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God, Satan, and David's Numbering of Israel
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeGod's sovereignty extends over all beings, even those who have corrupted themselves, as seen in the interplay between God and Satan in the history of Israel. In the accounts of David's numbering of Israel, both God and Satan are depicted as influencing the event. In I Chronicles 21, Satan stands up against Israel and moves David to conduct the census, while in II Samuel 24, it is the LORD whose anger is aroused against Israel, prompting David to number the people. This apparent discrepancy can be understood by recognizing that God ultimately holds responsibility, setting parameters within which Satan operates. Clear examples of this dynamic are evident in other scriptural events. In the opening chapters of Job, God brings Job to Satan's attention, goading him to challenge God's protection, thus making Satan the instrument of Job's calamities while God remains the ultimate authority. Similarly, in I Kings 22, God presides over a heavenly assembly where a spirit, acting as a lying spirit, is permitted by the LORD to deceive King Ahab through his prophets, demonstrating that God uses even rebellious beings to accomplish His will. Returning to David's census, both God and Satan are behind the action, with God desiring it to happen and Satan broadcasting the suggestion. God's anger against Israel, as noted in II Samuel 24, indicates a broader context of divine displeasure, yet God does not cause David to sin. Instead, He allows the sin already present in David's heart—self-reliance and a focus on military might rather than trust in God—to become manifest through the census, exposing the underlying issues for correction. Thus, God's control over Satan serves His purpose, ensuring that even adversarial actions align with His sovereign plan.
Power Belongs to God (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHuman beings, even those who have been called, have an innate fear that God will not always provide. This fear originates in doubt about God's power.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Five
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIs God sovereign over angels? What about mankind's choices? God's sovereignty is absolute as He directs events toward the culmination of His plan.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA converted person, accepting God's specific care with His children, realizes that both prosperity and deprivation are tools in the Creator's workshop.
Power Belongs to God (Part 2)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe may be going through a period of hopelessness, but must believe that all things work together for those who believe and are called for His purpose.
The Providence of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCalamities, trials, anxiety, evil, and calamities, as well as blessings, happen to Christians in order to become fashioned and molded into God's image.
Satan (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe origins of our adversary, Satan the Devil, and his host of fallen angels or demons. God has promised us protection if we yield to and obey Him.
Satan (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan uses disinformation, spread through false ministers/prophets, teaching smooth things that destroy. We must test the spirits to ensure a teaching is from God.
The Sovereignty of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are assured that even though inexplicable things happen in our lives, God is still sovereign. We must develop childlike faith to trust in Him for solutions.
How Does God Help Us? (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe trials we go through are part of His providence, putting us into humility and determining what really motivates us.
Where Does Righteousness Come From?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeJob was righteous because of the work of God, forming his righteousness out of nothing, guiding events and providing an environment in which character was formed.
Conspiracy Theory (Part Twelve)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Satan has orchestrating his plans for hundreds of years, employing gullible human beings who may not know that they are being used in his service.
Conspiracy Theory (Part Eleven)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Satan has been meticulously and carefully preparing for a war against God for millennia, stepping up the pace as technology has developed exponentially.
Being Alert to Our Enemy
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Like the cycles of the seasons, the events of prophecy follow natural progressions. God has given ample warnings to His prophets to prepare His people.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Prior to the Flood, mankind's thoughts and intents were evil continually. A parallel time of demonic activity is on the horizon for those living today.
Anticipating the Enemy
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe become vulnerable to Satan when we allow pride to consume us, cozy up to false doctrine, toy with the paranormal, or let down in prayer and Bible study
Lead Us Not Into Temptation
Sermon by Ryan McClureIt is solely God's prerogative to test and to prove, while Satan's function is to tempt, to trip up, and to destroy. God tests but does not tempt.