Satan is the chief opponent of God and His people. He is the leader of demonic forces and thrives on tempting Christians into sin. Satan is in an all-out war against the forces of good in the universe, like Jesus Christ. We know this enemy and think we stand firmly against him - but could it be we are underestimating his power?
Having God by our side means that we can overcome anything that Satan tempts us with. However, Satan is more capable than we might originally think. Here are some biblical truths we need to understand if we want to beat him each day.
Satan mimics the Lord.
In 2 Corinthians 11:14 it says, “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” Everything that God does, Satan will try and copy. He is a great actor that knows how to play a role right to deceive and manipulate Christians. The images we see of a red devil with a pitchfork are not reality. Instead, Satan will try to impersonate the angel of light. But inside, Christians will be able to tell there is a great darkness. Being able to discern between the two is easier the closer you are to God’s Word. Become so familiar with the gospel’s truth that Satan will never be able to manipulate you in such a fashion! You will be able to spot him as a counterfeit.
Satan is God’s opponent, not opposite.
Some people that are not familiar with the Bible think that God and Satan are separate equals, but that is not the case. Satan is not omnipresent or omnipotent like God is. His power has limits and he is not able to do everything he wants. He also is not omniscient, meaning he doesn’t know everything. Only God is all-knowing. Isaiah 46:9-10 says, "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me."
Satan lies.
John 8:44 says, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." Satan can only speak one language...the language of lies. He is incapable of speaking the truth at all. Jesus says that there is no truth left in him, and that all started with Adam and Eve in the garden.
Satan’s power will not last.
Satan had a glorious beginning to his life. You can read about his past in Isaiah 14:12-14 and Ezekiel 28:13-19. Satan was beautiful, but pride got to his head and he was kicked out of heaven. Despite him once being someone in God’s favor, he now faces eternal judgement. In Revelation 20:10 it says “And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Satan knows that his end awaits him. His goal, therefore, is to take as many Christians as he can down with him (Matthew 25:41). We can make sure he doesn’t reach his goals by promoting the gospel and sharing Jesus with others.
Satan is a thief.
In John 10:10 it says “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” Satan’s priority is to steal your faith so that you never have a chance at salvation. He does not want people to know the truth about Jesus Christ. If he cannot have that, he will do whatever else he can to steal your vision, destroy your purpose, or strip your hearing. He wants to block you from being able to hear Christ in your heart. He will also do what he can to prevent you from spreading Christ to others by stealing your voice. But Satan can be beat! Continue to resist his urges and temptations and keep your heart and mind focused on God.
Satan is the “god” of the secular world.
Satan’s influence is everywhere in modern society. The sinful condition of man thrives on it. People are blinded by their unbelief, making it easy for Satan to swoop in and influence others. These people are prisoners to their sin and do not even realize it. In 2 Corinthians 4:4 it says “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” The architect behind all sins is Satan. He wants people to stay confused, blinded, and trapped in the destruction he created.
You have power against Satan.
It can be scary to hear about all the power and influence that Satan has. You, though, already have what you need to overcome him with ease. Satan can attack and wage war against you. He can bring all the forces of darkness, but he can’t overtake you unless you allow it. In John 4:4 it says "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." God has positioned you in the earth for this exact moment in time. He has equipped you and filled you with His Holy Spirit. Satan is weak against Christ!
As you continue your Christian journey, be aware that Satan is always following you and trying to disrupt you path. Christ, though, has given you the power to fight off Satan’s attacks. Push back against his powers of darkness and spread the light of God. The world desperately needs it.
