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Satan: On The Prowl Satan is a spirit being who opposes God and man. He “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). From the first book of the Old Testament to the last book of the New Testament, we read about the existence of a personality of evil called Satan. Satan is the personal name of the diabolical ruler of evil spirits. In Matthew 4, we read that Jesus was tempted by “the devil” (v. 1). However, the Lord directly addressed the devil as “Satan” (v. 10). Hence, Satan is his personal name. Satan is referred to in scripture in many ways, including “the devil” (1 John 3:8), “the tempter” (1 Thessalonians 3:5), “the evil one” (1 John 3:12), “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31), “the prince of demons” (Matthew 9:34), “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), “the father of lies” (John 8:44), “the enemy” (Matthew 13:39), “the dragon” (Revelation 12:7), “the accuser” (Revelation 12:10), “the serpent” (2 Corinthians 11:3), “Belial” (2 Corinthians 6:15), and “Apollyon” (Revelation 9:11). One name not mentioned in the list is “Lucifer.” That is because Satan is never called Lucifer in the Bible. The reference to Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12 (KJV) refers to the king of Babylon, not to Satan. Although we are not given a lot of information about Satan in the Old Testament, we certainly have glimpses of his evil character. He maliciously attacked Job (Job 1-2), incited David to number Israel (1 Chronicles 21:1), and brought accusations against Joshua the high priest (Zechariah 3:1). He was the one who commandeered the serpent in the garden as well (Genesis 3:1 cf. Revelation 12:9). Satan appears in scripture as an actual personality of evil. He speaks (Matthew 4:3), tempts (1 Corinthians 7:5), deceives (Revelation 12:9), challenges (Job 1:11), accuses (Revelation 12:10), lies (John 8:44), contends (Jude 9), incites (1 Chronicles 21:1), murders (John 8:44), hinders (1 Thessalonians 2:18), flees (James 4:7), devours (1 Peter 5:8), blinds (2 Corinthians 4:4), and sins (1 John 3:8). He possesses intelligence and purpose (Genesis 3:1-6). Furthermore, Satan is referred to in scripture with the personal pronouns “he” and “him.” Hence, he is not some mythical being as many suppose. He is a real, non-corporeal personality. Satan’s personality is clearly seen in the first two chapters of Job. He was present with the sons of God and spoke to God. He was as much a person in that context as the angels and God. The belief that Satan does not exist may be one of his greatest achievements. People will not guard against somebody they do not believe can hurt them. Others may claim to believe in the existence of a personality of evil called Satan, but their actions indicate that they do not fear him. For instance, would someone joke about Satan or dress up as Satan if they really considered him a threat to their soul? Do you suppose that Jesus or the apostles would find pleasure in someone parading around with horns and a tail claiming to be “the devil?” Satan’s genius is on display when humans engage in such behavior. Satan was probably created before the foundation of the earth with all the angels of heaven (Job 38:4-7). He was not created evil, but chose to rebel against God. This is not hard to imagine when we consider that the New Testament mentions angels who “sinned” (2 Peter 2:4) and “did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling” (Jude 6). Since the scriptures refer to Satan as “the prince of demons” (Matthew 9:34; 12:24) and speak of fallen angels as “his angels” (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:7), it is probably safe to conclude that he is the leader of the fallen angels. He is considered the author of sin (1 John 3:8), sickness (Acts 10:38), and death (Hebrews 2:14). He is credited with leading men astray (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). He is our foe! Satan is powerful, but not all-powerful. He is limited in what he can do. We see that clearly in the testing of Job. Satan had to get permission to test Job, and was able to inflict suffering upon Job only to the extent that God permitted (Job 1:12; 2:6). While tempting Jesus, Satan stated that the kingdoms of the world were “delivered” to him (Luke 4:6), which indicates he did not acquire them by his own power. The church at Smyrna was assured that their tribulation would be short — “ten days” (Revelation 2:10). In order for Satan to succeed, we must “give…opportunity” to him (Ephesians 4:27). Perhaps nothing demonstrates this point more than the fate awaiting him. Satan will be unable to resist being thrown into hell on the great Day of Judgment. Finally, Satan could not stop Jesus from being born, induce him to sin, or keep him in the tomb. •
Satan uses weaknesses to entice us (1 Corinthians 7:5) |
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