C.S. Lewis once said most people make one of two mistakes when considering Satan. Either they give him too much credit and power, or they underestimate his existence and role in this world. Satan does have great power was once an angel who rebelled against God and was thrown out of heaven. Satan’s power is certainly not equal to God’s power. He has limited power far less than God because Satan himself was originally created by God as an angel. Satan’s goal is to keep us from knowing God.
The power Satan has in this world is to tempt us to ignore or disobey God. Since the creation of Adam and Eve, Satan has been the temper luring people away from God’s truth and love. He makes what is superficial and destructive look attractive and fun. All human beings believe his lies at some point in life. He convinces us to exchange God’s goodness to us for the lies of selfishness, greed, lust, and pride. Satan works to develop a self-centered attitude that he can manipulate for his destructive work. With Satan’s subtle enticements we push God out and give ourselves permission to do whatever pleases our immediate desires.
Satan is already a defeated enemy. In Revelation 12:10-12, we read the promise of Satan’s end when Christ returns to this world and destroys Satan and all his forces forever. When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, He crushed Satan. Until that final judgment day we have to battle against his tricks and tactics. If we rely on God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can resist Satan. The Bible says if we resist the devil, he will flee from us (James 4:7).
MARK 3:23-30 23. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
24. And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
25. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot sand.
26. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.
27. No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and soil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
28. Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith so-ever they shall blaspheme:
29. But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
30. Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
NOTE: Jesus Christ words in bold letters.