THE WILL OF GOD o

[babyblue]

Many Christians have been misled into thinking that God is running everything in the Earth. And while it may sound religious to say, "God is in control," according to the Word of God, man has dominion in the Earth. Through the prayers of His people, God is able to change circumstances and situations. It is up to you to exercise the authority that God has given you instead of allowing Satan to control your life and wreak havoc in the Earth.

If God were truly running things on this Earth, do you think that the world would be in the terrible state that it's in? Wars, natural disasters, violent crime, death and destruction do not come from God. On the contrary, it is His desire to bless people and give them abundant life (John 10:10).

As long as Believers continue to think that God is in control of every situation they will continue to abdicate their God—given authority. Instead, they should exercise the dominion God has given to them through speaking the Word of God and praying. Doing this releases God to get involved in the affairs of men. It's time to unmask the deception. Yes, God is sovereign, but He gave man dominion over the earth.

Dominion is the power and authority to control, direct and govern. In the beginning, God made man in His image and gave him dominion over everything in the Earth (Genesis 1:26–2. With dominion, man was supposed to control everything in the earthly realm, and walk in authority just as God does in the heavenly realm. Psalm 8:6 in the New Living Translation speaks of the power God has given to man. It says, "You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority."

Man's dominion over the Earth was evidenced when God brought the animals to Adam so that he could name them. God could have easily named every creature on Earth, but He gave Adam that job. He was training his son to walk in his authority and operate like his heavenly Father.

So it is clear that man was originally given control over the Earth; however, Adam did not use his authority when the enemy approached him and his wife. Satan entered the Garden of Eden illegally and spoke deceptive words that contradicted what God had said. Instead of exercising his authority, Adam disobeyed God's instructions and committed high treason in the Garden of Eden; he turned the keys of authority over to Satan. God had to get His power back in the hands of mankind, but He could only accomplish that through a man. His plan to redeem the human race from the clutches of the devil included the birth of His son, Jesus.

Jesus was God, but He operated as a man while He walked the Earth. As a man, Jesus had total mastery over circumstances, situations and all the works of Satan. By dying on the cross, He became sin and was able to enter Hell in order to take back the authority that Adam gave away. Thank God that Jesus snatched the dominion from Satan and put it back where God intended—in the hands of men.

When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you gain control over the enemy. Jesus said, "Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you," (Luke 10:19, The Amplified Bible).

This year, make a decision to use your God–given dominion. Do not be deceived by religion which tells you that "God is in control." Walk in the authority God has given you by submitting to Him through prayer. As you pray the will of God to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven, you can prevent bad things from happening and God's perfect plan for mankind can be accomplished in the Earth.

 

[WhereToGo]

Man still has dominion over the earth? I thought that was removed by the fall and lucifer was now the prince of the power of the air, this is his realm by how I read it now, until God takes it back.

 

[Coffeeattack]

You have a lot of interesting things in this. I've always seen that Satan had control over the earth. That's a different story when it comes to people though. Like in Job, Satan has to have permission before he can bring harm to the ones of God. If God gives that permission, we need to take a long look at Job. Even though God is control over people, He can give permission to the devil. God is over us, so he has the control. To say God is control, well to me anyway would mean, I can't control my circumstances but He can. He can either make me stronger to endure the bad times, or He can use my trial for my good. In this, to help me study harder, pray more, and seek His will over mine. Jesus was in the garden and cried out with sweat drops of blood for God's will to be done. Thank you for this view, keep up the good studies. After all, this is just an opinion of mine, I didn't look up scriptures, but maybe later I can. I

 

[Coffeeattack]

Sorry, the words cut off....... I’d love to see more post from you, it’s good to know people still study and learn the scriptures.

 

[jerrywlo]

It is easy for us to quote a part of a verse or chapter and get carried away from the true message. In the prayer Jesus tought his apostles He said "and lead us not onto temptation". We find in 2Th 2:11 that God sends strong delusion that people believe a lie. We are tempted by our OWN LUST Jam 1:14. Also that God's wrath is revealed from heaven against urighteous and ungodly man (Ro 1:18) or tribulation and anguish against man doing evil (Ro 2:9). Paul says that our God is a consuming fire (He 12:29). These are only few verses to bring our attention to many of that nature in the Bible.

I find nowhere in the scriptures to show that God has abdicated His control in HIS creation. To the contrary, we are shown His absolute control in the entire OT. So God defited pogan nations in the promissed land but also brought Babylonians against Israel to put them into 70 year long slavery among othr calamities He brought about to mention but two.

God made it clear that it is He who gives life and kills (De 32:39) and also creates peace and evil (Isa 45:7). God says that He creates all this things and nothing exists in the world able to take you or me from His hand or control.

God uses bad people to achieve His goal (Ps 17:13-14) among others.

God also warned Israel not to mix with the pogans as they would make Israel to sin against Him.

So before we run to say things not said in the scripture, which we shouln't, let us ask ourselves few basic questions namely:

1. Who tempted Eve, Satan or serpent Ge 3:1?
2. Who was cursed in Ge 3:14, Satan or serpent? Did God cursed innocent, stupid animal or Satan
himself? How then Satan , being cursed, present himself before God in the book of Job?
3. Who were the sons of God in Job 1:6, 2:1. Were they people? Compare Ps 82:6. Joh 10:35,1Joh
3:1-2.
4. Where did they present themselves before God. Was it on earth in the stipulated area as they were
told to do by the Mosaic law?
5. Whon was that Satan from Job 2:1 who also presented himself before God among man? Was it a
fallen angel or another man?

Let us now deal with Satan. Satan is a Hebrew word which means adversary, oposer if and when is translated to English. When it appears in the context idicating a person like in 1Ki 11:14+23 or an angel like in Nu 22:32 it is translated. If however appears in a neutral context it remains untranslated.

They tell you that Satan fell from heaven in Isa 14:12. Read the chapter to see that the prophet is predicting distruction of the king of Babilon who delt prudly after inslaving Israel.

They tell you that Satan was distructed according to Eze 28. Again read the chapter to see that it is talking about a prince of Tyrys. He was a man. Hiram was helping king David and king Solomon in building David's house and God's Temple. In return he was offered 20 cities in the Holy Land which he rejected (1Ki 9:11-13). No wonder God was wrath with him for that.

Again they tell you about Re 12:9. Now be sensitive to this chapter. It is a symbolical one so find first what are the symbols represent. It begins with a great wonder in V 1. A woman closed with the sun. No one would take it literally.
Then another wonder appears in V 3. A great red dragon of seven heads and ten horns wearing crowns on his heads. To identify this symbol we need to go back to Da 2 and then to Da 7. The legs of the statue from Da 2 are presented here as the fourth beast in V 7. It is Roman empire. Here we have ten horns which represent ten parts to which the epire disintegrated in 476. But this beast undergoes transformation by the "little horn". It plucks out , subdues, three of the original horns/territories namely Herulis in 493, Vandals in 534 and Ostrogoth in 538.

Now we go to Re 17:9-10 to see that heads again represent kings , kingdoms or territories. The horns represent kings in Re 17:12. The same symbology as in Da 7.

Now when we read Re 12:3 to 12:9 we notice no change of context. It shows the progression of the transformed beast from Da 7. So he pluck / subdues three territories (third part of the stars who opose false doctrines) atacks the Church of Jesus, causes believes to leave Jerusalem.

Now we come to the war in heaven. We need to remember that we are looking at symbols. So what does heaven represent? It is a way of speech and represents high authority, power or elevation above other powers or nations. We see it in De 28:1+43, 30:4, 32:1, La 2:1, Isa 26:5, 34:4, 51:16, Oba 1:4, Nah 3:16, Da 4:22 and so on.

So the war against the dragon takes place on earth. To avoid hard feelings I will not say who or what this dragon represents for it is a great power in the world today and many people are members of it unknowingly.

Coming back to Satan. It can be a person who oposes in a physical or mental/spiritual way (Mt 16:23), group of people (Church), government, persons way of thinking (lust Jam 1:14) and so on.

The encient Egipt believed in existance of two gods. A good god Horus and a bad god Sat. The monument dating 5000 years presents those two gods with pharaon in the middle as a midiator between them. Sat has human body and an animal head. The believe was transformed in time to present a fallen angel with enormous powers. He supposed to be after your destruction, although tought differently by Churches due to the lack of biblical evidence, to frighten you and make you run for help to a Church for salvation.

So we strip God of His power end glory to attribute it to a false power, false god. We say that God has no control today. We talk about bringing the entire world to God yet God says that things will get worse all the time. At the end the harlot whose name in Re 17:5 is

MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH


will be destroyed for she propagates the encient Babylonian religion.

 

[1still_waters]

It amazes me how many people think Satan is in control because of Matthew 4

8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."

Keep in mind this is Satan talking here. He may claim to have the authority to give control up, it doesn't mean he has actual control. Satan is a liar and the father of lies. You can't trust anything he says.

 

[be_still]

Satan is the master of deception

 

[NazariteNation]

Man still has dominion over the earth? I thought that was removed by the fall and lucifer was now the prince of the power of the air, this is his realm by how I read it now, until God takes it back.

Personally, I feel that the scriptures say that Jesus regained dominion from Satan during the crucifixion and resurection. Man has access to dominion through Jesus Christ, this is why we should always ask "in Jesus' name". However, I also feel that many prayers go unanswered because we have unknowingly given Satan dominion over various situations in our lives which is why it is so important that we not only read our bibles but apply it also. Scripture reads : "My people perish due to a lack of knowledge" for a reason. Of course, God allows this sort of thing to happen because He wants you to learn from the experience. If not, then how else are supposed to learn to take dominion?

 

[NazariteNation]

My apologies for the typo. It should read:

.... Of course, God allows this sort of thing to happen because He wants you to learn from the experience. If not, then how else are WE supposed to learn to take dominion?

On another note, I also believe the #1 reason why we do not see large numbers of long term conversions as well as miraculous healings is simply because of a lack of Christ-likeness. In my opinion, the way Jesus lived his life is every bit as important as His death & resurection. Jesus not only walked in dominion during his time here on earth but He also taught his disciples how to do so through example. I believe that we too can experience dominion if we begin to apply Jesus' words to our lives, such as presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice by strivinging to be SELFLESS just as Jesus did.

Think about it. How can Satan manipulate you if there is nothing in your life for him to use for leverage?

 

[babyblue]

This study does not mean that God has no control what so ever, the meaning behind this is to show the Christian not to be afraid because life and death are in the power of the tongue and by only speaking the Word of God things change. This is to show the Christian to stop running from the devil he has no power over us before the crucifixion he was operating with Adams power but the moment Jesus said it is finished he was stripped of all power. This merely is a source of upliftment to show the Christian not to back off that the power to change the world and circumstances are within.

Jesus gave us authority
Luke 10:19

1. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
   Luke 10:18-20 (in Context) Luke 10 (Whole Chapter)

We as Christians are suppose to use that authority and the truth is we are not using it ever. We seem to agree with the devil , when he claims circumstances are bad, there is no money , there is no food, our economy is not doing good we agree with what he says because its shown in the way we act we act stressed and worried. And look at todays Christians they don't speak positive things over and about their life they speak negative and hurtful words even towards them selfs. Jesus said that he gave us authority so we should use it. When the devil tell us we are sick we should declare with boldness NO BY THE STRIPES OF JESUS I AM HEALED.

Stop running from the devil you as a Christian have the authority to change your own life start using that authority for Jesus paid a high price for it.

I just want to share this with you this in fact made me laugh so hard when i read it

1. Luke 4:6
   And the devil said to Him,

 

[jerrywlo]

The temptation of Jesus

We know that Jesus was tempted "in all points like us" Heb 4:15.

So how are we tempted? We are tempted by our own lust (process of our mind) Jam 1:14. Lust, when continues, brings us to sin Jam 1:15. Lust of flesh (excess of food, sexual desires), lust of eyes (wealth: new dress, better car, biger house), pride of life (we want to be better then others) comes from our exposure to the things arround us 1Jo 2:16.

Was Jesus tempted in those points? Yes, He was. He could have bread, wealth, fame.
How was He tempted? He was tempted like us. He was very hungry. He suferred. His mind was telling Him tha He could end this suffering, coul have bread, wealth and fame. Yet He remembered that He was not supposed to use the power which was given to His disposal for His own benifit. He won. We fail more then often.

So what is the story of Satan tempting Jesus?
Satan is a Hebrew word and means anyone or anything that oposes our action or thought. It was Peter, or his thinking, trying to protect Jesus from His death in Mt 16:23.

We find no mention about Satan's work in bringing Israel to sin. Instead, the pogan people were making Israel to follow pogan gods. Arron made the golden god by mount Sanai not because he or people were tempted by Satan, but they reverted to the pogan belief. Solomon's pogan wifes made him to follow their gods and so on.

When then Satan is spoken of as a bad power?
After the death of king Solomon, Israel reverted back to the pogan beliefs. God sent prophets and aflicted them. Yet they didn't listen. Then God sent prophets no more.

When Jesus came, Israel followed many of the pogan beliefs. One of them was existance of a bad god, Satan. It was an ancient Egiptian belief which existed all the time. God had shown to His people in Egipt that it was He who was doing all "bad" things in the world. Moses says it in De 28:1-68, 32:39 and many other places. Prophet Isaiah and Jeremiah and others continue later. Yet Israel listen not.

Jesus didn't come to correct Israel, didn't argue with them. He spoke the "language" they new. This is why Jesus speaks about Satan the way they understood at the time.

 

[NazariteNation]

My apologies for the typo. It should read:



On another note, I also believe the #1 reason why we do not see large numbers of long term conversions as well as miraculous healings is simply because of a lack of Christ-likeness. In my opinion, the way Jesus lived his life is every bit as important as His death & resurection. Jesus not only walked in dominion during his time here on earth but He also taught his disciples how to do so through example. I believe that we too can experience dominion if we begin to apply Jesus' words to our lives, such as presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice by strivinging to be SELFLESS just as Jesus did.

Think about it. How can Satan manipulate you if there is nothing in your life for him to use for leverage?

Another positive to consider about Selflessness...

Ultimately, all sin can be looked upon as an act of selfishness in way way or another. How can Satan tempt us with selfish actions or pursuits if we focus all of our thoughts on the benefit of others?

I truly believe Selflessness to be a major key in not only removing Satan's hold over our lives but also a means for us to take dominion in almost every aspect of our lives. I truly believe that dominion is ours for the taking if we can only grasp this concept of Selflessness / Christ-likeness.

 

[jerrywlo]

This is how you and I should pray as Jesus tought:
Mt 6:9 Our Father. Do I pray only to Our Father?
Mt 6:13 Lead me not into temptation. Do I know that it is the Father who leads into temptation?
For yours is the kingdom; the earth belonges to God only
the power; there is only God's power in operation
the glory; there is only God's glory (authority, dignity, honour)
for ever; continually,perpetually.

My question is this: in which point Jesus implies that this might be not true? You say, He doesn't imply
that.
So my next question is this: what or who made you to undermind His authority?
You say, I don't undermind His authority.

Yes, you do undermind Jesus' authority. You say that God is not in control in His creation but enother power called satan. You just follow the pogan belief of existance of enother god, enother power.

We are told over and over what God did to those pagan nations who aknowledged existance of the "other" gods.
Likewise we are told over and over what God did to Israel every time they turned to believe in existance of other gods.

You say: "I believe that we too can experience dominion if we begin to apply Jesus' words to our lives"

Sholdn't we start from the basis first? Shouln't we get to know the only true God the Father (Joh 17:3)?
Sholdn't we get rid of pogan gods before we may ask God His blessings?

 

[NazariteNation]

This is how you and I should pray as Jesus tought:
Mt 6:9 Our Father. Do I pray only to Our Father?
Mt 6:13 Lead me not into temptation. Do I know that it is the Father who leads into temptation?
For yours is the kingdom; the earth belonges to God only
the power; there is only God's power in operation
the glory; there is only God's glory (authority, dignity, honour)
for ever; continually,perpetually.

My question is this: in which point Jesus implies that this might be not true? You say, He doesn't imply
that.
So my next question is this: what or who made you to undermind His authority?
You say, I don't undermind His authority.

Yes, you do undermind Jesus' authority. You say that God is not in control in His creation but enother power called satan. You just follow the pogan belief of existance of enother god, enother power.

We are told over and over what God did to those pagan nations who aknowledged existance of the "other" gods.
Likewise we are told over and over what God did to Israel every time they turned to believe in existance of other gods.

You say: "I believe that we too can experience dominion if we begin to apply Jesus' words to our lives"

Sholdn't we start from the basis first? Shouln't we get to know the only true God the Father (Joh 17:3)?
Sholdn't we get rid of pogan gods before we may ask God His blessings?

My friend, I believe that you may have completely misunderstood everything I have written. Not once will you find in my posts, where I have said anything about Satan having complete dominion over God or all of creation. I too believe that God is ultimately in control over all creation.

However, what people must understand is, that in the beginning God gave man dominion over the EARTH. Mind you that man's dominion is limited & only pertains to mankind and our ability make choices as it pertains to our lives and how we interact with others here on this earth. By giving into sin, man gave Satan access into our thoughts and the ability influence our actions and it is through this access that Satan is able have influence in this world. In essence, Man gave Satan dominion over man thus access to rulership over the world THROUGH mankind.

However, through Jesus Christ, we can be free from Satan's influence thus regaining dominion over our thoughts and our lives. How do we do this? For starters by accepting Jesus Christ into our lives (Salvation) then by presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice unto God by making God first in our lives and the benefit of others second. Basically, we follow after Jesus' example of being SELFLESS and by making the conscience effort to put others first... we literally regain dominion over our lives seeing as this is a concept completely foriegn to the will and thought patterns of Satan.

THROUGH SELFLESSNESS WE ARE ABLE TO TAKE CONTROL! THIS IS THE KEY TO THE KINGDOM!

 

[NazariteNation]

This is how you and I should pray as Jesus tought:
Mt 6:9 Our Father. Do I pray only to Our Father?
Mt 6:13 Lead me not into temptation. Do I know that it is the Father who leads into temptation?
For yours is the kingdom; the earth belonges to God only
the power; there is only God's power in operation
the glory; there is only God's glory (authority, dignity, honour)
for ever; continually,perpetually.

My question is this: in which point Jesus implies that this might be not true? You say, He doesn't imply
that.
So my next question is this: what or who made you to undermind His authority?
You say, I don't undermind His authority.

Yes, you do undermind Jesus' authority. You say that God is not in control in His creation but enother power called satan. You just follow the pogan belief of existance of enother god, enother power.

We are told over and over what God did to those pagan nations who aknowledged existance of the "other" gods.
Likewise we are told over and over what God did to Israel every time they turned to believe in existance of other gods.

You say: "I believe that we too can experience dominion if we begin to apply Jesus' words to our lives"

Sholdn't we start from the basis first? Shouln't we get to know the only true God the Father (Joh 17:3)?
Sholdn't we get rid of pogan gods before we may ask God His blessings?

For the record Jerry, I agree with ya my brother. My last post was just to clear things up seeing as there seemed to be some sort of misunderstanding. However, I do believe that selflessness is the means in which we are able to bring Heavenly order to this earth...

"Faith without works is dead."

Much love!

"NAZZ"

 

[WhereToGo]

My friend, I believe that you may have completely misunderstood everything I have written. Not once will you find in my posts, where I have said anything about Satan having complete dominion over God or all of creation. I too believe that God is ultimately in control over all creation.

However, what people must understand is, that in the beginning God gave man dominion over the EARTH. Mind you that man's dominion is limited & only pertains to mankind and our ability make choices as it pertains to our lives and how we interact with others here on this earth. By giving into sin, man gave Satan access into our thoughts and the ability influence our actions and it is through this access that Satan is able have influence in this world. In essence, Man gave Satan dominion over man thus access to rulership over the world THROUGH mankind.

However, through Jesus Christ, we can be free from Satan's influence thus regaining dominion over our thoughts and our lives. How do we do this? For starters by accepting Jesus Christ into our lives (Salvation) then by presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice unto God by making God first in our lives and the benefit of others second. Basically, we follow after Jesus' example of being SELFLESS and by making the conscience effort to put others first... we literally regain dominion over our lives seeing as this is a concept completely foriegn to the will and thought patterns of Satan.

THROUGH SELFLESSNESS WE ARE ABLE TO TAKE CONTROL! THIS IS THE KEY TO THE KINGDOM!

I was going to clarify what I said about satan having control of this realm, but you said everything there I would.

The only part I disagree about is our thoughts. I think only God can read our mind, but every other spirit is an excellent study of human behavior and can many times surmise what we are thinking based on our body language and facial expressions. They can try to plant thoughts in our mind, thereby tempting us, but I don't think they can read our mind. That is for God alone, imo.

 

[NoahsDad]

I was going to clarify what I said about satan having control of this realm, but you said everything there I would.

The only part I disagree about is our thoughts. I think only God can read our mind, but every other spirit is an excellent study of human behavior and can many times surmise what we are thinking based on our body language and facial expressions. They can try to plant thoughts in our mind, thereby tempting us, but I don't think they can read our mind. That is for God alone, imo.

I don,t think you guys understand what Jerry is saying at all.He is saying that the belief in Satan all together is a pagan belief,there is no satan ,and it's only God that makes good and evil.In saying this I can agree that satan is not a name of an angel nor a person (it means adversary)by implication an enemy or opposition.
This is backed up in Mat13"The parable of the Wheat and Tares"where the husbandman says that "an enemy has sewed these seeds"But one important point is left out of this theology is in the interpretation of this parable,where it is written Mat 13:38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
pon-ay-ros'
From a derivative of G4192; hurtful, that is, evil (properly in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from G4550, which indicates degeneracy from original virtue); figuratively calamitous; also (passively) ill, that is, diseased; but especially (morally) culpable, that is, derelict, vicious, facinorous; neuter (singular) mischief, malice, or (plural) guilt; masculine (singular) the devil, or (plural) sinners: - bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked (-ness). See also G4191.
and
Mat 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
diabolos
dee-ab'-ol-os
From G1225; a traducer; specifically Satan (compare [H7854]): - false accuser, devil, slanderer.
śâṭân
saw-tawn'
From H7853; an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) Satan, the arch enemy of good: - adversary, Satan, withstand.
This not only implies that there is truely an adversary But that it is one intity.Not an All powerful intity such as God the Father but a created intity that can sew seeds just as Jesus (ie Imanuel"God with us")or God in the flesh.
so to say that there is no evil presence other than the evil that God creates is an apostasy and a deseption just as saying that there is no God or that the bible is a fable
The best deseption that satan or the adverary could do is to make you believe that he doesnt exist.for how can you fight an enemy you dont believe is there.Or why would you fight against the wil of God in whom you believe this evil is created by.
The reason satan or the adversary isnt mentioned by name is by reason of Hebrew tradition ,Where in they believe that if you are mentioned by name that your name is eternal there by giving credence to your evil deeds ...such as Jesabel and jereboim ,Whom arent mentioned by name but rather by their evil deeds.
These werent their names but their deeds and there by transliterated and not translated by the priests that did the translations (whom believed the same thing as the Hebrews that wrote the scriptures origionally)

 

[jerrywlo]

NoahsDad, thanks for the good perspective. You are correct to say that not all evil comes from God.

The second source of evil is man himself. We see it in Mt 12:35: an evil man brings out evil things from his treasure because of care of this world and deceitfulness of riches (Mt 13:22). It come forth from the heart, for out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,murders, adulteries,fornications, theft, false witness, blasphemies (Mt15:18-19). For he savoures not the things that be of God, but those that be of man (Mt 16;23). Woe to that man by whom the offence cometh (Mt18:7), generation of vipers (Lu 3:7). They became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart, thinking was darkened, professing themselves to be wise, they became fools (Rom 1:21). It is not I that do it, but sin that dweleth in me (Rom 7:17+20). Make no provision for the flesh to the lust (Rom 13;14). Not fashion yourselves according to the lust (1Pe 1:14). Abstain from fleshly lust, which war against the soul (1Pe 2:11).
They speak words of vanity, they allure through the lust of flesh, they are the servants of corruption (2Pe 2:18-19).
Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness (Eph 4:19). That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts (Eph 4:22). Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry (Col 3:5).
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (1Jo 2:16).These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage (Jud 1:16). But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Heb 3:13).

Jesus prayed for Peter that his faith fail not (Lu22:32), yet he denialed Jesus three times.

Satan can be of help in bringing people to God:
1Co 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the pirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 2Co 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. 1Ti 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

So what is apostasy? I think, it is destortion of the Truth that God is replaced by another power.

I have included few quotes, out of many, of the scripture for us to have a close look at this problem.

God bless

 

[NazariteNation]

NoahsDad, thanks for the good perspective. You are correct to say that not all evil comes from God.

The second source of evil is man himself. We see it in Mt 12:35: an evil man brings out evil things from his treasure because of care of this world and deceitfulness of riches (Mt 13:22). It come forth from the heart, for out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,murders, adulteries,fornications, theft, false witness, blasphemies (Mt15:18-19). For he savoures not the things that be of God, but those that be of man (Mt 16;23). Woe to that man by whom the offence cometh (Mt18:7), generation of vipers (Lu 3:7). They became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart, thinking was darkened, professing themselves to be wise, they became fools (Rom 1:21). It is not I that do it, but sin that dweleth in me (Rom 7:17+20). Make no provision for the flesh to the lust (Rom 13;14). Not fashion yourselves according to the lust (1Pe 1:14). Abstain from fleshly lust, which war against the soul (1Pe 2:11).
They speak words of vanity, they allure through the lust of flesh, they are the servants of corruption (2Pe 2:18-19).
Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness (Eph 4:19). That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts (Eph 4:22). Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry (Col 3:5).
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (1Jo 2:16).These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage (Jud 1:16). But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Heb 3:13).

Jesus prayed for Peter that his faith fail not (Lu22:32), yet he denialed Jesus three times.

Satan can be of help in bringing people to God:
1Co 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the pirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 2Co 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. 1Ti 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

So what is apostasy? I think, it is destortion of the Truth that God is replaced by another power.

I have included few quotes, out of many, of the scripture for us to have a close look at this problem.

God bless

It appears that the misunderstanding has been clarified. It's good to see that we are all on or close to the same page here.

I believe that SELFISHNESS of any kind can only leads to sin. Also that all sin can be linked to SELFISHNESS in some way or another. To sum things up, SELFISHNESS is the basis of evil and vice versa. They are one in the same.

Have you ever noticed that the hardest struggles that a christian seems to face usually involves a seed of SELFISHNESS and that usually all guilt also involves a seed of SELFISHNESS. Mind you, I'm not saying that it is wrong to want those things that are essential to life. However, it is wrong to place those things above the needs of others when we have a generous God who is more than willing & able to provide for us when we obey his word and provide for others. He may not promises what we want, but He always provides us with what we need. Almost all basic conflicts can be traced back to a moment where we exalt our wants over the need of others.

 

[NoahsDad]

but the verses that you pointed out indicate that there is an external influence aswell as an internal influence that controlls, such as the one in 1st corinthians.To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh
śâṭân
saw-tawn'
From H7853; an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) Satan, the arch enemy of good: - adversary, Satan, withstand.
like here in
1Jn 4:3
1Jo_2:18, 1Jo_2:22; 2Th_2:7-8; 2Jo_
These indicate xternal influences other than internal.Called Antichrist's
I Do however feel that The adversary or satan gets way more credit than he deserves in this church age .But am a little more than aprehencive in denying that there is No external source of deseption or an adversary all together.If you dont believe in a satan or outside satan then how do you explain the presence of demonics as in
Mar 5:15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
and many other places.
But back to internal influences.
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
I feel you are confusing these with All the other verses aswell.I personally dont feel that God posesses people with evil spirits or hurtful outside demons, as these verses point out.Luk 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
Luk 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
Act 19:12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
Act 19:13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
Act 19:14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
Act 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
Act 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
And as you see in this account those who didnt take into consideration this was a real demon.the circomstances was disasterous...Not only were they not subscribers to the Christian belief they also didnt believe in a satanic belief either.Look at the word Vagabon Jews.Who were these folx?what was their angle?why were they tryin to do this?I'll leave this for another time as to avoid a digression.(sorry)anyhoo .you see how Not taking serious the presence of an outside sourse of evil can prove disasterous
But I can see what you are saying too,The taking of this to the extreme to the point of worship can be equally disasterous
Holla!