In His opposition to the way of God, the devil exemplifies the contrarian who is against every idea... except his own. The original "devil's advocate" except for lacking any good intentions.

Next: Satan's Missions

• Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. (Zechariah 3:1 NKJV)
• Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, "O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?..." (Acts 13:6-10 NKJV)
• Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. (Jude 8-10 NKJV)

Overcoming the Divisive Nature of Satan and the World System

The verses reveal the tactics employed by the enemy to sow division, hinder God's work, and disrupt the unity of believers. By recognizing and understanding these divisive strategies, we can equip ourselves to effectively counteract them and advance the kingdom of God.

1. Satan's Opposition and Accusation: In the book of Zechariah, we are given a glimpse of Satan opposing Joshua the high priest, who stands before the Angel of the LORD (Zechariah 3:1). This passage highlights Satan's role as an adversary, seeking to hinder the work of God's people. He accuses and brings opposition, aiming to undermine their purpose and effectiveness. In spiritual warfare, we may encounter opposition and accusations from the enemy. Satan seeks to divide believers, undermine their faith, and hinder the advancement of God's kingdom. Recognizing his divisive tactics enables us to stand firm, united in purpose, and resolute against his schemes.
2. Elymas the Sorcerer - Dividing and Perverting the Faith: In Acts 13, we read about Elymas, a sorcerer who opposes Barnabas and Saul as they seek to share the word of God with the proconsul Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:6-10). Elymas seeks to turn the proconsul away from the faith, perverting the straight ways of the Lord. In response, Paul confronts Elymas, labeling him as full of deceit and fraud, a son of the devil and an enemy of righteousness. This passage demonstrates Satan's divisive nature through the actions of Elymas. The enemy employs deceit and manipulation to hinder the proclamation of the Gospel and disrupt unity within the body of Christ. As spiritual warriors, we must be vigilant in identifying and confronting those who sow division and seek to lead others astray from the truth.
3. Divisive Dreamers - Rejecting Authority and Speaking Evil: In the book of Jude, we are warned about divisive individuals who defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries (Jude 8-10). These dreamers, influenced by the enemy, corrupt themselves through their ignorance and arrogance. Jude contrasts their behavior with the humility of Michael the archangel, who refrained from bringing a reviling accusation against Satan but instead relied on the Lord's rebuke. This passage emphasizes the danger of divisiveness within the body of Christ. The enemy seeks to exploit our sinful tendencies and pride, causing us to reject authority, speak ill of others, and foster disunity. By following the example of Michael, who relied on God's authority, we can guard against the destructive consequences of divisive behavior.

To overcome this spiritual opposition, Christians are called to prioritize love, humility, and the pursuit of unity. The enemy seeks to exploit our weaknesses and sinful tendencies, provoking us to engage in divisive behavior such as gossip, slander, and rejection of authority. However, when we choose to love one another, extend grace, and promote unity, we undermine the enemy's efforts. Unity is a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel, and it is through unity that we can effectively fulfill our mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Furthermore, fostering an atmosphere of grace and forgiveness is essential in countering division. As imperfect human beings, we may unintentionally contribute to division through our words or actions. However, when we are quick to offer forgiveness, seek reconciliation, and extend grace, we create an environment that promotes healing and unity. Our willingness to admit our faults, reconcile broken relationships, and extend forgiveness not only thwarts the enemy's divisive tactics but also allows us to grow in our own spiritual maturity.

In addition to love, humility, and forgiveness, we must rely on the authority and power of God to confront and overcome division. The passage in Jude highlights the humility of Michael the archangel, who refrained from engaging in a reviling accusation against Satan but instead relied on the Lord's rebuke. This example reminds us that we are not to engage in futile arguments or exchanges of insults with the enemy or those influenced by his divisive nature. Instead, we are to submit ourselves to God, seek His guidance, and trust in His authority to confront and overcome division.

Prayer is a powerful weapon in combating division. Through prayer, we invite God's presence, wisdom, and discernment into our battles. We can pray for unity among believers, for the healing of broken relationships, and for the discernment to recognize and confront divisive influences. Prayer also enables us to rely on the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to respond in love, patience, and wisdom in the face of divisive situations.

In conclusion, understanding the divisive character of Satan and the world system is essential in navigating spiritual warfare. By prioritizing love, humility, forgiveness, and reliance on God's authority, we can counteract division and promote unity within the body of Christ. Let us remain vigilant, prayerful, and filled with the Holy Spirit as we engage in the battles of our spiritual journey, knowing that God has equipped us to overcome and advance His kingdom. Together, united in Christ, we can effectively resist the divisive tactics of the enemy and fulfill our mission to bring glory to God and share His love with the world.

Next: Satan's Missions