The Bible has a lot to say about the devil, who is also referred to as Satan, the tempter, the accuser, the evil one, the god of this world, the ruler of this world, the prince of the power of the air, and the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Though the devil seeks to deceive people and lead them astray, the Bible assures us that God has ultimate power over him and that his defeat is certain.
The devil’s origin and fall
The Bible reveals that the devil was originally an angel created by God named Lucifer, but he became proud and rebelled against God (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:12-19). Revelation 12:7-9 describes a war in heaven in which Michael and his angels fought against the dragon (the devil) and his angels. The devil was defeated and thrown down to the earth. 1 Timothy 3:6 suggests the devil fell because of his pride and arrogance.
The devil’s nature and characteristics
The Bible describes the devil as evil (1 John 3:12), a murderer and the father of lies (John 8:44), a sinner (1 John 3:8), cunning (2 Corinthians 11:3), deceitful (Ephesians 6:11), prowling around seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), disguising himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), ruler of this world (John 12:31), accuser (Revelation 12:10), tempter (Matthew 4:3), enemy (Matthew 13:39), works signs and lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9),twisting God’s Word (Matthew 4:6), sowing weeds among the wheat (Matthew 13:38-39), taking away the Word of God from people’s hearts (Luke 8:12), blinding minds of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4), disguising himself as servants of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:15), and filled with fury (Revelation 12:12).
The devil seeks to devour, destroy, steal, kill, afflict, tempt, deceive, blind, bind, incite, ensare, accuse, disrupt, sift, torment, attack, scheme against, prowl, oppress, entrap, frighten, manipulate, intimidate, slander, control, terrorize, fight, silence, and lead astray. But Jesus came to destroy his works (1 John 3:8).
The devil’s limited power
Though the devil seeks to deceive the whole world (Revelation 12:9), the Bible makes it clear that he has limited power. He has to ask God for permission before he can test or afflict someone (Job 1:6-12, Job 2:1-6). Believers have the power to resist him and stand firm in their faith (James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8-9). The devil flees when resisted in the faith (James 4:7). Michael the archangel had the power to defeat the devil (Jude 9). The devil has no power over believers who walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). He is already defeated by Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14, 1 John 3:8). In the end, he will be cast into the lake of fire forever (Revelation 20:10).
The devil prowls around seeking to devour
The Bible warns believers that the devil is dangerous and constantly looking for ways to destroy them. 1 Peter 5:8 says “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Ephesians 6:11 says “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” James 4:7 says “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
The devil tempts people to sin
The Bible shows that the devil tempted both Jesus and Eve to sin. In Matthew 4:1-11, the devil came to Jesus in the wilderness and tempted Him to sin, but Jesus resisted using Scripture. In Genesis 3:1-7, the devil, in the form of a serpent, tempted Eve and she gave in and sinned against God. 1 Corinthians 7:5 warns married couples not to deprive each other sexually, so Satan won’t tempt them in their weakness. 1 Thessalonians 3:5 says Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians so they wouldn’t be unsettled by the devil’s temptations. Hebrews 2:18 says Jesus was tempted so He is able to come to the aid of those tempted.
The devil deceives people
Deception is one of the key characteristics of the devil in the Bible. John 8:44 says he is the father of lies. Acts 5:3 says Satan filled Ananias’ heart to lie. 2 Corinthians 4:4 says the devil blinds the minds of unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 11:14 says he disguises himself as an angel of light. Ephesians 6:11 says believers wrestle against the devil’s schemes. 1 Timothy 4:1 says some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits. Revelation 20:3, 8 says Satan will deceive the nations when released again.
The devil accuses people before God
Revelation 12:10 says “the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.” The devil seeks to slander believers before God’s throne, accusing them of sin and uncleanness. But Romans 8:1 says there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:33-34 says God has chosen believers in Christ and justifies them, so no one can bring an accusation against them.
The devil afflicts, torments, and opposes people
The Bible shows the devil seeks to harm people physically and emotionally. Luke 13:16 and 2 Corinthians 12:7 refer to Satan inflicting illness and disease. 1 Thessalonians 2:18 says Satan hindered Paul from visiting the Thessalonians. Job 1-2 shows Satan inciting harm against Job and his family. Acts 10:38 says Jesus healed those oppressed by the devil. Hebrews 2:14 says Jesus came to destroy the devil who holds the power of death. James 4:7 says to resist the devil and he will flee from you. But God always limits what the devil can do (Job 1:12).
The devil attacks the Word of God and Christian ministry
Since the Word of God and ministry expand God’s Kingdom at the devil’s expense, he actively opposes them. Matthew 13:19 says the devil snatches away what was sown in people’s hearts to prevent believing and being saved. Acts 13:10 says the devil was opposing Paul and seeking to turn the proconsul from the faith. 1 Thessalonians 2:18 again mentions Satan hindering Paul from visiting the church. 2 Timothy 4:15 warns of people who vigorously oppose the preaching of God’s Word. The devil also incites persecution against believers to stop ministry (Revelation 2:10).
The devil blinds unbelievers to the gospel
2 Corinthians 4:4 says “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.” John 12:31 calls the devil “the ruler of this world.” Ephesians 2:2 says he is “the prince of the power of the air.” The devil keeps unbelievers in darkness and blindness so they cannot see the truth of the gospel and be saved.
The devil disguises himself as an angel of light
Though the devil is the epitome of evil and deception, 2 Corinthians 11:14 warns that he can masquerade himself as an angel of light. So even deceitful workers can disguise themselves as apostles of Christ and servants of righteousness. This indicates believers must stay discerning and recognize them by their false teaching rather than appearances.
The devil prowls around like a lion seeking to devour
1 Peter 5:8 gives a serious warning, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” This imagery conveys the devil’s fierce, destructive intentions against believers. But verse 9 assures “Resist him, firm in your faith…” Believers must stay watchful and firm in faith to detect and resist these attacks.
The devil sows weeds among the wheat
In Jesus’ parable of the weeds in Matthew 13:24-30, 38-39, He explains that the devil intentionally sows false believers and teachers within the church to spread false doctrine and lead people astray. Acts 20:29-30 likewise warns that false teachers will arise from among believers, not sparing the flock. So the church must carefully guard against the devil’s schemes to introduce false teaching.
The devil snatches God’s Word from people’s hearts
When God’s Word is preached and people initially receive it, the devil seeks to prevent saving faith. Matthew 13:19 says “when anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.” Luke 8:12 similarly says the devil takes away God’s Word so people won’t believe and be saved. So there is an urgency to accepting and retaining God’s Word before the devil steals it.
The devil takes unbelievers captive to do his will
2 Timothy 2:25-26 says “God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” Unbelievers are held captive by the devil to do ungodly things at his bidding, until God grants them repentance and frees them.
The devil schemes against believers
2 Corinthians 2:11 warns believers not to be “outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” Ephesians 6:11 says “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” The devil crafty plots against believers spiritually, putting us on guard. But God’s armor protects us against these unseen attacks.
The devil’s ultimate defeat
Though the devil seeks to oppose God’s kingdom and destroy His people, the Bible assures believers of his guaranteed future defeat. Romans 16:20 says “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Revelation 20:10 says the devil will be thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur to be tormented forever. Colossians 2:15 and Hebrews 2:14 say Jesus disarmed and defeated the devil through the cross. So believers need not fear, for we have victory in Christ.
In summary, the Bible has much to say about the devil, a powerful fallen angel who seeks to destroy God’s people and kingdom. But God assures us of the devil’s limitations and future destruction. Resist him, stand firm in faith, and trust God for the victory in Christ!