When God Gives the Devil Permission to Destroy

2 Chronicles 18:20-21; Job 1:6,12; 1 Corinthians 5:4-5; 1 Peter 5:8; John 8:44; Luke 22:31-32; Luke 3:17; 2 Kings 2:23-24; Acts 5:1-11; Luke 13:34; John 17:17

Introduction

Tonight’s sermon title is “When God Gives the Devil Permission to Destroy.” Dr. Dean Miller Sr. brings a sober, Bible-centered warning: God sometimes allows Satan to work against people, families, or churches when persistent sin, disrespect for God’s appointed leaders, harm done to the church, or unrepentant rebellion block revival or obedience. These are hard truths, but they come from Scripture and are meant to awaken hearts, call us to repentance, and encourage faithful obedience. We will walk through the Scriptures Dr. Miller used, explain the spiritual principles behind them, and give practical steps for how to respond this week.

These are hard truths, but they come from Scripture…

Outline

1. God’s Sovereign Permission: The Bible Teaches That God Sometimes Allows Satan to Act
   1. Second Chronicles 18 — A Lying Spirit Sent
      

      In the account of Ahab and the prophets (2 Chron. 18:20–21), an evil spirit proposes to be a lying spirit in the mouths of the king’s prophets, and the Lord permits it. The passage shows that God’s sovereignty can include permitting evil spirits to carry out judgment on those who persist in falsehood and rebellion.

      
      
   2. Job — God’s Permission and Satan’s Destruction
      

      Job 1:6–12 records a heavenly conversation where God allows Satan to test Job’s possessions and family, within stated limits. God’s permission does not make Satan good; it sets a boundary that results in trial and reveals character.

      
      
2. God Uses Adversity to Expose and Purge — Two Different Instruments
   1. Luke 3:17 — God’s Fan
      

      Jesus describes the Lord as one who has a fan to thoroughly purge the floor and gather the wheat. God’s purging is corrective and redemptive — it separates and preserves what endures.

      
      
   2. Luke 22:31–32 — Satan’s Sifter
      

      Jesus warns Simon Peter that “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.” The sifter keeps the defective chaff with the wheat to be discarded. Satan’s goal is destruction; God’s goal is purification and restoration (and He prays that faith fail not).

      
      
3. The Devil’s Character and Method
   1. John 8:44 — The Devil Is a Murderer and a Liar
      

      Jesus plainly identifies the devil as a murderer from the beginning and the father of lies. His method is deception followed by destruction.

      
      
   2. 1 Peter 5:8 — The Roaring Lion Seeks to Devour
      

      We are warned to be sober and vigilant because the devil walks about seeking whom he may devour. This is a call to spiritual alertness, not alarmism.

      
      
4. When God Allows the Devil to Work — Four Biblical Reasons
   1. Disrespect for God’s Appointed Man — The Man of God Is to Be Honored
      

      Dr. Miller refers to 2 Kings 2:23–24 where Elisha was mocked and the mockers were judged. The Bible repeatedly shows God’s concern that His messengers be respected. Disrespect for God’s called servants often correlates with a loss of blessing and an opening for destruction. The preacher is a shepherd appointed to feed and guard the flock (Heb. 13:17). Disrespect in word or example often influences children and opens the door to Satanic harm.

      
      
   2. Harming the Church — The Bride of Christ Must Not Be Mistreated
      

      Acts 5:1–11 (Ananias and Sapphira) and the example of Uzziah (who intruded into priestly duties and was struck with leprosy) show that God takes offenses against His church seriously. The church is Christ’s bride (Eph. 5:25–27). Wilful harm, deceit, or sacrilege toward the church can provoke divine judgment which may be executed through Satanic means.

      
      
   3. Continued, Unrepentant Sin — Scripture Calls for Discipline
      

      1 Corinthians 5:4–5 shows the church delivering a man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit might be saved. This hard form of discipline is permitted as a last resort when repentance does not come. God’s goal is repentance and restoration, but when persistent sin persists, He may remove protection.

      
      
   4. Inward Rebellion That Stops Revival — The Blocking Sins
      

      Dr. Miller gives a tragic real-life example of how domestic rebellion and stubbornness opposed God’s call and were followed by catastrophic judgment in the speaker’s retelling. The Bible teaches that rebellion and hard-heartedness can quench revival and invite judgment; God may remove His hedge of protection (as He allowed in Job) so that the consequences expose and refine the heart.

      
      
5. Practical Responses—What God Expects Instead
   1. Humble Submission to God and His Officers
      

      1 Peter 5:5–6 calls for humility under God’s mighty hand. Respect for pastors and leaders, and submission to biblical authority, protect families and churches from needless losses.

      
      
   2. Immediate Repentance and Confession
      

      Where sin is present, act quickly: confess to God, seek shepherdly counsel, and make restitution when required. Scripture prizes timely repentance over delayed sorrow (Prov. 28:13).

      
      
   3. Vigilance in Prayer, Bible Study, and Church Life
      

      Be sober and vigilant: cultivate private devotion (prayer, Scripture), faithful attendance, and active service. The devil seeks lax Christians; active devotion resists him.

      
      
   4. Protect the Children by Guarding Speech and Example
      

      Children reflect parental attitudes toward God and His servants. Avoid criticizing the man of God before children; honor and uphold God-ordained spiritual leadership so the young will grow in reverence and faith.

      
      

Summary

God is sovereign, and Scripture teaches that He sometimes permits Satan to act in a way that exposes sin, executes judgment, or purifies believers. This permission is never a sign that God approves of the devil’s character; rather, it is an overflow of God’s righteous governance—He sets limits, judges sin, and ultimately seeks repentance and restoration. The chief dangers that open the door are disrespect for God’s man, direct harm or deceit against the church, continued unrepentant sin, and inward rebellion that quenches revival. The remedy is humble submission, immediate repentance, vigilance, prayer, and honoring the spiritual leaders God has placed over us.

I don’t want you to change the message. I want the message to change. You don’t change the message because I’m going to take it out of the Bible. But let that message, because it comes out of the Bible, change you.

Application for the Week

These are concrete steps to take this week so you don’t give the devil an opening to destroy what God has entrusted to you.

1. Daily Humility Time — 10 Minutes with God
   

   Each morning set aside ten minutes for prayer and Bible reading. Begin with Psalm 51:10, pray for a clean heart, and ask God to make you teachable. If you cannot do ten minutes at once, divide it morning and evening.

   
   
2. Respect the Man of God — Speak Life, Not Criticism
   

   This week, monitor what you say about your pastor and church leaders. If you have grievances, take them privately and gently to the leader in a spirit of meekness (Matt. 18:15). Refuse to air criticism publicly or before your children.

   
   
3. Confess and Restore — One Relationship
   

   Identify one area of unrepentant sin, or one strained relationship (spouse, child, churchmember), and take a concrete step to confess and repair it. Call, meet, or write, and ask for forgiveness where needed.

   
   
4. Be Watchful — Put Safeguards into Place
   

   Practice vigilance against temptation. Remove or limit influences that entice you into sin (social media, late-night entertainment, unguarded friendships). Set practical boundaries and accountability for the week.

   
   
5. Turn Fear into Prayer — Pray for Protection and Boldness
   

   Each evening, pray specifically: “Lord, keep me humble; protect my home; help me honor Your servants; give me courage to obey.” Pray for your pastor and for the church’s revival—fast or join a prayer hour if you are able.

   
   

If God has stirred you tonight, act now. Come to the altar in prayer, confess your need, and ask God for help. Dr. Miller closed with an altar call—if the Holy Spirit is pressing your heart, this week follow through with the steps above and speak with your pastor for additional guidance and prayer.