Who Is Behind Ungodly Behaviour - God, the Devil, or Man?
1. Introduction
The question of responsibility for sin has been widely debated:
Is it God?
Is it the devil?
Or is it man?
The Bible presents a balanced truth:
Ungodly behaviour is the result of human choice, satanic influence, and divine permission (not causation).
2. Man: The Primary Responsibility
đź“Ś Key Truth:
Man is responsible because God gave him free will.
đź“– Supporting Scriptures:
James 1:13–15
“…every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust…”
Deuteronomy 30:19
“…I have set before you life and death… therefore choose life…”
Ecclesiastes 7:29
“God made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.”
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned…”
Ezekiel 18:20
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.”
đź“Ś Explanation:
Sin originates from within man (the heart and desires)
Man is not forced—he chooses
Therefore, man is accountable before God
3. The Devil: The Influencer and Deceiver
đź“Ś Key Truth:
The devil influences but does not force sin.
đź“– Supporting Scriptures:
2 Corinthians 4:4
“The god of this world hath blinded the minds…”
John 8:44
“He is a liar, and the father of it.”
1 Peter 5:8
“…your adversary the devil… seeking whom he may devour.”
Genesis 3:1–6
(The serpent deceiving Eve)
Revelation 12:9
“…that old serpent… which deceiveth the whole world.”
đź“Ś Explanation:
Satan:
Tempts
Deceives
Blinds understanding
However:
He cannot override human will
He works through suggestion and influence
4. God: Sovereign, Yet Not the Author of Sin
đź“Ś Key Truth:
God permits but does not produce sin.
🔸 (a) God Does Not Cause Sin
đź“– Scriptures:
James 1:13
“God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man”
1 John 1:5
“God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
🔸 (b) God Gives People Over to Their Choices
đź“– Scriptures:
Romans 1:24, 26, 28
“God gave them up… unto a reprobate mind…”
Psalm 81:11–12
“…they would none of me… So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust…”
🔸 (c) God Hardened Pharaoh’s Heart
đź“– Scriptures:
Exodus 8:15
“Pharaoh hardened his heart…”
Exodus 9:12
“The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh…”
Romans 9:17–18
đź“Ś Explanation:
Pharaoh first chose rebellion
God later confirmed him in that choice
God’s hardening = judicial action, not forced wickedness
🔸 (d) “God Created Evil” (Clarification)
đź“– Scripture:
Isaiah 45:7
“I create evil…”
👉 Meaning:
Refers to calamity/judgment, not moral sin
🔸 (e) God Made the Wicked (Purpose)
đź“– Scripture:
Proverbs 16:4
“…even the wicked for the day of evil.”
👉 Meaning:
God created all
The wicked choose wickedness
God uses even their actions for His purposes
5. The Interaction of the Three
đź“Ś How It Works Together:
Source Role Limitation
Man Chooses sin Cannot blame others
Devil Tempts & deceives Cannot force
God Permits & judges Does not create sin
6. Key Biblical Balance
đź“– Summary Scriptures:
James 1:14 → Man’s desire
2 Corinthians 4:4 → Satan’s deception
Romans 1:28 → God giving over
Galatians 6:7
“Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
7. Teaching Illustration
👉 The Driver Analogy:
Man = Driver (makes decisions)
Devil = Passenger (suggests wrong direction)
God = Authority over the road (permits and judges outcomes)
8. Conclusion
Ungodly behaviour is:
Chosen by man
Influenced by the devil
Permitted (but not caused) by God
đź“– Final Anchor Scripture:
James 1:13–15
Romans 1:28
2 Corinthians 4:4
9. Optional Application (For Teaching)
Call people to:
Take responsibility for their choices
Resist the devil (James 4:7)
Submit to God
Renew their minds (Romans 12:2)