Jesus and Satan

Lesson 2.08

Jesus and Satan have an extremely long history together. Jesus' life of perfection is an incredible contrast to Satan's life of evil. They are the epitome of eternal adversaries and you're a prize to the winner.

Please read Job 1:6-22 before starting GraspingGod.com's free Bible study lessons, #2.08.

Previous lesson: Jesus' Disciples #2.07.

Preliminary Bible Study Questions:

1) Where is Satan's kingdom located?
2) Jesus and Satan are polar opposites in what regards?
3) What are some of the names of Satan? What do these names of Satan mean?

Jesus would have an easy life without Satan constantly attempting to destroy his great works.

Jesus Christ and Satan, the great universal contrast - yes, the sources of good and evil.

Kingdoms Of Jesus and Satan

We have on one hand the Kingdom of God and on the other hand Satan's counterfeit kingdom (aka Satan's fallen world). The Kingdom of God is not based on this earth because it is an eternal, heavenly kingdom. It existed before the earth was formed. Satan's kingdom is temporary and ruled by him and his demons; however, it is overseen by the Creator, God himself.

The Kingdom of God, which Christ rules, is full of truth, goodness, righteousness, love and all good attributes. Satan's kingdom consists of deceit, evil, sinfulness, hatred and all bad attributes. God vs Satan. It is truly good vs evil. It is light versus darkness. It is life versus death. It is war.

Pay attention, because you're a soldier in this war and the decision for your allegiance is up to YOU!

The kingdoms of Jesus and Satan are convoluted, in a sense. I'll share the reasons why, in a moment. But first of all, know that they are spiritual kingdoms and we aren't able to view the real spiritual creatures of either kingdom.

The spiritual creatures are the angels, both good and bad. Nor can we see the members of the Christian Trinity: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. We can only sense and notice the effects the spiritual realm has upon humans.

The kingdoms are convoluted in the sense that Satan enters heaven on occasion and Jesus and his angels interpose upon Satan's kingdom, between the world and humans. The creatures, including humans, are all intertwined in the two kingdoms. Let's learn more about the enemy of God and man, Satan, so the devil can't outsmart us (2 Corinthians 2:11).

Jesus and Satan - Origin Of Satan

The origin of Satan happened through the creative powers of God. As with everything else he created, God spoke and Satan came into existence out of nothing (ex nihilio). Satan was a majestic, talented and powerful cherub angel, originally named Lucifer.

Jesus and Satan were actually close in heaven, because cherub angels served Jesus closely. Lucifer was created good, but pride soon filled his heart and he sought the pre-existent Christ's throne in heaven. He was jealous of the Son of God's position of authority. Satan also coveted and sought the praise and worship Jesus received from the multitude of angels.

Satan turned on his Creator. He gathered other like-minded angels and declared war against Jesus. The threat was quickly addressed by Christ. Jesus and Satan led their forces into a tremendous heavenly battle, fought between the good angels and bad angels.

Satan and his angels were defeated and expelled from the heavenly realm of God's Kingdom (Revelation 12:7-8). Satan was cast out of heaven to earth and the eternal consequences have effected us all. Let's learn more about it.

Satan Corrupted Creation

Jesus created the world in a perfect state. The sinful Satan destroyed the original state of creation when he brought temptation and sin into the Garden of Eden. Satan and the newly created Adam together destroyed the perfect earth. When the devil and humans unite a lot of destruction can be wrought.

We're still suffering to this day because of their work. We also contribute to the destruction when we follow Satan by disobeying the Lord.

Jesus and Satan never rest. Jesus and his army of angels are constantly battling with Satan and his demons. The actual beings involved in the battle are mostly in the spiritual realm, which we are unable to see.

Humans are used by both sides, though, and contribute to the battle. We are actually soldiers for one or the other. That's a scary thought, isn't it? Sometimes, we are heroes in the war and other times casualties.

Satan owns us at birth, because we are natural enemies of God (Ephesians 2:1-3). Satan subtly controls us until the day we repent and believe in Jesus Christ. At that point in time, we become controlled by the Holy Spirit and God's word. We are God's warriors from that point onward.

Nothing is easy though, because Satan hates to lose control of those who were once his. The spiritual battles for our heart and mind ensue on a daily basis. Jesus and Satan, in conflict, both wanting the souls of men, including me and you. Whether we are saved, or still separated from God, our souls are being either attacked or protected by the spiritual beings battling in the unseen realm.

Let's take a moment to learn more about Satan. We want to know this terrible foe well, so we can resist him when he tries to tempt us, or use us to fight his battles. You can approach this short study as a history of Satan - he knows your history, so you are well-served knowing his.

Satan Is a Creature

First of all, since many claim the devil is only an impersonal force, we have to get this fact straight: Satan is a real, created being. A quick read of the temptation of Christ by Satan in the wilderness will immediately dismiss those faulty claims about the devil being only a force.

Jesus and Satan have been butting heads for thousands of years now. It's safe to say that evil is a powerful force; however, Satan is a creature, who happens to be full of evil.

He was one of the highest ranking heavenly angels, but is now the chief fallen angel. He is full of pride and desires the praise and honor and glory that is meant for God. That's what got him kicked out of heaven and that's the motive for all of his evil actions to this very day.

He wants to unseat Jesus Christ from reigning over the universe and will do everything in his power to thwart God's plan. Satan desires to eternally destroy the Kingdom of God and continue his reign over the earth's dominion. Satan HATES Jesus Christ, period. Jesus and Satan have many more battles yet to fight.

Who Is Satan?

Who is Satan? Jesus and Satan both have many names in the Bible. Similar to Christ's names, the devil's names help us understand who he is and how he works. Here is a list of the names of Satan:

• Lucifer: This was his name when he was a majestic angel in heaven, before being cast down to the earth with his fallen angels.
• The Devil: This title means "slanderer" or "false accuser." The devil stands before God and accuses people when they do wrong. Jesus Christ stands before God and attests the good works of God's true believers. Again, Jesus and Satan going head-to-head, even in the throne room of heaven.
  
• Satan: The name means "the great opposer" or "adversary of God and humankind." It is the personal name of the devil. Satan and Jesus oppose one another, but because the created Lucifer opposed his Creator, he was given the name Satan, or Opposer.
  
• Beelzebub (Matthew 12:24; Luke 11:15): This is his military designation as ruler of the demons and evil forces.
• The god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4): God has granted Satan authority over the earthly kingdom until Christ returns to destroy it. Jesus then fully institutes the Kingdom of God. Because of this grant, Satan possessed the right to offer part of his earthly kingdom at Jesus' Temptation.
  
• The prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2): This name reveals that he controls the earthly governmental systems that are in place. Satan operates in the same realm as what man operates, that is, within the earth's atmospheric realm. He controls governments and peoples all around the globe. In other words, he controls the world order, but with limitations from God. Don't forget, God governs the universe, while Satan only controls a part of it.
  
• The accuser of our brothers (Revelation 12:10): He has earned this name because of his work as the devil - the accuser of people before God the Father.
• The great red dragon (Revelation 12:3,7,9): This name emphasizes his fierce nature, with a strong possibility that it describes his appearance. Humans are wise to avoid being eternally imprisoned with Satan in hell. Seek the forgiveness of God while you are able.
  
• The serpent (Genesis 3:1): This is how he first presented himself to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He possessed a snake, which originally was a beautiful creature. The possessed serpent then seduced and tempted the two humans into sin.
  
• The tempter (1 Thessalonians 3:5): As mentioned earlier, he tempted the first humans and everyone else since that time, including Jesus. He tempted Christ in an attempt to thwart God's incredible plan of redemption. His goal for each believer is to destroy our testimony and usefulness in fighting for God's Kingdom. Jesus and Satan fight their fiercest battles when Satan tempts God's people.
• Belial (2 Corinthians 6:15, NIV): This name implies that he is worthless and wicked. Satan is a liar. He shares no allegiances and will lie to any one and every one. Satan is a power-hungry, blood-thirsty devil who breaks every command God has instituted.

He has other names, but this list of the names of Satan will suffice to help us better understand him and his ways.

Power Of Satan

Satan wants a kingdom built with demons and people. He has all the demons he will ever receive and he knows that, so those battles are over. He now wants every human soul in his hands for eternity. Don't get me wrong, it's not because he likes people - he doesn't like people - he hates people.

He hates you, he hates me and he even hates those who worship him. He hates everyone.

Jesus and Satan even battle for the souls saved by God. The reason is that Satan doesn't believe in the guarantee of the Spirit, or in the preservation of God's elect. He kills, steals and destroys and shows no respect for humans, saved or unsaved. He is doing his best to keep every soul in his grips because human souls are his power. Remember, this is a terrific battle that we're part of - it's God versus Satan.

Ploys Of Satan

Satan uses his power to blind people to God's truth (2 Corinthians 4:4). This passage tells us Satan keeps people spiritually blind so they cannot see God at work in the world. This blindness keeps people from understanding who God is and what God is doing in the world. Satan basically keeps us stupid about God.

He doesn't want credit for this phenomenon, because he wants us to think he doesn't exist. Satan really doesn't want any recognition until after he destroys Jesus, which he fully believes will happen. Christians know better because of the book of Revelation, which Satan doesn't believe.

Satan hates the Bible because it reveals the truth about God and all of life. The Bible exposes the true nature of Satan and his works. He is trying to rewrite the ending, which gives you insight into his level of pride. We need to understand that God tells us all about this rotten creature in the Bible. Jesus and Satan, the story, is fully available to us in the Scriptures. We must understand the devil, so we know how to battle his ploys.

Satan despises God's plan of redemption (aka salvation of mankind) because when it is successful, it steals people's souls from his grip. When a person trusts Jesus Christ, Satan loses his or her soul. That doesn't stop Satan's work, though, because he hates the thought of believer's having a new life. He hates when they tell other people about the love of God. Satan hates the cross, because it signifies Christ's successful sacrifice. Satan hates the empty tomb, because it signifies Christ's successful defeat of death and the grave.

So, the devil tempts people and tries to drag their testimony through the mud. He doesn't want the gospel spreading and saving more people. Satan is our mighty foe. The more a person witnesses about God, the fiercer the attack by Satan. It's a brutal life on the front-lines of spiritual warfare. Evangelism will be relentlessly attacked by Satan.

Jesus redeems the lost and offers enough resources to the believer to withstand Satan's attacks. The believer learns knowledge of God, prays, and serves God. He or she becomes strong. Satan tempts people, though, and leads us to sin.

Our sin, in turn, grieves the Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:30-32, NIV). Grieving the Spirit then shipwrecks our faith (1 Timothy 1:19). When Jesus and Satan battle and one of us experiences a shipwrecked faith, Satan claims the victory. God lets us learn our lesson in defeat, but he will repair us (James 4:8).

Jesus creates a measure of good in our hearts, but Satan fills our hearts with as much sinful selfishness and pride as he is allowed. God monitors Satan's doings and only allows Satan and his schemes what fits into his overall plan. God is always looking out for the best eternal interests of his kingdom and his people.

Limitations Of Satan

God owns Satan. Satan, although incredibly powerful compared to us, is nothing compared to God. He is a created being with limitations, which God doesn't have. If God gave the word, Satan would no longer exist. Satan is heavily controlled and limited by God the Father.

However, the destruction Satan wrought on earth is enormous, especially when people team with him. Jesus and Satan are on totally different playing fields when it comes to power. For instance, God limits the temptation Satan can instill upon an individual (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Demise Of Satan

Actually, the book of Revelation in the Bible tells of the eternal demise of Satan, so his time is very limited. Soon, Jesus and Satan will meet directly and he will be told, once and for all, "Depart from Me, Satan! Into the eternal lake of fire prepared for you and your angels!"

Once the sentence finally commences, Satan's threats and destruction will be finished. The devil, his fallen angels, and humans who ignored Jesus' salvation will all eternally suffer in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10-15).

Jesus and Satan - Grasp This!

While waiting on Satan's destruction, don't forget that Satan is a hungry lion prowling the earth. He's looking for someone to devour, so watch out (1 Peter 5:8). Satan is invisible to us, but his power is obvious.

Anywhere you see a failed human life, know that Satan was part of the source of destruction.

He brings temptations directly in front of us, whether Christian or otherwise. He injects sinful thoughts in our minds. Evil pervades the earth and he is the originator of every bit of it - the father of lies.

Satan can thresh you like wheat, in an instant. Don't ever think you're immune to his attacks (1 Corinthians 10:12).

You know Jesus, that's great. You know Satan, too, because he was once your master. Flee from this devil - resist him with ALL your strength. Love your Bible, and stay in prayer, begging for protection from temptation (Matthew 6:13). Jesus loves you. Satan hates you.

Jesus and Satan stand before you as the only two choices for you. Choose today whom you will serve.

Doing "nothing" means you are being deceived by Satan. He has you believing that this short, earthly life is more valuable than God's eternal Kingdom. Repent, and run away from this ferocious foe, into the outstretched arms of Jesus Christ.

Bible Study Questions:

1) With the eternal consequences being so profound, that is eternal life in heaven with Jesus, or eternal damnation with Satan, why is it that so few people become true followers of Jesus?
2) Satan can appear as a hideous monster or an angel of light. What is one or two clear ways of never being deceived by his trickery?
3) How does Satan blind people to God's truths? (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Inspirational Bible Verses:
For we wanted to come to you - certainly I, Paul, did, again and again - but Satan stopped us. 1 Thessalonians 2:18

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the bottomless pit and a heavy chain in his hand. He seized the dragon — that old serpent, who is the devil, Satan — and bound him in chains for a thousand years. The angel threw him into the bottomless pit, which he then shut and locked so Satan could not deceive the nations anymore until the thousand years were finished. Revelation 20:1-3

When the thousand years come to an end, Satan will be let out of his prison. He will go out to deceive the nations —called Gog and Magog — in every corner of the earth. He will gather them together for battle — a mighty army, as numberless as sand along the seashore. And I saw them as they went up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded God’s people and the beloved city. But fire from heaven came down on the attacking armies and consumed them. Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:7-10

Faith Quotes!
There is nothing that Satan more desires than that we should believe that he does not exist. Bishop Wordsworth

Satan promises the best, but pays with the worst; he promises honor, and pays with disgrace; he promises pleasure, and pays with pain; he promises profit, and pays with loss; he promises life, and pays with death. But God pays as he promises; all his payments are made in pure gold. Thomas Brooks

The enemy will not see you vanish into God's company without an effort to reclaim you. C.S.Lewis Quotes

The world is all the richer for having a devil in it, so long as we keep our foot upon his neck. William James

Prayers of Thanksgiving:
Lord God, please protect us from the mighty foe of Satan. He is invisible, and cunning, much more than us humans. We need help, Lord. He is too great for us to withstand on our own. We need your protection. Lead us to your beautiful Scriptures, and teach us your ways. Help us live a life that pleases you. Keep us from sin, so we don't grieve your Spirit, Lord. Thank you for the eternal hope you have implanted in our hearts. We have full confidence in You. In Christ's Name. Amen.

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