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.]