Satan is a fallen angel who is now considered the Deceiver and our enemy (Isaiah 14:12-15). While our own sinful nature can sabotage us just fine, Satan and his demons are on the prowl, trying to get us to doubt and turn away from God (1 Peter 5:8). Thankfully, Satan has already been defeated by Jesus on the cross (John 12:31) and his ultimate defeat will occur when he is tossed into the Lake of Fire with all his minions (Revelation 20:10). As believers, we can choose God over Satan’s lies “because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
Ha! Satan would love to have God's power, but that's what got him in trouble in the first place (Ezekiel 28:13-19). No, Satan is not God, so he is not omnipresent, omnipotent, or omniscient. Satan cannot be everywhere at all times, he does not have unlimited power, and he does not know everything.
When we look at the book of Job, we can see what power Satan does possess and what restrictions are put upon him. According to what we see in Job 1-2, Satan can only do what God allows him to do. He can move back and forth between the earth and God’s presence (Job 1:6-12), yet he is limited in that he can only enter God's presence with God's permission. So Satan does have power, but he is not more powerful than God and he can only act upon what God permits him to do.
Satan has been causing problems on earth ever since he tempted Eve with the lie that it was OK to eat the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3). Satan has limited power over the natural world, as he brought fire down from the sky and brought a great wind to destroy Job’s oldest son’s house, resulting in the death of his children (Job 1:16, 18-19). Satan can influence the evil hearts of men and cause them to attack (Job 1:15, 17). Through all of Satan's plans to hurt Job, he could still do nothing without God's permission (Job 1:12).
Satan can keep people in a state of bad physical health as was the case with the woman who had been “crippled by a spirit for eighteen years” (Luke 13:11). Jesus attributed this affliction to Satan and easily healed the woman, proving that Jesus is God and that Satan is no match for Him (Luke 13:12-13). Satan does not have freedom of control to do whatever he wishes. Praise the Lord for that truth! Satan was created by God and he still has to answer to his Creator.
Remember, Satan's actions are limited by God, which means that God is still sovereign over everything. Satan does not have divine power like God, but we need to remember that Satan still causes evil in the world, whispers temptations, and constantly deceives (Ephesians 4:27; 1 John 3:8; 1 Peter 5:8). Following the temptations of Satan will lead to physical and spiritual death (Romans 6:23). Sin makes us slaves to the tempter.
Thankfully, Jesus has defeated Satan by living a sinless life, then sacrificing Himself on our behalf (Hebrews 2:14-15; 2 Timothy 1:10; Colossians 2:15; 1 John 3:8). Jesus fixed what has been broken since Adam and Eve gave in to that first temptation of Satan. Believers in the salvation of Jesus Christ no longer need to be afraid of Satan or spiritual death because Jesus has conquered them both.
Satan is called the “god” of this world, but his power is limited, and his day of destruction is coming (John 12:31; Ephesians 2:2). We are not under Satan’s control because, as believers, Jesus has saved us and given us eternal life. Though Christians can still sin and experience temptation, we are no longer slaves to the tempter; we don't have to listen to Satan's lies or tricks.
The Holy Spirit empowers us so that we can make godly and righteous choices that will be healthier for us overall. We need to put on our spiritual armor so we can stand against Satan's wiles (Ephesians 6:10-18). The best way to combat the lies of the Enemy is to fight against them with God’s Word—just as Jesus did when He experienced temptations from Satan (Matthew 4:1-11). Be prepared and ready to fight because this is a battle we CAN win.
Satan does have power in this world, but he is not stronger than God (1 John 4:4). Satan's power is limited, and he can nothing without God's permission. Yet Satan still causes evil in the world, whispers temptations, and constantly deceives (Ephesians 4:27; 1 John 3:8; 1 Peter 5:8). Following the temptations of Satan will lead to physical and spiritual death (Romans 6:23). But Jesus destroyed Satan's chains over us on the cross, so we can CHOOSE holiness over sin. Satan does have power, but God’s power is greater by far.
Vivian loves learning, studying the Word of God, and helping others in their walk with Christ. She is dedicated to helping people learn more about Jesus and is ready to help in any way she can. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, cooking, drawing, and spending time outside. When she is not writing, you can find her soaking up the sunshine or going on an adventure.
