Satan: Who is he?

Satan: Who is He:

1Jo 3:7-8 NASB Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; (8) the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.

Jud 1:6 And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day

1Jo 3:7-8 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; (8) the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.

What does He do? What are the consequences?

Satan inflicts men with physical suffering

Luk 13:13-17 NASB And He laid His hands on her; and immediately she was made erect again andbegan glorifying God. (14) But the synagogue official, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, began saying to the crowd in response, “There are six days in which work should be done; so come during them and get healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” (15) But the Lord answered him and said, “You hypocrites, does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the stall and lead him away to water him? (16) “And this woman, a daughter of Abraham as she is, whom Satan has bound for eighteen long years, should she not have been released from this bond on the Sabbath day?” (17) As He said this, all His opponents were being humiliated; and the entire crowd was rejoicing over all the glorious things being done by Him.

  • What does this passage teach us about Jesus character?
  • Do you think that all suffering is from Satan?

Satan Tempts Men into Sin

Gen 3:1-6 NASB Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” (2) The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; (3) but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'” (4) The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! (5) “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (6) When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.

  • How did Satan convince Eve to Sin?
  • What did He offer?
  • Why did Eve respond?
  • How are Adam and Eve different from we Christians?
  • How does Satan work in us and how do we respond?

The first reference to Satan by name appears in 1Ch 21:1 NASB Then Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel. 1Ch 21:11-13 NASB So Gad came to David and said to him, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Take for yourself (12) either three years of famine, or three months to be swept away before your foes, while the sword of your enemies overtakes you, or else three days of the sword of the LORD, even pestilence in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the territory of Israel.’ Now, therefore, consider what answer I shall return to Him who sent me.” (13) David said to Gad, “I am in great distress; please let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great. But do not let me fall into the hand of man.”

  • Why did David respond to Satan’s leading?
  • What does this teach us in our walk?

Luk 4:2-13 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry. (3) And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” (4) And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE.'” (5) And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. (6) And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. (7) “Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours.” (8) Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'” (9) And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here; (10) for it is written, ‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU TO GUARD YOU,’ (11) and, ‘ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'” (12) And Jesus answered and said to him, “It is said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.'” (13) When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time.

  • Satan tempted Jesus and what happened?
  • Did Satan leave permanently defeated? How does this apply to our lives?
  • How did Satan try to deceive Jesus in verses 9-11? How is this quote different from Psalm 9:11-12?

What is Satan’s Power?

Satan has no power to inflict us without God’s approval and His groundrules:

Job 1:6-12 NASB Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. (7) The LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” (8) The LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.” (9) Then Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing? (10) “Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. (11) “But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.” (12) Then the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD.

  • What was Satan’s argument against God?
  • How does that reflect the argument he uses with us, in our lives?
  • How far does God allow Satan to go?
  • Why does God allow Satan to trouble Job?

2Th 2:8-10 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the breath of His mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming, (9) whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (10) and with all deceit of unrighteousness in those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, so that they might be saved.

  • What is his power?

Rev 12:7-9 And there was war in Heaven. Michael and his angels warring against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels warred, (8) but did not prevail. Nor was place found for them in Heaven any more. (9) And the great dragon was cast out, the old serpent called Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Satan as our accuser:

Rev 12:10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.

  • What is Satan focused on?
  • Have you ever heard accusing things in your mind/spirit? If so, where do you think that comes from?

Zec 3:1-4 NASB Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. (2) The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” (3) Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and standing before the angel. (4) He spoke and said to those who were standing before him, saying, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” Again he said to him, “See, I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes.”

  • Who wins this judgment?
  • What did Joshua do to justify himself?

1Pe 5:6-9 NASB Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, (7) casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (8) Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (9) But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

  • How do we resist the accuser?

He influences men:

Mar 8:31-38 NASB And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. (32) And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. (33) But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and *said, “Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God\’s interests, but man’s.” (34) And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. (35) “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. (36) “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? (37) “For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (38) “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

  • Why does Satan have an influence on Peter?
  • Is this fact still true today?
  • How do we prevent Satan from influencing us in our lives today?

Luk 22:3-6 NASB And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve. (4) And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. (5) They were glad and agreed to give him money. (6) So he consented, and began seeking a good opportunity to betray Him to them apart from the crowd.

  • What happened to Judas? Do you think he was possessed against his will?

Luk 22:31-34 AMP Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan has asked excessively that [all of] you be given up to him [out of the power and keeping of God], that he might sift [all of] you like grain, Job 1:6-12; Amos 9:9. But I have prayed especially for you [Peter], that your [own] faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen and establish your brethren. (33) And [Simon Peter] said to Him, Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death. (34) But Jesus said, I tell you, Peter, before a [single] cock shall crow this day, you will three times [utterly] deny that you know Me.

Joh 21:15-17 NASB So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus *said to Simon Peter, “Simon, sonof John, do you love Me more than these?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He *said to him, “Tend My lambs.” (16) He *said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He *said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” (17) He *said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus *said to him, “Tend My sheep.

  • Jesus knew that Satan was asking to sift the disciples and particularly Simon (Peter), but did that prevent Peter from suffering Satan\’s influence?
  • Why did Jesus allow Peter to fall under Satan\’s influence to deny Jesus?
  • What was the result for Peter? How has Jesus brought challenges in your life to strengthen you for his service?

Satan can convince us that God\’s word is ineffective:

Mar 4:14-15 NASB (14) “The sower sows the word. (15) “These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them.

  • The seed may be planted, but it can come under attack and grow slowly, be choked out, or not have a chance to grow. What does this tell us about Satan’s work for those who are new to Jesus.

2Co 4:3-4 But also if our gospel is hidden, it is hidden to those being lost, (4) in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving ones, so that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ (who is the image of God) should not dawn on them.

  • What does Satan do and how does he do it?
  • How can we learn to deal with him now that we understand his tricks?Satan is Defeated:

Prediction of defeat at creation: Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He will bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.

Rev 12:7-9 And there was war in Heaven. Michael and his angels warring against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels warred, (8) but did not prevail. Nor was place found for them in Heaven any more. (9) And the great dragon was cast out, the old serpent called Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Luk 10:17-21 NASB The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” (18) And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. (19) \Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. (20) “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” (21) At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.

  • What power do we have over Satan?

Heb 2:14-15 NASB Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, (15) and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.

  • What is Satan\’s power here on earth before Jesus sacrifice, and after?

Eph 6:10-13 Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. (11) Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world\’s rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Therefore take to yourselves the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Jam 4:7 Therefore submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

  • In that order? What if we try to resist the devil first?

Rev 20:1-3 And I saw an angel come down from Heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. (2) And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. (3) And he cast him into the abyss and shut him up and set a seal on him, that he should deceive the nations no more until the thousand years should be fulfilled. And after that he must be loosed a little time.

Rev 20:10 And the Devil who deceived them was cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet were . And he will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

  • When happens to Satan when God decides deal with him?
  • How many angles does it take to bind Satan and cat him into the abyss?
  • How does Satan return in a little time?
  • Is there a battle between God and Satan – a war against Good and Evil?

Bible.org overview of Satan:

The Doctrine of Satan

I. The Existence of Satan A. Seven Old Testament books and every New Testament writer refer to Satan. B. Jesus referred to Satan (Matt.13:39; Luke 10:18; 11:18).

II. The Personality and Names of Satan A. Personality – He has intellect (2 Cor.11:3), emotions (Rev.12:17) and will (2 Tim.2:26. B. Names – He is called Satan, the Devil (slanderer), Lucifer (son of the morning), Beelzebub (Lord of the flies – Matt.12:24), and Belial (lawless – 2 Cor.6:15), the evil one (1 John 5:19), the tempter (1 Thess.3:5), the prince of this world (John 12:31), the god of this age (2 Cor.4:4), the prince of the power of the air (Eph.2:2), the accuser of the brethren (Rev.12:10), and angel of light (false light – 2 Cor.11:14), a serpent (Rev.12:9), and a dragon (Rev.12:3).

III. The Nature of Satan A. He is a created angelic being. He was created as part of the angelic realm (Eph.6:11,12; Ezek.24:18) and was the highest in rank of them all (Ezek.28:12-14). B. He is an enemy of righteousness. He is a murderer (John 8:44), a liar (John 8:44), and accuser (Rev.12:10) and our adversary (1 Pet.5:8). C. He is a limited creature. He is limited by God (Job.1:12). He is not God’s equal (1 John 4:4). He is not omniscient, omnipotent or infinite in any way. Believers with God’s help can resist him (James 4:7).

IV. The Fall of Satan Key Passages – Ezekiel 28; Isaiah 14 A. Ezekiel 28:11-19 is a prophetic lamentation over the “King of Tyre” who is described in language that fits Satan’s fall and not a mere human king. Satan is distinguished form the human ruler of Tyre in 28:2 (“prince/ruler”) and called a “king” in 28:12 (Not even Israel’s rulers were called “King”). Though Tyre had a human “ruler”, Satan was the real “King” behind that wicked kingdom. B. His attributes – Moral perfection (v.12) Sinless at his creation until his fall (v.15) C. His appearance – Perfect in beauty (v.12b,13) 1. His privileges – Free access to the garden of Eden (v.12) and to God’s holy mountain (= God’s presence – v.14) 2. His rank – “Cherub” (vs.14,16) 3. His judgment – a. Cast out of the mountain of God (v.16, cf. Rev. 12:4) b. Cast to the ground (v.17) c. Consumed by fire (v.18, cf. Rev.20:10) D. Isaiah 14:12-15 also seems to describe Satan’s fall. Satan is manifest here by the king of Babylon. As in Ezekiel 28, Satan is pictured here as the real “king” behind the wicked human kingdom of Babylon. 1. The imagery of a “star” and “falling from heaven” (v.12) suggests a supernatural fulfillment. “Stars” (v.12,13) are symbolic of the angelic realm elsewhere (Job 38:6,7; Rev.12:4). 2. The five “I will’s” of vss. 13 & 14 are literally true of Satan and only metaphorically true of Babylon’s king. This ultimate form of pride (“I will be like the Most High” – v.14) fits the New Testament description of Satan’s fall 1 Tim.3:6.