Print Article
Author's Bias | Interpretation: conservative | Inclination: dispensational | Seminary: none
1. What is Satan’s notable characteristic? Consult Genesis 3:1-6 and
John 8:44.
Jesus informs us that Satan "was a murderer from the beginning" and "a liar and the father of lies." Satan was
morally evil from the beginning of his existence and sinned before any human being did. Satan originated sin and tempts other personal
beings to do so.
2. How do Satan and demons operate against human beings (Deut 32:16-17;
1 Ki 14:24; Deut 23:17;
1 Ki 18:25-28; Deut 14:1;
Ps 106: 35-37; 2 Cor 11:14;
Gal 1:8; 1 John 4:1;
Acts 14:8-13; 1 Thes 2:17-18;
1 Cor 7:5; 1 Thes 3:5;
Acts 13:8-11; 2 Thes 2:9-10;
2 Cor 4:3-4; Job 1:13 -
2:8; 2 Cor 12:7;
1 Sam 18:10-11; Matt 17:15-17;
Mark 5:2-4; 9:17-22)?
A. They attempt to discourage the worship of God and cause the destruction of God’s prized creation – man.
They do so by deceiving human beings to worship demons as gods (Deut 32:16-17),
encourage immoral sexual worship practices (1 Ki 14:24;
Deut 23:17), include self flagellation as an acceptable form of worship
(1 Ki 18:25-28; Deut 14:1), and
promote such abodinable practices such as child sacrifice (Ps 106: 35-37).
While these worship practices are recorded in the Old Testament, some of them still continue to this day. Idol
worship has a demonic basis, and is indirectly a worship of demons, which leads to immoral and self destructive practices. Idols can
also include objects that are less obvious that people worship such as money, houses, land, fame, pride, and acheivements in the name
of the Lord (Eph 5:5).
B. They attempt to discourage the witness and ministry effectiveness of the Christians.
Satan and his demons work through human beings to discredit true teachers of the Gospel, question the authenticity
of true teachers, and encourage false teachers (2 Cor 11:14;
Gal 1:8; 1 John 4:1).
They deceive human beings to attribute the good work of Christians to other gods
(Acts 14:8-13).
They try to impede effective Christians from traveling and spreading the Gospel
(1 Thes 2:17-18).
They will tempt Christians to sin and render their witness ineffective (1 Cor 7:5;
1 Thes 3:5).
3. What are Satan’s methods?
Throughout the Bible, there is never a mention that Satan can read the minds nor know the hearts of human beings.
However, Satan and his demons are of the invisible world and are certainly capable of observing and listening to whatever one may
say audibly or as a whisper. This advantage allows them to anticipate one’s secret desires.
References:
1. Youngblood RF, Bruce FF, and Harrison RK eds., Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers (1995).
2. Elwell WA ed, Topical Analysis of the Bible, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House Company (1991).
Copyright ©
2007
Helpmewithbiblestudy.org. All rights to this material are reserved. We encourage you to print the material for personal and
non-profit use or link to this site. If you find this article to be a blessing, please share the link so that it may rise in
search engine rankings.