The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

Chapter 18: Pages 241-261

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) and started Part 3 "The Nature and Extent of Providence", moving to Section 3 "Providence Over Satan and Demons" - moving to chapter eighteen "Satan and Demons". 

The core takeaway from Piper in this chapter is that, yes, Satan is powerful, yet God is sovereign over every aspect of Satan's role before Satan is ultimately defeated at the end times.  Piper's discussion, includes scriptural examples of how God is sovereign over earthly rulers (Romans 13:1, Proverbs 21:1, Psalm 2:2-4), over demons and evil spirits (James 2:19, Luke 7:21, Matthew 10:1, Daniel 10:13, Matthew 8:29-32, Mark 1:27), over persecution (1 Peter 3:17, 1 Peter 4:19, Luke 22:3, 31, 52-53, John 10:18, John 7:30), over Satan's life taking power (Deuteronomy 32:39, 1 Samuel 2:6, James 4:13-16), over Satan's hands in natural disasters (John 8:44, Job 1:16-19, 37:11-14), over Satan's sickness causing power (Acts 10:38), over Satan's use of animals and plants, over Satan's temptations to sin (Acts 1:16, 2:23, 1 Thessalonians 3:5), over Satan's mind blowing power (Revelation 20:10, Romans 1:16), and over Satan's spiritual bondage (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

Piper wraps up the chapter with these words: [w]hen God permits Satan to act with that design, God's design in doing so is for his glory and the ultimate good of his people.  We have show before that all God's wise permissions have good designs. They are planned permissions, and all God's plans are good."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You are sovereign over all, including all aspects of Satan's existence.  You have freed me from bondage and given me faith and help grow that faith - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of how You have given me faith and freed me from bondage to sin.  I worry and I have other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.