The Testimony of Job

If we examine further the story of Job we would see an analogy between its characters and some who are in Church leadership today.

Job 16:11-17

11 God hath delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into the hands of the wicked.

12 I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark.

13 His archers compass me round about, he cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare; he poureth out my gall upon the ground.

14 He breaketh me with breach upon breach, he runneth upon me like a giant.

15 I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and defiled my horn in the dust.

16 My face is foul with weeping, and my eyelids is the shadow of death;

17 Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.

We can see by the above verses the tremendous revelation Job had concerning his relationship with God. He never once attempted to rebuke the devil or by any means in any conversation with his friends imply that someone other than God was responsible for the evil things that happened to him. It is so important for you to see this and how it is a direct contradiction to the message tradition has sent to the Church. Paul insisted, “That no man should be moved by these afflictions (pressure, persecutions, that which causes anguish): for yourselves know that we are appointed (laid up, made and set) thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation (afflictions, trouble); even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter (Satan or the devil) have tempted (enticed, try) you and our labour be in vain” (1 Thessalonians 3:3-5).

If we look at the operation of the devil in the life of Christ, we see that Satan was given by the Father the same two means of access to Jesus as he was given in the trying of Job; his spiritual disposition for testing and his physical body for crucifixion. In the former, Satan was able to talk to Jesus directly. In another incident, he was able to talk to him through Peter in whom Jesus rebuked him by saying, “Get thee behind me, Satan . . .” Some say Jesus was merely speaking to a personality. If that is the case, a personality originates from a person.

Therefore, person or personality they both have the same aspirations. The intent was to get Jesus to disobey or turn from the will and purpose of God for His life. The bible declares Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. This temptation included the trying of Christ’s faith in the Word of God. He was tried (examined, scrutinized, tested), regarding the lust of the flesh; “turn these stones to bread,” the lust of the eyes; “I will give you the kingdoms of this world,” and the pride of life; “cast yourself down, knowing the Lord has given His angels charge over thee.”

All of these were mere suggestions. Satan had no power to move Jesus into obedience to the things he presented. The choice to obey the suggestions of the devil or the will of the Father was always in Jesus’ power as it is in our power to do the same. Nevertheless, the Body of Christ has become intimidated by the ability of Satan to suggest evil. These suggestions have been turned into evil spirits either hovering over to oppress the saints or in some cases are even thought to invade the same vessel God Himself has chosen to live in. Thus, we get the false doctrine which insists, the saints of God can become demon possessed. Oh, what a horror this must be for the Father. In this doctrine, the devil is so powerful against the saints (born again believers, full of the Holy Ghost), that the Father is forced to share His temple with the devil. How ludicrous this must sound not only to those who know the truth, but to the devil himself. He knows better. He has read the book and believes. He knows that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not (1 John 5:18)

The key here is that the begotten of God are able to keep themselves. That simply means they have the ability to refuse to sin against God. The wicked one (Satan) has no power to alter that decision. He can only suggest that one seek after those things that are contrary to the plan and purpose of God for their life.

Again the power of Satan is the offering of that which is contrary to the will of God.

These offerings are not only associated with the love of the things of this world, but he can also suggest that it is not expedient to suffer for Christ’s sake. He not only implies that it is not expedient but it is also offensive. Now if the love of truth is not perfected in you, then this line of thought will become a temptation. The concern of the apostle is that the Church, as the church of Thessalonica, be not offended by the trying of their faith. He told them up front that they were appointed to the trials and tribulations that came into their lives to establish them in the faith. He also admonished that these trials would surely come. Such false teachings on the subject of “doing battle with the devil for the welfare of the saints and their prosperity” is utter nonsense. The Church must begin to see as Job saw; There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it (I Cor. 10:13).

Once again it is evident the devil can do no more than the Lord allows him to. Therefore, it also becomes evident that it is the Father who is ultimately in control. This being the case, why would we spend our time fighting the devil? He is only doing that which God has ordained. Now as it relates to Satan’s devices employed to provoke the saints to sin, the Word is very specific. Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7).

There is no need for any dramatic spiritual warfare in such cases. Simple obedience to God is that which repels Satan’s attempts to entice the people of God.