The Doctrine of Satan and Demons
Even though the entertainment industry capitalizes on the ongoing conflict between good and evil, few people truly understand the spiritual forces behind that clash. In the distant past, Satan led a large angelic force in rebellion against God.1 Throughout human history, Satan has opposed God’s people, His plan, and His Son. Only Satan’s fury can explain the uncanny and repeated hatred spewed against God’s people—the Jews and believers in every age. Satan unsuccessfully sought to eliminate Jesus in Bethlehem2 and tempted Jesus to seek glory apart from the cross.3 Though a terrible enemy, Satan does not share God’s omnipotence, omnipresence, or omniscience. Because of Christ’s death on the cross, Satan remains a defeated foe who will unscrupulously deceive and destroy people until his final and inevitable defeat when Christ returns.
Haman’s deadly scheme reflects Satan’s desire to eliminate the Israelites, through whom God had promised to send the Messiah as humanity’s Savior. Satan prowls the earth, looking for ways to deceive and devour people4 and defeat God, which he cannot do, even in the final battle at Armageddon.5 While Satan wreaks havoc upon God’s people, he cannot and will not ultimately defeat them.6
People fall prey to Satan’s masterful deception when they fail to understand His insidious nature. He knows the sinful appetites of fallen humanity and seeks to turn people away from God. With cunning strategy and manipulation, Satan makes sin look appealing and following God appear foolish. He does everything he can to keep people enslaved to sin and his power. His evil influence should not be underestimated.
God’s people should guard against Satan’s deception but primarily focus on God’s overcoming power. Aware of Satan’s temptation and wily ways, God’s people trust the Holy Spirit for power to resist him.7 God will prevail over every deadly strike of an already defeated foe. How will you trust God as you seek to live unswervingly for Him in this world? God is stronger than Satan. God lives within His people. In His power, they can overcome.
2. Murder at Bethlehem: Matthew 2:16-18
3. Satan and Jesus: Matthew 4:1-11; 16:22-23
4. Satan’s deception: John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8-9
5. Armageddon: Revelation 16:16
6. Ultimate victory for God’s people: Matthew 16:18
7. Resisting Satan: James 4:7
