In our most recent Teaching Notes we have looked at the subject of Eternity.
We move now to what the Bible teaches about Satan.
[These notes are from 40 years ago when I spoke to a group of pastors. The notes are in outline form.]
Satan is the enemy of God and man. He is called –
- the angel of the bottomless pit (Revelation 9:11)
- Belial (2 Corinthians 6:15)
- god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4)
- murderer (John 8:44)
- liar and the father of lies (John 8:44)
- prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2)
- ruler of darkness (Ephesians 6:12)
- the wicked one (Matthew 13:19)
- the old serpent (Revelation 20:2)
- prince of demons (Matthew 12:24)
- the devil (Ephesians 6:11)
Satan was an angel of God, but his heart was lifted up in pride and conceit (1 Timothy 3:6). Now he is –
- wicked (1 John 2:13)
- slanderous (Job 1:9)
- deceitful (2 Corinthians 11:14)
- fierce (Luke 8:29)
Satan has great power over the non-Christian to –
- blind them (2 Corinthians 4:4)
- deceive them (Revelation 20:7-8)
- ensnare them (1 Timothy 3:7)
Non-Christians will be punished with Satan (Matthew 25:41) and the day is coming when the devil will be cast into the lake of fire to be tormented day and night forever and ever (Revelation 20:10).
I believe that Satan is actively involved in opposing the Christian –
- Paul speaks of Satan’s tricks and power and how to fight him (Ephesians 6:10-18)
- Christians are told to resist the devil (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9)
- Jesus triumphed over the devil which means we triumph over Satan as well (Genesis 3:15; Matthew 4:1-11; Ephesians 1:15-23)
I am not “scared to death” of Satan, but neither do I treat his power and activity lightly. I believe Christians should be alert and watchful at all times.
[Thank you for reading these teaching notes from 40 years ago. My prayer is they will be a blessing to you and your ministry.]
