Satan is not equal to God. He is not even a king. He claims to be a god and a king, but he is a liar. The highest rank ever attributed to him is "prince", and his realm is a subordinate "power". He, along with everything and everyone held within his power, is accountable to God. The "Most High" God is still in control.

Next: Their Character

Scripture References
  • "…the enemy…is the devil…" (Matthew 13:37-39 KJV)
  • "…I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." (Luke 10:18 NKJV)
  • "I know…where you dwell, where Satan's throne is…" (Revelation 2:13 2:13 NKJV)
  • "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do." (John 8:44 NKJV)
  • "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (Luke 11:23 NKJV)
  • "...I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me." (Acts 26:17-18 NKJV)
Commentary
  • God has given humanity limited "free-will". The first man, Adam, choose to obey Satan rather than God and in so doing condemned all of us to follow in his footsteps. Throughout history man has choosen evil instead of good and, despite claims to the contrary, continues to do so to this day.
  • Jesus declared Satan to be the "enemy" and those people who mimic the enemy's desires to be the devil's children. All men do not have the right to call God "Father". Jesus taught the only way to the Father was through the Son, and that we are either with Him or against Him. We either lead others to Him, or we oppose them.
  • The devil's primary goal is to delay, if not deny, the expansion of the kingdom of God's Son.
    • His main strategy: set up strongholds in the hearts of men to resist that expansion.
    • His standard tactic when engaging Christ's disciples is to get them out of the primary fight or, at the very least, diminish their effectiveness in it.
  • For where God built a church, there the Devil would also build a chapel. -- Martin Luther (1483 - 1546) Table Talk
  • Thankfully Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to save it. As you learn about the enemy, make sure you learn about Christ. Don't focus on the problem, focus on the solution. For every three vistors who visit this site to learn about the enemy, only one takes the time to learn about Christ and the power of His life available to all of His disciples. PLEASE be one!

Understanding the limited power of the devil:

In the Bible, we often encounter the reality of spiritual warfare - the unseen battle fought against the forces of darkness, led by none other than the devil himself. The following scriptures shed light on the nature of our adversary, remind us ofthe power we possess as believers in Christ, and they equip us to engage in the battle against the enemy.

  1. In Matthew 13:37-39, Jesus explains the parable of the wheat and the tares. He reveals that the enemy who sows the seeds of evil is none other than the devil. This verse emphasizes the existence of a spiritual adversary who seeks to undermine the work of God and lead people astray.
  2. Luke 10:18 records that when Jesus sent out the seventy disciples to minister, they returned with joy, reporting their successful acts of healing and casting out demons. Jesus responded by affirming His authority over the enemy and declared that He saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. This verse reminds us that Satan's power is limited, and through Jesus, we have the victory over the devil and demons.
  3. In a letter to the church in Pergamos, Jesus acknowledges the spiritual battle the believers face in a city where Satan's influence is prevalent. Revelation 2:13 reveals that spiritual warfare is not confined to abstract realms but often manifests itself in specific geographic and cultural contexts in the physical world. Despite the challenges, Christ encourages His followers to remain faithful.
  4. John 8:44 recounts Jesus confronting the religious leaders of His time, exposing their allegiance to the devil. This verse serves as a reminder that apart from Christ, humanity is under the influence of the evil one. However, through faith in Jesus, we can break free from the power of Satan and become children of God.
  5. In Luke 11:23, Jesus emphasizes the significance of taking a stand. There is no neutral ground in the spiritual battle; we are either aligned with Christ or against Him. We are actively gathering souls for the kingdom of God, spreading His love and truth, or we are enemies of the gospel.
  6. During his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus as told in Acts 26:17-18, the Apostle Paul received a commission to share the Gospel and deliver people from the power of Satan. This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian spiritual warfare: to bring salvation, forgiveness, and deliverance to those ensnared by the enemy.

Christian spiritual warfare involves acknowledging the reality of the enemy, understanding his schemes, and relying on the authority and power of Jesus Christ. However, our understanding of spiritual warfare should not stop at mere recognition. It is crucial to delve deeper into the implications and practical applications of these truths.

To engage in spiritual warfare effectively, we must first acknowledge the existence of a spiritual adversary. The Bible clearly identifies the devil as our enemy, the one who seeks to undermine God's work and lead people away from the truth. By acknowledging this reality, we position ourselves to be vigilant and prepared.

Understanding the enemy's schemes is equally important. The devil employs various tactics to deceive, tempt, and discourage believers. He often disguises himself as an angel of light, distorting truth and promoting falsehood. By studying God's Word and growing in discernment, we can identify the strategies of the enemy and resist his attacks.

However, it is crucial to note that our power and authority in spiritual warfare come solely from Jesus Christ. He has already achieved the ultimate victory over Satan through His death and resurrection. As believers, we are united with Christ, and we can draw on His authority and power to overcome the enemy.

Practical application of spiritual warfare involves putting on the full armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18. This includes elements such as truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God. By actively engaging in prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture, we align ourselves with God's purposes and resist the schemes of the devil.

Furthermore, spiritual warfare extends beyond our personal battles. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing the Gospel and delivering people from the power of Satan. This involves reaching out to those who are trapped in darkness, demonstrating God's love, and pointing them towards the truth and salvation found in Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, Christian spiritual warfare is not a passive endeavor but an active engagement with the forces of darkness. By acknowledging the reality of the enemy, understanding his schemes, and relying on the authority and power of Jesus Christ, we position ourselves to be effective warriors in the spiritual realm. Let us embrace this calling with boldness, always remembering that we fight from a position of victory in Christ. Through our faith, prayer, and obedience to God's Word, we can impact lives, rescue souls, and advance the kingdom of God in the face of spiritual opposition.

Next: Their Character