(NOTE: This message was given at our worship gathering but due to technical issues it was re-recorded without a live audience the next day.)

God is ______________; everything is ________________________.

Question 1: If God is sovereign, are we just like ‘puppets on a string’ who have to do whatever He wants?

Two true statements:
1.
2.

Question 2: If God is sovereign and created all things, isn’t he to blame for sin, evil and suffering in the world?

Genesis 3:1-13
Three types of evil that are present at the fall:
1._________________ evil (Satan tempts Adam and Eve)
2._________________ evil (Adam and Eve disobey God)
3._________________ evil (Sin affects all of creation)
All sin, evil and suffering we experience is the result of ___________________.

James 1:13-17

God is ______________________________________ of sin, evil and suffering but He is _________________________________________.

Question 3: If God is sovereign, good and all-powerful, why doesn’t he do something about sin, evil and suffering in the world?

2 Peter 3:8-9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Job 1:20-22
The real issue is this:
When God doesn’t treat sin, evil and suffering the way we expect Him to will we ______________________________________________?

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

The only authoritative source of truth on the subject of spiritual warfare is:    ___________________________________.

God:

Omnipresent              Jeremiah 23:24 and Psalm 139:7-10

Omnipotent               Jeremiah 32:17, 27  and Luke 1:37

Omniscient                 Psalm 147:5 and 1 John 3:20

Holy                                Leviticus 19:2, 1 Samuel 2:2 and Psalm 96:9

Righteous                   Psalm 145:17

Infinite                          Psalm 90:2 and Revelation 1:8

Creator                        Genesis 1-2

Sovereign                   Psalm 2:1-4 and Acts 4:24-28

God  is _______________________________________ in the story.

All of humanity, all the angels, all the demons, and even Satan himself are nothing more than role players in this spiritual drama.

Angels:

created by God      Colossians 1:15-6

spiritual beings with no physical body      Hebrews 1:14

emotional and intellectual beings       Job 38:7, 1 Pet 1:12, Mat. 24:36

powerful, but have limited power      Job 1, 2

knowledgeable, but limited knowledge      Mark 13:32, 1 Peter 1:12

Immortal      Hebrews 1:13-14

Q. How many angels are there?  A. ________________________________!

Angels have various classes or ranks: Cherubim, Seraphim, Living Creatures, Archangel

Angels worship God.  Isaiah 6:3, Luke 2:13-14 and Revelations 4-5

Angels have moral choice Jude 1:6

Fallen angels (demons):

were created good

chose to do evil

wage war against humanity

Satan (the devil):

Satan is a fallen angel

Satan is a created being

Satan was a cherub, the highest ranking among created beings

Satan was beautiful and powerful, but pride was his downfall

Ezekiel 28:12-19

Satan is limited in power and knowledge

God and Satan are __________________________________________!

Revelation 12 Satan led a portion of the angels in a rebellion against God.

Revelation 20  They will one day be thrown into a lake of fire where they will be     tormented day and night forever and ever.

Jude 1:6  2 Peter 2:4  Hebrews 2:16

Fallen angels have _________________________________________ for their ______________________________________ against God… but _________________!