What other scriptures warn against seeking power through ungodly means? Luke 4:6—Satan’s Enticement to Illegitimate Power “And the devil said to Him, ‘I will give You authority over all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, for it has been relinquished to me, and I can give it to anyone I wish.’ ” Why Power Sought Apart from God Is Spiritual Treason - It bypasses God’s sovereignty and timing. - It requires compromise—usually worship, allegiance, or methods God forbids. - It always ends in bondage rather than freedom (cf. John 8:44). Old Testament Warnings - Genesis 3:5 — “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” The serpent’s lure: power apart from God. - Deuteronomy 18:10-12 — “No one among you is to… practice divination… consult the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD.” - 1 Samuel 15:23 — “Rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry.” - 1 Samuel 28:7-10 — Saul seeks a medium, forfeiting his kingdom. - 2 Kings 1:2-4 — Ahaziah consults Baal-zebub and hears the verdict: “You will not leave the bed you are lying on.” - Psalm 62:11-12 — “Power belongs to God… For You will repay each man according to his deeds.” - Proverbs 16:18 — “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” - Isaiah 30:1-2 — “Woe to the rebellious children… who set out to go down to Egypt without asking My counsel, to seek shelter in Pharaoh’s protection.” - Habakkuk 2:12 — “Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by injustice!” New Testament Echoes - Matthew 4:8-10 — The devil repeats the offer; Jesus answers, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” - Acts 8:18-23 — Simon tries to buy apostolic power; Peter says, “May your silver perish with you.” - Acts 19:18-19 — New believers burn costly occult scrolls when they meet Christ. - 1 Corinthians 10:20-21 — “I do not want you to be participants with demons… You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons.” - James 3:14-16 — Selfish ambition is “earthly, unspiritual, demonic… leading to every evil practice.” - 1 Timothy 6:9-10 — “Those who want to be rich fall into temptation… For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” - 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 — The lawless one comes “by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder.” - 1 John 2:15-17 — “The pride of life… is not from the Father.” - Revelation 13:2-4 — “The dragon gave the beast his power… and they worshiped the dragon.” Patterns to Notice - The offer is usually quick, impressive, and tied to pride or fear. - God labels occult or manipulative shortcuts as idolatry or demon-driven. - Judgment follows: loss of kingdom (Saul), physical death (Ahaziah), eternal ruin (lawless one). - True authority is reserved for those who wait on and obey the Lord. Walking in God-Granted Authority Instead - Submit to God, resist the devil (James 4:7). - Wait for God’s exaltation in due time (1 Peter 5:6). - Rely on the Spirit’s empowerment, not worldly methods (Acts 1:8). |
    |