4121 Satan, as the enemy of God

Scripture provides numerous examples of ways in which Satan opposes the presence and purposes of God in his world.

Satan and God’s people

Satan opposes believers 1Ch 21:1 See also Job 2:1-7; Zec 3:1-2; 1Th 2:18

Satan accuses believers Rev 12:10 See also Job 1:8-11; Zec 3:1-2

Satan slanders believers 1Ti 5:14

Satan tests believers and causes their suffering Rev 2:10 See also Eph 6:11-13,16

Satan opposes the work of the archangel Michael Jude 9 The implication of these verses is that Michael’s work is in direct opposition to that of Satan. Michael is the protector of God’s people while Satan is their opponent: Da 10:13,21; Da 12:1; Rev 12:7

Satan opposes God

Satan opposes God’s purposes Mt 16:23 pp Mk 8:33

Satan opposes God’s word See also Mt 13:3-19 pp Mk 4:3-16 pp Lk 8:4-12 the parable of the sower; Mt 13:24-39 the parable of the weeds and its explanation; Ac 13:8-10 Elymas, the sorcerer, acts on Satan’s behalf to oppose Barnabas and Paul.

Satan opposes God’s righteousness 1Jn 3:7-10

Satan blasphemes God Rev 13:6

Satan’s opposition to God’s work will not succeed

Zec 3:2 God rebukes him; Lk 10:19 His reign is temporary.

Satan’s role as adversary earns him varied titles

The devil He is the adversary because he deceives: Rev 12:9; Rev 20:2-3

Belial He is the adversary because he is the troublemaker or scoundrel (the same Hebrew word is used in the OT passages as in 2Co 6:15 to describe Satan’s work): Dt 13:13; 1Ki 21:10; Pr 6:12; 2Co 6:15

The dragon He is the adversary because he is the enemy: Rev 12:4,13-14

The serpent He is the adversary because he thwarts spiritual insight: Ge 3:1-5,13; 2Co 11:3

The prince of this world He is the adversary because his rule is temporary, not absolute: Jn 12:31; Jn 14:30; Jn 16:11

The angel of the Abyss Rev 9:11 He is the adversary because he is the destroyer.

See also