How powerful is Satan?

We can judge the character and methods of Satan by the Biblical titles ascribed to him. Satan was one of God's created beings. But he rebelled against God. Extraordinarily powerful, he is also subtle, deceitful, vile, and hateful beyond our imagination. He was called "prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:1, 2) and "murderer and father of lies" by Jesus Himself (John 8:44).

Satan is not necessarily some hideously deformed creature. He appears as an "angel of light" -- very handsome, very attractive, and very appealing (2 Corinthians 11:14). His name Lucifer means "the light one." His name Devil (John 8:44), a Greek word that means "the slanderer," shows he will tell lies of any kind to achieve his end. His name Satan (Matthew 12:26) a word meaning "the adversary," describes his reign over a kingdom of darkness that is organized in opposition to God.

His name Tempter (Matthew 4:3) points to his way of seeking to lead men into sin because he himself is a sinner. His name Beelzebub (Mark 3:22, 23) means "lord of the flies" or "lord of the dunghill." His name Apollyon means "destroyer." Peter the apostle wrote that Satan is like a roaring lion going to and fro, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).

But as far as the believer is concerned, Satan's power is limited. For instance, he has to ask leave of God to try Job (Job 1:9-12; 2:4-6). Satan has already been judged, that is, his power and dominion over believers was broken at the Cross because of Christ's victory there (John 12:31; 16:11). Demons, Satan's agents even had to ask permission to enter swine (Matthew 8:30-32).

The Bible tells us that Satan is already a conquered enemy (see John 12:31; 1 John 3:8; Colossians 2:15). And Satan will finally be cast alive into the lake of fire where he will be tormented for ever and ever (see Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

Christians are to resist Satan (1 Peter 5:8, 9; James 4:7). This is best done by submitting to God and by putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20). Firstly, it is essential for us to know the Word of God (John 8:32-34). Satan's power to deceive us is on the ground of our ignorance. We are often destroyed for lack of knowledge. Next, Jesus has given all believers the right to use His Name, which represents all power and authority. Thirdly, by virtue of the new birth, the Holy Spirit indwells the believer. Greater is He who is in the believer than he that is in the world.

Fourthly, the blood of Jesus is the cleansing power for the believer against sin. Fifthly, the believer who is Spirit-filled is given spiritual gifts to contend and withstand all the power of the enemy. Lastly, another spiritual weapon is the gift of the discerning of spirits. This is a protective gift that enables the body of Christ to discern what spirit (demonic? of the world? of the flesh?) is operating in any supernatural manifestation.


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