Today, how believers must center their focus upon themselves to accomplish spiritual growth, rather than upon Satan or others, is considered. Also, there is more on provoking and testing GOD. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Diet Cola” (Level 7 with 29,730 points, a member since August 22, 2007) posted the following:
Why does God let Satan get away with so much?
THE BATTLE AXE: On Testing GOD (06/20/2013)—In a certain sense, the love of GOD is demonstrated by “how much we get away with” (see 2nd Peter 3: 15, KJV). The compassion, forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, mercy, and patience of GOD combine as a shield for those who are otherwise defenseless against righteous judgment. The wrath of GOD against sin is not directed against created beings and living creatures. Spirit substance from the person of GOD must continuously operate within before such features as awe, fear of the Lord, humility, respect, and reverence can appear in their most complete and balanced measure. Much of the foolish and insulting behavior that is displayed against GOD derives from ignorance, immaturity, and underdevelopment that are acceptable as features of our human condition because they are “brief,” do not continue, cannot be spread to others as with disease, and do not endure. Some behavior expressing defiance and rebellion is necessary for development of confidence, independence, integrity and self-possession. In this, created beings and living creatures are like toddlers in the stage of early childhood we call “the terrible twos” where small children repeatedly challenge authority with shouts, and emphatic “No!” In the child, behavior revealing inner conflict, fear, lack of knowledge for correct responses, and uncertainty also may be displayed; however, rarely is there continuing destructiveness, hostility, meanness, or malice. GOD is goaded and proclaims his holy name, Jealous, when he is provoked to wrath by denial of his active presence, by worship of false gods, idols and vanities, or where the created are unresponsive to divine utterance. (See Deuteronomy 29: 16-20, Zephaniah 3: 7-9, Isaiah 55: 7-11, Isaiah 42: 6-8, Romans 3: 19-23 and James 2: 18-20, KJV.)
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (Revelation 12: 7-12, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: To Find A True Christian? (06/17/2013); Unseen Sin? (06/18/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); When Does Gossip Become Sin? (01/08/2013); Understanding Hell (01/09/2013); An Attack Upon Creation? (12/08/2012); The Focus of Judgment? (12/09/2012); The Adversary? (12/05/2012); “Soul” Food? (12/06/2012); A Partnership? (11/05/2012); To See With New Eyes (11/06/2012); (08/26/2011) Dispatch 18: The Ally [Enmity]; (08/29/2011) Dispatch 19: The Ally [Invasion]; (08/30/2011) Dispatch 20: The Ally [Able to Stand]; Why Disobey? (03/18/2011); Two Opinions? (03/19/2011)
“Diet Cola,” here are some points to consider that come into view as part of spiritual growth for Christian believers:
(1) The answer to many of our questions about GOD’s response to other created beings and living creatures are to be found through examination of our own experience, and testimony. One must say, Why does GOD allow ME to get away with so much?
(2) Divine judgment is an ongoing reality whereby all Creation continues under sacred scrutiny and review. Judgment is revealed as truth-finding, the identification of patterns among truths, and the amassing of information as evidence (the books of life). In the final judgment of mankind and the elimination of the wicked, there is no prosecutor or official accuser. We must acknowledge a record of our own deeds that express the content of our spirit; and it is in this sense that neither men nor angels are permitted to “get away” with anything.
(3) Given that accountability, duty, and faithfulness are aspects of personal expression, ones prayer should never be, “Oh GOD, change my wife (or husband, children, parents, Satan, etc.)” or even “Oh GOD, change my circumstances (i.e., society, the world, other people, etc.).” Instead, “Oh GOD, help me to help them achieve the change they need or seek; Oh GOD, grant of your Holy Spirit: Boldness, courage, insight, longsuffering, patience, strength, wisdom, and understanding.”
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4) There is only one revelation of GOD to all Creation, for divinity is immutable and unchanging. The Divine Person does not alter from one relationship to the next. Similarly, divine law, sacred operations, and eternal purpose does not vary from person to person. All have been equipped to discover and realize a single set of interrelated truths.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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