The Truth About Satan

In the Christian classic by C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters, in which a senior demon from a highly organized, computerized Hell, instructs a junior demon in the art of winning over a young man's soul, there is this warning: "There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about devils.  One is disbelieve in their existence.  The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them."  As Dr. Jim Denison, writes; "Our culture seems to have found a way to commit both errors simultaneously."

Movies, books, cartoons, and social media seem to play both ends of the spectrum. There is a great interest in the demonic in our culture, yet, much of it is taken as Hollywood fantasy with no regard or consideration for the reality of Satan (and demons).  The Bible teaches a real Satan (Gen. 3:1-6; Job 1; Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-17; Luke 4:1-13; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:1-6).  Not that we must look for a demon under every rock, but we must be aware of his existence and deceit (Eph. 6:12).

Remember Satan is not like God.  He is a created being.  He is limited.  Yes, he is supernatural.  He has existed for centuries, therefore he knows human nature, is super intelligent, and is the master manipulator.  He is a murderer and liar (John 8:44).  

Therefore, we have specific instructions on what to do to combat Satan.  In Ephesians 6:10-20, we are told to "put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."  Subsequently, the armor is listed as the belt of "truth," the "breastplate of righteousness," the shoes of "peace," the "shield of faith," the "helmet of salvation," and the "sword of the Spirit."

This spiritual weaponry is not man-made (2 Cor. 10:3-5). There are many misunderstandings and false ideas about how to "stand firm."  But our spiritual weapons can be summed up in one word: obedience.  Obedience comes by having our minds controlled by the truth of God's Word.  By obeying God's Word, you will stand firm "in the evil day" (Eph. 6:13).  When is the evil day?  Every day has been evil since Adam and Eve listened to Satan's temptation.  So, in the words of the Apostle Paul;"Put on the full armor of God.."

Think about it.

Remember.....he is defeated (Rev. 20:10), though for now he is the "prince of the power of the air" (Eph. 2:2).