The Devil is God's Devil

• 2 Corinthians 12:7 (ASV)

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There is a common myth that God and Satan are locked in an epic, ongoing battle against each other. In fact, I believe satan very much enjoys this way of thinking, because it elevates him to God's level. The truth is that, as Erwin Lutzer (author of "Serpent of Paradise") says, "the devil is God's devil." It is God who has Satan on a leash, and only has him around, for the time being, for His own purposes. This Scripture demonstrates one such purpose. Notice that Paul attributes his physical difficulties to satan, yet God has His purpose in it.

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