Ask Pastor John Why Satan Persists
Nov 24, 2025
Join John Piper, a prominent Reformed theologian and author, as he unpacks the complex role of Satan in a believer's life. He reveals why God permits Satan's existence and how this ultimately serves His glory. Piper introduces four powerful processes—showing, suffering, using Satan, and savoring—that illustrate God's strategy in defeating evil. From showcasing Christ's power through healing to using suffering for sanctification, Piper emphasizes the importance of finding joy in Christ to triumph over worldly temptations.
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Satan's Existence Is Permission, Not Power
- Satan exists yet is wholly dependent on God and has no rightful claim on existence.
- John Piper stresses God allows Satan temporarily but will finally consign him to eternal defeat.
Progressive Defeat Reveals Christ
- God defeats Satan progressively to reveal more of Christ's glory rather than by an immediate display of power.
- Piper summarizes this as four processes designed to magnify Christ across history.
Confrontations Showcase Christ's Glory
- 'Showing' means confrontations with Satan display facets of Christ's power and mercy to observers.
- Piper cites Jesus healing the woman bent by Satan as an example that magnified Christ's glory.
