Who Is Satan? (3) Series

TEXT: 2 Corinthians 4:4, John 12:31, Ephesians 2:2

"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them...

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out...

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience."

PRINCE OF THIS WORLD, PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR, god OF THIS WORLD:

These three titles of Satan point to the authority of the devil on earth. God gave him a measure of power to influence the affairs of this present age. This power is however limited because only the Almighty God has absolute power and authority over the universe. Satan cannot go beyond God's boundaries. This was demonstrated in the case of Job when God strictly told Satan not to take Job's life but only afflict his body (Job 1:12).

When the devil tempted Jesus, he promised to give Jesus the kingdoms of the earth because he was the ruler of the earth (Matt 4:8-9). Satan cannot harm believers because God's protective hedge surrounds them. He can only tempt or test believers. Sin may however give Satan a foothold into the lives of careless believers. The hedge of God over you and your family will not be broken in Jesus name.

BEELZEBUB

Beelzebub means "lord of the flies," or "lord of dung." It is a title used by demons to call their leader. Satan is the prince or ruler of demons/devils (Matt 12:24, 9:34). He rules over the angels that were expelled from heaven with him. These demons and their leader wage war against the kingdom of God and believers. These well organized army of demons were referred to in Ephesians 6:12: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Believers need to put on the full armour of God to wrestle effectively and overcome these wicked spirits. The Lord will fight for you. You will overcome in the name of Jesus.

THE EVIL ONE, WICKED ONE OR ENEMY

In the parable of the sower, Jesus calls the devil the evil one, the wicked one and the enemy (Matt 13:18-43). Satan is the enemy of God and believers, he is evil and wicked. He uses his evil and wicked schemes to ensnare people into sin.

THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN

The devil is referred to as the accuser of the brethren. He delights in accusing believers before God to deprive them of the blessings of God. He entices people to commit sin and proceeds to accuse them before God. "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night" (Rev 12:10). The story of Joshua, the high priest in Zechariah 3:1-5 shows Satan, the accuser of the brethren in action. "Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him." The mercy of God spoke on behalf of Joshua and delivered him. We have an advocate in heaven, Jesus, the righteous; who counters the accusations of Satan against believers with his blood. The blood of Jesus will speak for you whenever Satan raises accusations against you in the court of heaven in Jesus name.

GREAT DRAGON, OLD SERPENT, DECEIVER

In Rev 12:9, Satan is appropriately called, the great dragon, old serpent and deceiver. The old serpent and deceiver lied to Eve in Gen 3:3-4 which made her to sin against God. The great dragon fights against the church today and will fight against Christ and the host of heaven at the end of time. The outcome is always the same, defeat for Satan and his demons. Every evil enterprise of the old serpent will fail concerning you and your family in Jesus name.

As we conclude this series, let's remember that Satan is the arch enemy of God and believers. There is nothing good in him. He can transform himself into an angel of light to deceive unsuspecting people (2 Cor 11:14-15). He is the master of deception and the father of lies, two weapons he uses to entice men. Brethren, let's stand in the assurance that we are more than conquerors with verified armours to overcome all the fiery darts and schemes of the enemy. God has given power to deal with the old serpent and his demons. "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:19). Exercise your power and authority in Christ.

PRAYER:

Father, the gates of hell shall not prevail against me in Jesus name.

CONFESSION:

Sin shall not have dominion over me.

God bless you. Shalom.