Topical Bible: Afflictions and Adversities: from Satan

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In the biblical narrative, afflictions and adversities are often depicted as trials that test the faith and perseverance of believers. Among the sources of these trials, Satan is frequently portrayed as a significant adversary, seeking to undermine the faith and integrity of God's people. The Bible provides numerous accounts and teachings that illustrate Satan's role in bringing about afflictions and adversities.

Satan as the Adversary

The name "Satan" itself means "adversary" or "accuser," and he is depicted as the primary antagonist in the spiritual realm. In the Book of Job, Satan is explicitly described as the one who challenges Job's righteousness, suggesting that his faithfulness is merely a result of his prosperity and protection from God. In Job 1:9-11 , Satan questions, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not placed a hedge around him and his household and everything he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out Your hand and strike all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face."

God permits Satan to test Job, allowing him to inflict severe losses and suffering upon Job, yet without taking his life. This narrative underscores the belief that while Satan can bring about afflictions, he operates within the boundaries set by God, who remains sovereign over all circumstances.

Temptation and Spiritual Warfare

Satan's role in afflictions is not limited to physical or material suffering; he is also depicted as a tempter who seeks to lead believers astray. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself is tempted by Satan in the wilderness, as recorded in Matthew 4:1-11 . Here, Satan attempts to exploit Jesus' physical hunger and spiritual mission, yet Jesus resists by quoting Scripture, demonstrating the power of God's Word in overcoming temptation.

The Apostle Paul frequently warns believers about the spiritual warfare they face against the forces of evil. In Ephesians 6:11-12 , he exhorts, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage highlights the reality of spiritual adversities instigated by Satan and the necessity for believers to be spiritually equipped.

Satan's Limited Power

While Satan is a formidable foe, Scripture consistently affirms that his power is limited and ultimately subject to God's authority. In 1 Peter 5:8-9 , believers are admonished to "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering." This passage encourages believers to remain vigilant and steadfast, recognizing that they are not alone in their struggles and that resistance is possible through faith.

The Purpose of Afflictions

While Satan may intend afflictions for harm, the Bible reveals that God can use these adversities for a greater purpose. In the case of Job, his trials ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of God's majesty and sovereignty. Similarly, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh," described as "a messenger of Satan to torment me" (2 Corinthians 12:7). Yet, Paul acknowledges that this affliction serves to keep him humble and reliant on God's grace, as he writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9 , "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.'"

Through these accounts, the Bible presents a complex view of afflictions and adversities from Satan, recognizing both the reality of spiritual opposition and the overarching sovereignty of God, who can transform trials into opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on His grace.

Nave's Topical Index

Job 1:1
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
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Job 2:1
Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.
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2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
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Library

What and Whence are These?
... glory, amid the afflictions, and adversities, and catastrophes ... He was not without
family afflictions, among the ... very grievous; to be sifted in Satan's sieve is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/what and whence are these.htm

Christian Graces.
... that feels it, how burning hot the fiery darts of Satan are; and ... by prevailing with
the soul to suffer all troubles, afflictions, and adversities that it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xviii christian graces.htm

A Psalm of Remembrance
... their deep afflictions, their desperate adversities, and their ... deliverances you have
had under your sharp afflictions. ... You have had attacks of Satan, you have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a psalm of remembrance.htm

Fruits and the Two Works.
... Amid adversities, afflictions, persecutions, temptations and trials ... temptations,
discouragements, afflictions, imprisonments, persecutions ... power of Satan unto God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter vi fruits and the.htm

Whither Goest Thou?
... wish every man here who is serving Satan to be ... God appoints the weight and number
of all our adversities. ... Since every trial comes from God, afflictions are no ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/whither goest thou.htm

Hail, Jesus;
... in prayer, hast permitted Thyself to be tempted by Satan; ... whereby I may pity other
men's afflictions, and may ... honour of Thy name, I may not fly adversities,. ...
/.../baker/holy wisdom or directions for the prayer of contemplation/hail jesus.htm

Christian Morals. Part ii.
... malice, hatred, are the qualities of Satan, close and ... fortune lays the plot of our
adversities in the ... of misery, and a circulation in afflictions is necessary. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/christian morals part ii.htm

Christian Behavior
... is again that they have run through so many trials, afflictions, and adversities,
even because ... not ranging and meddling with the things of Satan; no more ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... as possess the world concerning dangers, injuries, and adversities. ... second table
of the law, Satan lying in ... Their afflictions so sorely oppress them that they ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... are exposed to be led captive into despair at the will of Satan. ... by prevailing with
the soul to suffer all troubles, afflictions, and adversities that it ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm