Lesson 17
Introduction
Even some Christians, when they sin, believe that the devil made them do it.
This reveals a misunderstanding of who he actually is and what he can do. In
this study we will gain insight into the character of the enemy of our souls.
The Bible paints a very clear picture of the devil.
Fallen
Angel
Isaiah 14:1-16 reveals that Satan (adversary) was once known as Lucifer
(day-star). He was one of the highest angels created by God (Ezekiel 28:13-17).
He chose to rebel against God, and like all rebels, enticed other angels
to follow him. He was cast out of Heaven (Luke 10:18). He now delights in trying
to destroy everything connected to God. He is the enemy of God, and so the enemy
of all who have chosen to trust in Him.
The Old
Serpent
In Genesis 3:1 we have our first sight of Satan. He is called “the
serpent.” The Hebrew word for serpent is “nachash” and means “shining,
upright creature”. So we understand that the serpent was not a snake, but a
creature that walked upright. He must have been dazzling to look upon. Satan
used this creature as his vehicle to deceive Eve into disobeying God’s word.
Revelation also calls him the “old serpent” (12:9, 20:2). From beginning to
end he has not changed his ways; he is still the deceiver he always has been.
Father
Devil
The Lord Jesus Christ warned the religious leaders of His day (and the
warning applies to those of ours) that they were of their “father the devil”
(John 8:44). Not only is he the source of all evil, but he is the originator of
all religions other than Biblical Christianity. He has his own children or seed
(Genesis 3:15). Everyone who chooses not to follow Christ automatically become
Satan’s offspring (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). He is also the “father of lies.”
The first alternative religion was based on a lie, a lie that appeared to be so
attractive and reasonable.
Angel of
Light
For obvious reasons Satan can appear as an angel to deceive people (2
Corinthians 11:14-15). Mormonism, Islam and New Age religion are filled with
appearances of angelic beings teaching “another gospel” (Galatians 1:8). All
these are the ongoing deceitfulness of Satan.
Prince of
the Power of the Air
Ephesians 2:1-2 reveals that the devil is very active in his control of
those who will not follow Christ. All who will not accept Christ as Saviour are
under Satan’s influence. Some are demon possessed, but every one is
brainwashed into following his plans and purposes.
Roaring
Lion
Especially within witchcraft and Satanism people think that Satan is their
friend. He cares nothing for those who worship him. One soul on his side is
simply another soul lost to God, and he knows how much this breaks God’s heart
(John 3:16). He hates every creature made by God. He hates both believer and
unbeliever alike (1 Peter 5:8). He wants to see as many human beings as possible
in the lake of Fire (Revelation 20:15).