Satan

* Satan
* Lucifer
* The Serpent

**Lucifer** was a fallen angel that was transformed into Satan. **Satan** certainly exists today, but the good news is that he has been defeated by the death and resurrection of Jesus!

## Bible InfoScan

### As Satan

Make no mistake: God is the hero in our story, but there is also a villain – and his name is Satan. In Isaiah 14:13-14, we learn that Lucifer became a fallen angel and was transformed into Satan. Another Old Testament passage gives us a picture of Satan’s original position, his rebellion and his fall from heaven (Ezekiel 28:11-19).

The name Satan means "adversary" or "enemy". In the New Testament, another common name for Satan is the devil, which means "slanderer" or "false accuser".

Satan, called the Accuser, appeared before God in heaven giving us a glimpse of his activity in Job 1:7: “Where have you come from?” the Lord asked Satan. Satan answered the Lord, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.” Satan told God that the reason Job feared and served him was because of God’s wall of protection and provision. Satan told God if those things were taken away, Job would curse God to His face! God then allowed Satan to put Job to the test, but his power was limited; he could not attack Job physically. Job lost his children, farmhands, and servants. Only four messengers escaped. In addition, Job’s oxen, donkeys, and camels were stolen and his sheep were burned up. (Job 1:6-19). Satan has no respect and regard for life. The Bible tells us that Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He lived up to his reputation as he cruelly tested Job. (John 10:10). Job would not turn on God; even in his devastation and grief, he remained faithful to God. He did not blame Him and continued to praise His name! (Job 1:20-21).

Satan is relentless – he does not give up easily. We saw this when he tested Jesus in the wilderness and with Joseph in Potiphar’s house. (Luke 4:13; Genesis 39:6-18). Satan came before God a second time and said that Job would curse God if Satan took away his health. God allowed Satan to test Job a second time but again limited what he could do. “All right, do with him as you please,” the Lord said to Satan. “But spare his life.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence, and he struck Job with terrible boils from head to foot.” (Job 2:6-7). Job suffered tremendously but still refused to say anything against God. Satan was defeated once more! (Job 2:8-10).

In Isaiah 14:13-14, we learn that Lucifer became a fallen angel and was transformed into Satan. Another Old Testament passage gives us a picture of Satan’s original position, his rebellion and his fall from heaven (Ezekiel 28:11-19).The name Satan means "adversary" or "enemy." In the New Testament, another common name for Satan is the devil, which means "slanderer" or "false accuser", which he is referred to in Job 1:6 and Revelation 12:10.

Job passed the two tests that Satan gave him. Satan suffered defeat because Job refused to turn against God and blame Him.

Other titles include:

- The tempter (1 Thessalonians 3:5)

- Beelzebub (Matthew 12:24)

- The wicked/evil one (Matthew 13:19, Matthew 13:38)

- The ruler/prince of this world (John 12:31)

- The god of this age/this evil world (2 Corinthians 4:4)

- Belial (2 Corinthians 6:15)

- The commander of the powers of the unseen world (Ephesians 2:2)

Satan’s different names reveal what he is like. It helps us to understand the way he works:

Temptation - He tempts people to sin against God (Matthew 4:1).

Deception - He lies and makes the truth appear false (John 8:44).

He blinds our understanding of God’s Word and the Gospel of salvation through Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Anything that helps him oppose God’s rule in the world (Ephesians 6:11-18, 1 Peter 5:8-9).

Satan certainly exists today, but the good news is that he has been defeated by the death and resurrection of Jesus! God gives Christians the power to withstand his attacks. Satan’s final defeat will come when Jesus returns and Satan is cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:1-10). That is the moment that the hero will defeat the villain once and for all!

## Life Lessons

* Satan is described as “prowling around like a lion ready to attack,” so be aware of this and remember that you have victory over Satan through Jesus Christ.
* Satan deceived Adam and Eve and he uses the same tactics of lying and deceit to try and mislead people today.
* God is more powerful than Satan -- every single time.