2006-12-26 18:15:25 · 19 answers · asked by Wabbit 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You ask a tough question, and it has good news and bad news. One bit of bad news, because we are all weak and will slip up from time to time, no one can say 'i'm doing all the right things according to the lord'. But one bit of good news is that the Bible does tell us that if we 'resist the devil, he will flee from us' (James 4:7)- so as long as we are with God, the Devil has no power over us.
Bad news:
But we can, through our choices, let him have power over us. Ephesians 4:26-27 tell us that if we don't take care of our anger, we 'give place to the devil' In other words- we crack the door and let him get a foot in. Someone once said, "If you give the devil an inch, he'll become your ruler" And it makes sense- all he needs is a little room in your life to do great harm.
More bad news:
But also realize that God uses trials and tests (given by the Devil) to strengthen us and make us more patient, so it doesn't mean that just being good will keep the Devil away from us. Read verses like James 1:2-4, 1 Peter4:15-16, and Romans 5:3-4 for this point.
But the REALLY good news:
What it DOES mean is that God will not allow the Devil to throw anything at us that we cannot handle- 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us within every temptation God provides a way out so we can bear it. Every time we struggle with something the Devil throws at us, we can be confident that we can overcome it because God wouldn't allow us to endure something we couldn't survive- no matter how bad.
Finally, remember the story of Job. He was the most righteous man there was, and yet God allowed the Devil to take a swing at knocking Job down. It wasn't because God was mad at Job, but because he knew Job could handle it. And Job did- he was righteous before, and he was righteous through the trials. So the lesson for us is that we must try to live right according to what God tells us, knowing that the Devil will try to take us out, but also knowing that God is stronger than the Devil and won't let him try anything that we can't handle. That way we are aware of what he is trying to do, but we don't have to be afraid of him because we are on God's side!
2006-12-26 18:33:39 · answer #1 · answered by Adam R 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If "doing all the right things" includes studying and obeying the Scriptures. Peter said " Be sober, be vigilant, for your adversary the devil goes about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. BUT RESIST HIM, firm in you faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers who are in the world" (I Peter 5:8,9)
James says: "Submit yourself therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:6)
Paul said "Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil, for our wrestling is not against flesh and blood..." (Ephesians 6:11,12)
If we do not heed the warnings of Scripture, you can be sure Satan will take all the ground he can. "and do not give the devil a foothold" (Ephesians 4:27)
Paul himself endured the harassment of a messenger from Satan (II Corinthians 12:7-9), although I think this was an extraordinary situation - you probably don't have the revelations Paul had to puff you up. Paul was once thwarted by Satan from coming to the Thessalonians (I Thessalonians 2:18). God has given us the means to overcome Satan "And the God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (Romans 16:20). Nevertheless the battle still rages, and someone once said the "The cost of freedom is eternal vigilance". Fight the good fight of faith!
2006-12-27 02:37:32 · answer #2 · answered by wefmeister 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, just look at the story of Job. Job never denied God yet suffered severe persecution. Look at all those christian martyrs that died for their faith. It truly wasn't God that put it into the Romans heads to kill christians. It was the devil. The devil can try to attack and can do harm but God is there throughout our experiences and we can have joy beyond our circumstances.
2006-12-27 02:24:14 · answer #3 · answered by sheepinarowboat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think if u are doing right what God Ask you to and u stay away from the things he say to stay away from and u stay strong in this then the Devil can not hurt u but the devil is always going to tempt you so be careful.
2006-12-27 02:24:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No but he'll still try. You must be en garde at all times.
I Cr 13;8a
12-26-6
Keep on the whole armor of God(Ephesians 6). Be imbued with the Blood, the Word, and the name of Jesus at all times. Don't ever give the devil place, no not for a moment.
2006-12-27 02:21:40 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The devil can torment you. He can tempt you. The more you grow, the more attacks you can expect to stop it. But, the Lord God always provides a way to escape temptation and to fend off the devil.
2006-12-27 02:18:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe in the devil. There are plenty enough things in life and in this world that can harm us without worrying about a "devil."
2006-12-27 02:17:14 · answer #7 · answered by keri gee 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Read the Old Testament. Pay special attention to the stories of Job, the Exodus, Sodom and Gomorrah, and the book of Deuteronomy in general.... If anyone is likely to harm you, it's God, not the Devil. Satan only kills 3 people in the Bible, and he had to get Gods permission to do it. God kills MILLIONS.
-SD-
2006-12-27 02:36:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Devil cannot harm your soul. Job tells about this subject, it is interesting.
2006-12-27 02:20:10 · answer #9 · answered by The Daughter of the King, BaC 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think so. Read the Book of Job. The only thing I don't think Satan can do is posses someone who has the Holy Spirit.
2006-12-27 08:02:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋