Did God Create Satan and Evil? (Questions based on p. 4 of Bible Witness, Volume 10, Issue 3 KNOW YOUR ENEMY)

Transcription

1 Did God Create Satan and Evil? (Questions based on p. 4 of Bible Witness, Volume 10, Issue 3 KNOW YOUR ENEMY) 1. How is it that some people attribute the origin of Satan and evil to God? (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16) 2. James 1:13 admonishes us not to think of God as the author of evil. How do we reconcile this truth with Jeremiah 26:13 that apparently refers to the Lord pronouncing evil upon Israel? 3. God is described as the Holy One in several passages (Psalms 71:22; 78:41; 89:18; Isaiah 43:15). What does this tell us of God s character? (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 92:15; 1 John 1:5) 4. Can we agree to the logic that since all things were created by God, and since Satan is a created being, therefore God must have created Satan? Explain your answer (Genesis 1:31). Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 1

2 The Origin of Satan (Questions based on pp. 5-8 of Bible Witness, Volume 10, Issue 3 KNOW YOUR ENEMY) 1. In the beginning when God made the world, everything in it was created good and perfect. How is it that an evil being, Satan, disguised as a serpent suddenly appeared in the garden of Eden? Does the book of Genesis provide the details of Satan s origin? 2. Can you identify who befits the description prince of Tyre in Ezekiel 28:11-17? From Ezekiel 28, compare the personalities of the prince described in the first ten verses to the one mentioned in verses Is it possible for Satan to control national leaders so as to wreak havoc upon people and nations? Name some reasons why God allows this to happen. 4. Cite the function or position of cherubims in the following verses that make them a special class of angels: Ezekiel 10:1-4 Psalms 80:1; 99:1 Genesis 3:24 Exodus 25:17-22 Hebrews 9:5 Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 2

3 5. Aside from being a member of a special class of angels, what are his other distinctions that set him apart from angels of his class? (Ezekiel 28:12-15) 6. Satan s original name is given in Isaiah 14:12. What does this name signify? Whose image and glory did he reflect according to Dwight Pentecost? 7. Looking at Ezekiel 28:13, what special talent did Lucifer possess? To what did the author of this article liken his exceptional ability? What could have been the purpose that God created him this way? (cf. v.14) 8. In spite of the wonderful traits God bestowed upon Lucifer, he ended up rebelling against God. What was the main reason for this? (Ezekiel 28:15,17; Isaiah 14:13) Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 3

4 9. Will this particular sin affect the way in which leaders in the church are appointed? How? (1 Timothy 3:6) 10. Let us contrast the 5 I will statements of Lucifer (Isaiah 14:13-14) with the 5 I am statements of the Apostle Paul (Galatians 2:20). I will (Lucifer) I am (Paul) a) b) c) d) e) 11. After Lucifer fell, he was banished from heaven and henceforth became known by the name Satan. What does his name mean and how is he being pictured by the Apostle Peter? (1 Peter 5:8) Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 4

5 God Declares War against the Adversary (Questions based on pp of Bible Witness, Volume 10, Issue 3 KNOW YOUR ENEMY) 1. Why is it that even right at the moment of conversion, the Christian becomes the subject of Satan s ferocious attacks? (Ephesians 2:2-3; Acts 26:18; 1 John 3:8-9) 2. What were the three devices which Satan used in his evil plot against Adam and Eve? (Genesis 3:6; cf. 1 John 2:16) a) b) c) 3. Does the devil use those devices and methods against the present-day believers? Cite two examples each. a) b) c) 4. What were the temporal consequences that befell Adam and Eve because of their rebellion? (Genesis 3:16-19) What about the eternal consequences? (Genesis 3:22-24) Does all of humanity have to face these same consequences of sin? Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 5

6 5. Why is Genesis 3:15 also known as the Proto evangelion? 6. God s plan of redemption, revealed in Genesis 3:15, will come through the seed of the woman. Explain briefly how God will work out this plan. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23; Galatians 4:4-5). Who will crush the devil to guarantee our victory against him? 7. Why is Genesis 3:15 understood to be a presentation of God's gracious Gospel as well as a declaration of war and judgment? How did the commentator Matthew Henry call this conflict? 8. Name the two main protagonists of this war that God has declared. (1 John 3:8-10) 9. How do Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14-15 and 1 John 3:8b prove the truth of Genesis 3:15, that Christ would defeat the devil? Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 6

7 10. What can break the power of the devil that keeps souls under his dominion? (Acts 26:18; 2 Timothy 2:25-26; Colossians 1:12-13) 11. In fighting this spiritual war, how should the Christian prepare himself that he may be assured of victory? (Ephesians 6:10-11) 12. Is there a reason for us to fear that Satan will defeat God's elect (true believers) and that they cannot enter heaven? (Romans 8:37-39; 16:20) Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 7

8 Satan: Our Foremost Enemy (Questions based on pp of Bible Witness, Volume 10, Issue 3 KNOW YOUR ENEMY) 1. Why is it so important for every Christian to know all that there is about Satan? 2. Trace the following biblical evidence that proves Satan's existence and jot down notes of what he did: a) Genesis 3:1-5 b) 1 Chronicles 21:1 c) Job 1:6-12 d) Matthew 4: Some say that Satan or the devil is not a being but just a personification of the idea of evil or immorality. Does the Bible agree with this opinion? What does Scripture say about his being? Is there any biblical evidence to support the teaching that the devil is a genuine person? (2 Corinthians 11:3; Luke 4:1-12; Isaiah 14:12-17; Revelation 20:10) 4. Angels are spirits (Hebrews 1:13-14). Satan and demons, being angelic beings (albeit wicked), are also spirits. What are the implications of Satan being a spirit? Or why should we be cautious about Satan and his demons because they are spirits? Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 8

9 5. Look up these verses and figure out how powerful Satan is: a) Jude 9 b) John 12:31 c) 2 Corinthians 4:4 6. Though Satan is more powerful than humans, how does he fare in comparison to the omnipotent God? (Job 1:10-12; Romans 16:20; Revelation 20:7-10) 7. Having learned the personality and power of Satan from Scripture, how should we regard this battle against him? (Ephesians 6:12) What is the key to overcoming this adversary? (1 John 4:4; James 4:7) 8. Having learned pertinent facts about Satan and his character, share some thoughts on how this knowledge can help you in your own battle against him. Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 9

10 Names of Satan (Questions based on pp of Bible Witness, Volume 10, Issue 3 KNOW YOUR ENEMY) 1. In what way will modern nicknames given to Satan alter our perception of his true being? Can you conjure up a picture of Satan based on how he is being presented in the world? 2. Name the likely function exercised by Satan based on these positions he held: a) anointed cherub (Ezekiel 28:14) b) prince/god of this world (John 12:31; 16:11; 2 Corinthians 4:4) c) prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2) d) chief of the devils (Matthew 12:24; Luke 11:15) 3. Explain why the course or fashion of this world is governed by Satan. (2 Corinthian 4:4; Galatians 1:4; Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 2:15-16) What does this warn us about the world and its philosophy of life? Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 10

11 4. Who are these forces led by Satan that comprise the power of the air? How did they become Satan s allies and what will be their end? (Ephesians 2:2; cf. Revelation 12:7-9) 5. Satan means adversary. He is the adversary of God's children. How is this fact illustrated in Luke 22:31-32? 6. Can you relate why Satan is also called the old serpent in Revelation 12:9? What other moniker in Revelation 12 likens him to another beast? 7. Name four reasons from John 8:44 that proves Satan is indeed a liar. a) b) c) d) Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 11

12 8. What can you say about people who proclaim themselves as modern apostles? (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) 9. Elaborate on the deeds done by someone that carries the following names: a) Tempter b) Deceiver c) Spirit that worketh in disobedient children d) Murderer e) Apollyon 10. How can a proper understanding of Satan s names be beneficial to Christians? Is it all right to call someone, jokingly, using names associated with Satan? Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 12

13 Demons: Satan s Cohorts (Questions based on pp of Bible Witness, Volume 10, Issue 3 KNOW YOUR ENEMY) 1. Some people deny the existence of demons altogether while others who don t tend to exaggerate their capabilities. What are the implications of these erroneous concepts? 2. How is devil worship being carried out as mentioned in these two passages of Scripture? Is demon worship still being practised in the world today? a) Psalm 106:36-37 b) 1 Corinthians 10: Christ s and His apostles ministry involved the casting out of demons from those that were possessed (Matthew 12:22-28; 15:22-28; Mark 5:1-16; Matthew 10:1). Should the church today also do the same? Please explain your answer. 4. How do we refute the erroneous view that demons are spirits of the wicked deceased that roam the earth (e.g. hungry ghosts)? (Luke 16:19-26) 5. Explain the concept of demon possession according to another false view called the Gap Theory. Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 13

14 6. Can angels cohabit with the women of this world and produce demonic spirits? (Matthew 22:30) 7. What brought demons into being according to Scripture? (Jude 6; Revelation 12:4, 9) In which realm do these wicked beings exist? (2 Peter 2:4; Luke 8:26-39) 8. What primary attributes of personality do demons display as can be seen in Luke 8:28, 32, 33? 9. Enumerate the many ways as to how demons control and afflict unregenerate men (Mark 5:3; Luke 8; Revelation 9:5-6; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:13; 16:14; Acts 16:16-17). 10. What can safeguard the Christian from following after demon-controlled false prophets? Will God s children be overcome by these antichrists? (1 John 4:1-4) Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 14

15 The Assaults of the Enemy (Questions based on pp of Bible Witness, Volume 10, Issue 3 KNOW YOUR ENEMY) 1. What is the main reason why Christians are going through this struggle as mentioned by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:12? 2. Do all struggles that Christians face come as a result of the demons direct assaults? (Romans 7:21-24; James 1:14-15; Ephesians 2:2-3; 1 John 2:15-17) 3. Briefly discuss the attacks of the demons against the individual Christian. Draw out examples from your own experience. 4. Does the presence of an illness always mean that the afflicted believer is under Satan s attack? (Hebrews 12:6-8) Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 15

16 5. Briefly discuss the attacks of demons against the church. 6. Name some of the ways that Satan launches his attack against the doctrines of the church. (Jude 3-4; Matthew 24:24; 2 Peter 2:1; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15) 7. From Paul s example in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, what can we learn about the way he dealt with the demons buffetings against him? Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 16