Q: #208. What does the Bible say about Satan?
A: We are not going to spend a lot of time discussing Satan, but it is important to know what the Bible says about him. We should never underestimate Satan’s brilliance and intelligence. He is very good at what he does, and he has angels (Mt 25:41) who help him carry out his evil plans. People often think that God and Satan are at war, but this is far from true. God created Satan, and is in control of ALL things (Jer 32:17,27)(Mt 19:26)(Gen 18:14)(Rev 19:6). Satan can do nothing that God does not allow. We need to ALWAYS remember as born again Christians that, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 Jn 4:4). Through Jesus, the victory is already ours!
Who is Satan?
The name Satan literally means in Hebrew “adversary”. (1 Pet 5:8) tells us: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
He is called the “wicked one” (Matt 13:19,38)(1 Jn 2:13-14)
He is called the “god of this world” (2 Cor 4:4), “prince of this world” (Jn 12:31)(Jn 14:30)(Jn 16:11), “prince of the power of the air” (Eph 2:2)
Also note: He can appear as an “angel of light” (2 Cor 11:14) meaning that he can make things that are evil appear good.
These are the traits of Satan:
Accuses (Zech 3:1)(Rev 12:10)
Lies/Murders (Jn 8:44)
Deceives (Rev 12:9)(Rev 20:7-8,10)
Persecutes (Rev 12:13)
Condemns (1 Tim 3:6)
Tempts (Mt 4:3)(1 Th 3:5)
Blinds (2 Cor 4:4)
Beguiles (2 Cor 11:3)
Hinders (1 Th 2:18)
Afflicts (Job 2:7)
Sifts (Lk 22:31)
Possesses (Lk 22:3)
Binds (Lk 13:16)
Keep this key verse in mind always:
(Eph 6:10-12) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
*Interesting note*
I add this just as an interesting possibility. It appears that Satan may have originally been created as a worship angel. This is far from provable, but there are some who believe that Ezekiel (28:12-19) refers to Satan and his fall. Verse 13 states that tabrets (tambourines) and pipes were prepared in him (were a part of his body) when he was created. Could it be why Satan hates praise and worship? Just an interesting thought. 🙂
Please see these other questions for more on Satan:
Q: #34. How does Satan try to counterfeit the things of God?
Q: #67. Can Satan read our minds?
Q: #203. Can Satan control the weather?