In John 17, Jesus turns to the Father in prayer, expressing His return to Him as He prepares to confront the cross. In this heartfelt moment, He earnestly pleads for God to safeguard those entrusted to Him by the Father from the evil one. It raises a profound question: what serious threats would those chosen by the Father encounter if Jesus had not interceded on their behalf for protection?
Hello @Support, thank you for your thoughtful question regarding Jesus’ intercession as highlighted in John 17. This chapter is profound as it reveals the heart of Jesus as He prepares for the cross and prays specifically for His disciples and, by extension, for all believers.
If we consider what would happen if Jesus did not intercede, we can draw on several scriptural truths that highlight the dangers faced by those chosen by the Father.
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Spiritual Vulnerability: Without Jesus’ intercession, believers would be left exposed to the schemes of the evil one. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Jesus’ prayer for protection is crucial because it acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare and the constant threat posed by sin and temptation.
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Separation from God: Jesus’ role as our intercessor is vital for maintaining our relationship with God. Hebrews 7:25 states, “Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Without His intercession, we would face the grave danger of separation from God, as sin would create a barrier that we cannot overcome on our own.
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Lack of Assurance: Jesus’ intercession provides believers with confidence in their standing before God. Romans 8:33-34 poses the question, “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Without this assurance, believers would be left in a state of uncertainty regarding their salvation and acceptance by God.
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Disunity and Division: In His prayer, Jesus emphasizes the unity of believers. John 17:21 states, “That they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.” Without His intercession, the body of Christ would struggle with disunity, leading to a weakened witness in the world.
In summary, the dangers of Jesus not interceding would be profound: spiritual vulnerability, separation from God, lack of assurance, and disunity among believers. His intercession is not merely a comforting thought but a critical aspect of our faith and relationship with God.
To deepen your understanding, would you like to explore more about the nature of spiritual warfare in the New Testament, or perhaps discuss the implications of Jesus’ intercession in our daily lives?
1 Peter 5:8 warns us, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
If Satan is not omnipresent or omniscient how does he devour or effect people. Can he interact in a physical way. He cannot plant thoughts in your head. How does he accomplish his plans?
@Support, your questions delve into the complexities of spiritual warfare and the nature of Satan’s influence. While it is true that Satan is not omnipresent or omniscient like God, he is still a powerful adversary who can have a significant impact on individuals.
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Temptation and Deception: Satan primarily works through temptation and deception, as seen in Genesis 3 with the serpent tempting Eve. He can influence thoughts and desires by presenting enticing options that appeal to our sinful nature. James 1:14-15 explains, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” While he cannot plant thoughts directly, he can exploit our vulnerabilities and lead us to consider sinful actions.
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Influence through External Means: Satan can also use external circumstances and individuals to accomplish his plans. For example, he can influence culture, societal norms, and even other people to lead believers astray. Ephesians 2:2 describes him as “the prince of the power of the air,” indicating his ability to influence the world system. He can manipulate situations to create doubt, fear, and division among believers.
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Spiritual Oppression: While Satan cannot possess a believer, he can oppress them. This can manifest as feelings of despair, anxiety, and doubt. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 encourages us that “though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” This shows that while Satan can exert influence, believers have the tools to combat his schemes through prayer, Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
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Use of Lies and False Teachings: Satan is often referred to as “the father of lies” (John 8:44). He can propagate false doctrines and misleading teachings to confuse and lead believers away from the truth of Scripture. 1 Timothy 4:1 warns, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.”
In summary, while Satan lacks the divine attributes of omnipresence and omniscience, he effectively accomplishes his plans through temptation, external influence, spiritual oppression, and the propagation of lies. As believers, we are called to be vigilant and equipped with the truth of God’s Word to resist his schemes, as emphasized in Ephesians 6:10-11, which urges us to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
If you have further questions or want to explore specific aspects of spiritual warfare, feel free to ask!
How does he do this? You are saying what he does. My question is how.
@Support, I appreciate your desire for clarity on how Satan exploits vulnerabilities. While the Bible does not provide exhaustive details on the mechanics of Satan’s influence, we can glean insights from Scripture regarding his methods of operation.
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Observation and Understanding Human Nature: Satan has been observing humanity since the beginning. He understands human nature and can discern weaknesses, desires, and fears. For instance, in Genesis 3, he approached Eve not with overt threats but by appealing to her curiosity and desire for wisdom. He knows how to tailor his temptations to exploit specific weaknesses in individuals.
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Circumstantial Manipulation: Satan can influence circumstances to create opportunities for temptation. For example, he may orchestrate situations where a person is alone or in a vulnerable emotional state, making it easier for them to succumb to temptation. Job 1-2 illustrates how Satan can influence circumstances to cause suffering and despair, thereby testing one’s faith.
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Deceptive Thoughts and Suggestions: While Satan does not plant thoughts directly, he can suggest ideas that align with a person’s existing desires or fears. This might come in the form of doubts about God’s goodness or the truth of His Word. Matthew 4:1-11 shows how Satan tempted Jesus by misusing Scripture, thus demonstrating how he can twist the truth to plant seeds of doubt.
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Influence through Others: Satan can use other people to plant seeds of doubt or to tempt us. For example, in Matthew 16:23, Jesus rebukes Peter, saying, “Get behind me, Satan!” This indicates that Satan can influence individuals to speak or act in ways that lead others away from God’s truth.
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Appealing to Pride and Selfishness: Satan often exploits our pride and selfishness by presenting temptations that promise immediate gratification or power. 1 John 2:16 describes this as “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” These are areas where he can easily lead us astray if we are not vigilant.
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Isolation: Satan often seeks to isolate individuals from the community of faith, making it easier to exploit their vulnerabilities. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to gather together for mutual encouragement, which is essential in resisting temptation. When isolated, individuals may be more susceptible to doubts and fears.
In summary, Satan exploits vulnerabilities through observation, manipulation of circumstances, deceptive suggestions, influence through others, appeals to pride, and isolation. Understanding these methods allows believers to be more vigilant and proactive in guarding against his schemes.
If you would like to explore specific examples or strategies for resisting these influences, please let me know!
Does Satan possess and control some people?
@Support, the question of Satan’s ability to possess and control individuals is an important one in understanding spiritual warfare. Let’s examine what Scripture teaches about this topic.
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Possession in the New Testament: The Bible does present instances of demonic possession, particularly in the Gospels. For example, in Mark 5:1-20, Jesus encounters a man possessed by a legion of demons. This account illustrates that demons can inhabit and exert control over individuals, causing significant physical and mental suffering. However, it is essential to note that these instances typically involve individuals who are not believers.
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Believers and Possession: The New Testament teaches that true believers in Christ cannot be possessed by demons because they are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. 1 John 4:4 reassures us, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” This indicates that the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life provides protection against demonic possession.
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Influence and Oppression: While believers cannot be possessed, they can experience demonic influence or oppression. This may manifest as spiritual attacks, temptations, and emotional or mental struggles. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” This suggests that while believers are secure in their salvation, they are still engaged in a spiritual battle.
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The Nature of Control: Satan can exert influence over individuals, leading them to make sinful choices or to be deceived by false teachings. 2 Timothy 2:26 speaks of those who have been “captured by him to do his will.” This indicates that while he cannot possess believers, he can control the thoughts and actions of those who are not in Christ, leading them away from the truth.
In summary, while Satan can possess and control non-believers, true believers in Christ cannot be possessed due to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. However, they can still experience spiritual oppression and influence. Understanding this distinction helps believers recognize the importance of spiritual vigilance and reliance on God for protection.
If you have further questions or would like to discuss how to resist such influences, feel free to ask!
Do demons exist in another rhelm and observe our lives?
@Support, the existence of demons and their interaction with the world is a topic addressed in Scripture. Here’s what the Bible reveals about demons, their realm, and their influence on human lives:
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Existence of Demons: The Bible affirms the existence of demons as fallen angels who rebelled against God. Revelation 12:7-9 describes a war in heaven where Michael and his angels fought against the dragon (Satan) and his angels, leading to their expulsion from heaven to the earth. This indicates that demons are real spiritual beings with a malevolent purpose.
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Spiritual Realm: Demons exist in a spiritual realm that is not visible to us. Ephesians 6:12 states, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” This verse highlights that demons operate in a realm that influences the physical world.
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Observation and Influence: While Scripture does not explicitly state that demons can observe our lives in the same way humans do, it is reasonable to conclude that they can see and understand human behavior. They may not possess omniscience, but they can observe patterns of behavior, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities. This allows them to exploit those weaknesses, as discussed previously.
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Interference in Human Affairs: There are instances in Scripture where demons are depicted as actively interfering in human affairs. For example, in Daniel 10:12-13, an angel explains that he was delayed in delivering a message to Daniel because he faced opposition from the “prince of the kingdom of Persia,” likely a reference to a demonic entity. This illustrates that demons can influence nations and individuals.
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Possession and Oppression: As previously mentioned, demons can possess individuals, particularly those who are not under the protection of Christ. They can also oppress believers, causing spiritual struggles, temptations, and emotional distress, but they cannot possess those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
In summary, demons do exist in a spiritual realm and can observe and influence human lives, although they do not possess the omniscience of God. They are active in the world, seeking to lead people away from God and into sin. As believers, it is crucial to remain vigilant and rely on the power of God through prayer and the truth of His Word to resist their influence.
If you have more questions or would like to explore specific aspects of spiritual warfare further, please let me know!