Bible studies

SATAN AND EVIL SPIRITS

Our understanding of the basic spiritual realities of the universe would not be complete without also understanding something concerning Satan and his forces. Satan is the great enemy of God who rebelled at the foundation of the earth. Some ask how Satan ever came into existence. Here is the Bible answer.

God created multitudes of angels, including at least three archangels: Lucifer, Michael and Gabriel. Angels are spirit beings which may or may not manifest themselves in a visible form (usually not). All angels were created good and holy but Lucifer, the chief worship angel decided to exalt himself and led a rebellion in heaven against God (Ezek. 28:13-15; Is 14:12-14). Lucifer and his angels were cast out of heaven and became Satan and his evil spirits (2 Peter 2:4). Satan is active today in the air (Eph 2:2), in the earth (Job 1:7) and also under the earth, in hell. Not being everywhere at once, as God is, he works through his forces, including fallen angels and demons. These spirits seek to live in and work through people, usually in a hidden way - usually not openly. The results of Satan’s work are still evident in our world today. Jesus came to destroy these works. (1 John 3:8).

Satan is therefore the author of evil. His chief desire is to receive the worship that belongs only to God the Creator (Matt. 4:8-10; Rev. 13:4). He also works in his hatred against mankind to destroy them as much as he can for time and eternity.

Why does God permit Satan to exist and have so much power? Is God unable to destroy Satan? No, God could do it, but Satan is permitted to operate for certain reasons. Firstly, so there could be a choice - people must choose to worship God now - there is an alternative. Secondly, Satan and his kingdom exists to ensure that people reap what they sow. Thirdly, Satan is permitted to operate while God gives mankind time to repent. For God could not forcibly remove evil from the Universe justly unless He also destroyed sinners at the same time. God instead is holding back his wrath, giving men time to turn to Him.

Like his evil spirits, Satan has a mind, emotions, and a will which is in rebellion against God. They are persons, not forces. See Luke 11.24 for proof of this. No matter what people may say, these spirits still exist and work in different ways around the world. Many pagans know this fact better than ignorant preachers and ministers who in their pride no longer trust the account of the Bible.

CHIEF ACTIVITIES OF SATAN AND DEMONS

1. They tempt people to sin, by putting various kinds of imaginations in the minds of men and women and speaking words of deceit. (Gen 3:1-6)

2. They deceive (2 Cor 11.14). They especially lie about God, blaming all the evil on God. Many religious leaders are deceived by Satan.

3. They hurt and torment through sickness (Acts 10:38), death, breakdown of human relationships leading to strife, war and violence.

4. They threaten (producing fear) (2Tim 1.7).

5. They dominate, or enslave (2 Tim 2.26). Satan seeks to recruit slaves through the power of witchcraft and other forms of false religion. He gives power or money or sexual pleasures in exchange for various forms of worship and obedience. But Satan always double-crosses his servants, so they too become victims of his hate. Jesus said, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?” (Mark 8:36)

6. They accuse God's people so that they have reduced effectiveness in their prayers and their relationship with God.

7. They harrass - through repeated attacks on mind, emotions, body or through inspiring persecutors to make life hard for Christians.

8. They glorify themselves through witchcraft, false religion and other tools like the occult and much of today’s popular rock-and-roll, rap and metal music.

Fear, hate and pride are the major motivations in Satan's kingdom.

Jesus said that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. If you make friends with such a person you are a fool. (John 10:10).

We are called to war against Satan and evil spirits (Eph 6.12). Only in Christ's power and authority can we drive them out of their positions of influence. If we are in right relationship with God we have nothing to fear. If not we should cry out to God for deliverance.

Satan's works include sickness, inspiring false religion, strife and wars, creating poverty and oppression, leading people to torment and hell. He tries to rob Christians of their inheritance in Christ.

The subject of deliverance from evil spirits will be dealt with in a later lesson.

Next - Some False Views of God

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