2 Thessalonians 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, I. THE SCRIPTURE ACCOUNT OF SATAN. 1. He is represented as a spirit or immaterial being (1 Kings 22; Luke 10:17-20). 2. As an angel, preferable to man in understanding and might. 3. As a fallen angel (Jude 1:6). 4. As the prince or chief of infernal spirits (Matthew 9:34; Matthew 12:24; Matthew 25:41; Luke 12:41).As lying under punishment, in reserve to be brought forth at the great day of retribution as a monument of God's hatred of sin. II. THE INSTANCES OF HIS AGENCY. 1. His introducing sin into the world (2 Corinthians 11:3-13). 2. The temptation of Christ (Matthew 4:1-11). 3. Possession of bodies when Christ was in the world (1 John 3:8; Acts 10:88). 4. The objects against which his force is directed are the dishonour of God and the rum of men. 5. The subjects are good and bad men. 6. The ways in which he acts are two — force and fraud, fiery darts and subtle wiles (Ephesians 6:11-16). 7. He acts on persons and means with diligence, and constancy, and malice, as a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). 8. Be his activity ever so great, it is restrained and overruled by God, who has all evil spirits under His control.The practical improvement of the subject: 1. We should admire the wisdom and goodness of God in making a discovery of Satan. 2. We should watch against his manifold artifices. 3. We should pray for grace and power to resist him. (J. Towle.) Parallel Verses KJV: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, |
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