedge of protection around ALL His children. I am not talking about those who claim to be, and are not. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Amen.

The people "of this world" are open game to the devil; he goes about tormenting, terrorizing, creating havoc in their already confused lives, all that he can; for the face of the Lord is turned from the children of unrighteousness. If we are going outside of God's boundary of protection, as you say, we are open game, because we have become just as the rest and are being disobedient to God. Amen. The devil bows before God as well; he has a job to do. Amen. God can not be tempted with evil; and God tempts no man. That job belongs to the devil. Amen.

There is no child of God on this earth that is more special than the next. Amen. We are one in HIM. No one higher than the next.
We are to deny the flesh; pick up our cross; and follow Him. Amen.
We get in trouble when we do not deny the flesh; the devil don't do it, we do it to ourselves because we took our heart off God. Amen.
If thine eye (heart) be single, thy whole body is full of light. The devil flees from the light. Unless God takes down the hedge, or we, ourselves, step away from the hedge of protection (Light), the devil will not approach that light. Amen. He will not torture himself. He screams in agony because our faith is strong in God, the devil can't play with that.
If one KNOWS God; then one recognizes when the devil is trying you. Amen.
The devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy. The devil is the author of confusion and the father of lies. Amen.
The devil is easy to recognize, when Jesus is in your heart. The Holy Ghost, the only true Teacher; and another comforter the Spirit of truth. These 2 work together. We, our spirit, is made ONE with them. When we stay read up, prayed up, and bring glory to God. Amen.

 

[james1523]

A hedge of protection is conditional upon applying or praying Psalm 91, in addition to Ephesians 6.
The hedge of protection is simply Christ in us who is our light and our life. Even the angels may fail us, Christ is the only genuine protection that a believer has.

 

[clark thompson]

We as Christian often claim Satan has more power than he has. If we have the Spirit in us we can have a demonic spirit in us too. Satan is not everywhere so he is not tempting and attacking everyone. No scripture what so ever leads me to believe Satan can read our minds or give us certain thoughts.

 

[Davy]

Hi Clark thompson: You mentioned in your post, "No scripture what so ever leads me to believe Satan can read our minds or give us certain thoughts."

As regards reading our minds, whether Satan can read our literal thoughts or not. It is important to remember he is very intelligent, way beyond human comprehension and Satan has been observing and studying mankind for over 6000 years. I think he is the ultimate psychologist and behavioural expert. He does not really need to read our minds to know what our innermost thoughts and desires are, as these are played out on a preconscious level every day of our life. He and his demons just have to watch and observe, the things we watch on TV, look at on the Internet, what we talk about and listen to, and stare at longingly in our day to day life. So he can know us very well without having to read our minds. Which is food for thought when we meditate on just how diligently we are trying to walk with God!

This being the case, we should also be mindful of how Satan and his demons can put thought and desires into peoples minds. Acts 5:1-10 contains an account of Satanic or demonic influence. Aninias was a first century Christian who must have been born again with some of the gifts of the spirit, and yet the account tells us, Satan was able to influence him. So having the holy spirit does not necessarily protect us. It has to do will free-will, God will protect us as long as we stay loyal to God. Notice, Satan was able to influence him by the most common failing in man, pride and greed. Satan likely watched him along with others and thought, this man in particular, was more susceptible to being influenced by thought he planted in him.

This is a very important account in the Bible, because it shows Satan or his demons can put thoughts into people's minds and hearts. But, if they can put thoughts and desires into peoples minds and hearts, why can they not also read other thoughts? I sure hope they cannot, but just because the bible does not say they can, that does not mean they cannot!

 

[RJ]

• You have to be "Born Again" meaning God in you.
• All good things come from above through God
• I quess all bad things could come from below and the Devil but I haven't found any scripture to support that.
• I see nothing in scripture that talks about the Devil being in you or in the scriptures that you stated above, unless it is being possessed by evil spirits and those scriptures.
• Being a true Christian, with God in you, and having the Devil in you too is absurd.

 

[james1523]

Hi Clark thompson: You mentioned in your post, "No scripture what so ever leads me to believe Satan can read our minds or give us certain thoughts."

As regards reading our minds, whether Satan can read our literal thoughts or not. It is important to remember he is very intelligent, way beyond human comprehension and Satan has been observing and studying mankind for over 6000 years. I think he is the ultimate psychologist and behavioural expert. He does not really need to read our minds to know what our innermost thoughts and desires are, as these are played out on a preconscious level every day of our life. He and his demons just have to watch and observe, the things we watch on TV, look at on the Internet, what we talk about and listen to, and stare at longingly in our day to day life. So he can know us very well without having to read our minds. Which is food for thought when we meditate on just how diligently we are trying to walk with God!

This being the case, we should also be mindful of how Satan and his demons can put thought and desires into peoples minds. Acts 5:1-10 contains an account of Satanic or demonic influence. Aninias was a first century Christian who must have been born again with some of the gifts of the spirit, and yet the account tells us, Satan was able to influence him. So having the holy spirit does not necessarily protect us. It has to do will free-will, God will protect us as long as we stay loyal to God. Notice, Satan was able to influence him by the most common failing in man, pride and greed. Satan likely watched him along with others and thought, this man in particular, was more susceptible to being influenced by thought he planted in him.

This is a very important account in the Bible, because it shows Satan or his demons can put thoughts into people's minds and hearts. But, if they can put thoughts and desires into peoples minds and hearts, why can they not also read other thoughts? I sure hope they cannot, but just because the bible does not say they can, that does not mean they cannot!

Theologically I would probably agree with Clark Thompson however due to my past experience I have to agree that Satan or demons can put thoughts into born again and Spirit-filled believer's minds and the only thing that Satan cannot touch is our human will power and our firm decision to resist the devil and say "NO".