Jesus loved Peter, and so Satan sought to prove that Peter was filled with lawlessness. Satan hoped to justify himself by demonstrating that Peter also was rebellious.

God does not prevent Satan from sifting us just as God did not prevent Satan from testing Job. Jesus prays for us that our faith will remain strong.

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Luke 22:32)

Peter and the others had been arguing about who should be greatest in the Kingdom. Peter needed to be converted from his self-seeking so he would love and serve God. Then Peter would be able to strengthen his brothers. We cannot strengthen our brothers while we are seeking to lord it over them.

God has pronounced severe judgment on Satan and the angels that followed Satan. As we have stated, they are consigned forever to the lake that burns with fire and sulfur.

But the saints have been appointed to everlasting glory.

Satan and his angels continually are pointing out to God that God is unfair. They attempt ceaselessly to deceive the saints so the saints will disobey God. When the wicked are successful, as was true in the instance of David and Bathsheba, the wicked blaspheme God, accusing Him of unrighteousness.

While we are in the world we are harassed and tossed about by Satan and other fallen lords. They push and pull us in every direction, hoping we will rebel against God, will become angry with God, will curse God. They strive to wear down our faith and resistance.

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, . . . . (Daniel 7:25)

The Lord does not prevent this examination of our character. He controls carefully what Satan does, as in the case of Job. The saints, particularly those who are called to high places of government in the Kingdom, are sifted by the heavenly rebels. They are far more cunning than man, having held positions of authority in the heavens from ancient times.

Satan and his followers constantly accuse each saint before the throne of the Father.

These accusations will come to an end. It is written that the saints finally will overcome the one accusing them before the Father.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11)

Notice that Jesus does not do all the overcoming, as is taught commonly today. It is the saints who overcome the accuser, but only as the Lord Jesus Christ works in them and with them.

The battle between the saints and Satan is not one of power. At any moment the Father can give Michael and his angels the authority to cast down Satan from the heavens.

The battle is one of Divine judgment and of truth. The Father will not give the Divine commission to Michael until the saints overcome the accuser by testifying to the truth of God's Word.

To be continued.