What Job Teaches Us About Satan

Introduction

1. Since those who sin are of the devil (1 John 3:8), we must: a. Not give place to him. (Eph. 4:27)

b. Resist him. (Jas. 4:7)

2. Satan is determined to get people to serve him.

a. He walks about as a roaring lion. (1 Pet. 5:8) b. He uses “wiles”—schemings. (Eph. 6:11)

c. We must not be ignorant of his devices. (2 Cor. 2:11)

3. To properly resist Satan we must be knowledgeable of him and the threat he poses to us.

a. We must go to God’s word to find out what he is and what he does.

b. The book of Job especially is helpful in enlightening us about Satan and his workings.

I. Who and What Is Satan? A. The supreme evil spirit.

B. The adversary. (“Satan,” by definition means “adversary.”) C. The serpent. (Rev. 12:9; 20:2)

D. Lucifer. (Isa. 14:12) E. Dragon. (Rev. 12:7)

F. The god of this world. (2 Cor. 4:4)

G. The prince of this world. (John 12:31) H. The prince of darkness. (Eph. 6:12)

I. The accuser. (Rev. 12:10) J. The devil. (“Slanderer.”)

K. A liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44) L. A roaring, devouring lion. (1 Pet. 5:8)

II. Satan and His Work as Seen in Job (1:6-12) A. He is accountable before God. (v. 6; 2:1)

1. However unwilling he may be, like all created beings he is subject to divine authority.

2. He is compelled to render account to God.

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B. God knows his mind. (v. 8)

1. God is not provoking him here but rather he already knew what was on Satan’s mind.

2. God already knew that Job was on the mind of Satan because there was no one like Job.

C. He is behind the evils of the earth. (v. 7; 2:2) 1. His is an unceasing activity.

2. Consider 1 Peter 5:8. D. He is not omniscient.

1. He cannot see into the mind of man.

a. He could not see into the mind of Job. (vv. 9-11; 2:10b)

b. He thought he knew what was in Job’s mind but he was mistaken and then defeated.

2. God can see into the mind of man but He is divine, Satan is not. E. He can do nothing without divine approval.

1. See Luke 22:31-32.

2. Sometimes permission is granted (Job, Peter) and sometimes it is refused. F. With approval there is limitation.

1. Satan was twice limited in regard to Job.

2. He is limited in regard to you and me. (1 Cor. 10:13)

3. Satan has absolutely no power against anyone beyond that which God allows much in the same way Pilate’s power over Christ was only what God allowed. (John 19:11)

G. In spite of what Satan may do or how we may suffer because of it, God still cares.

Conclusion

We must constantly be on guard against our adversary Satan but at the same time we must realize we can, with the help of God, overcome him.

Gene Taylor  www.ExpositorySermonOutlines.com  2