Introduction

Does God Have A Purpose For Satan?

God’s “Servant” Satan—the title almost tastes like heresy! But if we stop to chew on it a bit, it forces us to consider a very awkward question: Is God really in charge of Satan? Many would quickly spit out “NO” as an answer, because we don’t like to think of God as being in charge of someone so evil. But on the other hand, if God is not in charge of Satan, then God must not be all-powerful, and we don’t like that idea either. Somewhere deep down we know that God IS in charge of Satan, but how does all that work? It’s easier to ignore it. We just don’t want to risk ripping open that bee’s nest, because it’s full of many other irritating questions, like: If God is in charge of Satan, then why doesn’t God get rid of him? And, if God allows Satan to exist, then does that mean God promotes sin? Instead of avoiding these questions, we rip open the nest and discover some sweet surprises in the study of Satan’s life. God’s word does have answers to many of these questions, and more:

• Where did Satan come from in the beginning?

• Did God create Satan bad?

• What is his history and future?

• What are his abilities and limitations?

• What is his strategy and his favorite weapons?

• Does Satan’s kingdom rule over human governments?

• Does Satan see what I’m doing now?

• Does Satan know what everyone is thinking?

• How is Satan working in the modern-day church?

• How do we fight against an unseen enemy?

• Am I siding with Satan without knowing it?

• Is God using Satan somehow in my life?

And perhaps the greatest question about Satan is:

Why does God allow Satan to still exist?? What is his purpose? The answers may surprise you.

Even though the life-story of Satan is rarely told, it forms one of the most amazing of all true stories. Not because Satan is amazing, but because of what we learn about God himself when we study Satan. We learn some things we probably never considered before. This story is not just about God’s enemy, Satan. It’s also about God’s “Servant” Satan.

Outline: Profiles of S.A.T.A.N