One cultural distinction about the United States that sets us apart from the majority of the world is that many people will say that they believe in God and angels, but do not believe in satan or demons. If they do, than usually satan is just a weird short guy with a pitch fork and red horns that likes to party a lot. But the Bible paints a much different picture of the the evil that is in the world and at enmity with God, and they are definitely not to be taken lightly.
Satan and demons are evil angels who rebelled against God and continually seek havoc and destruction in the world. There was a time when satan and the angels chose in their pride that they wanted to be god themselves and chose to rebel curse God to his face. Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 refer to the time when this happened, when satan as well as a third of the angels were thrown out of heaven and down to the earth.
Ever since then, demons have been seeking to do only evil in the world while it is still in their power to do so before the great judgement day when they are all thrown into hell and hence there is no more pain nor sorrow in the world.
The word satan actually means “adversary” and translates into diabolias or where the word “devil” or “slanderer” comes from. He was the one who tempted Eve in the garden and originally brought sin into the earth. The Bible actually calls satan the “ruler of this world”, the “prince of the power of the air” and the “god of this world.” Even though satan does has authority to do evil on the earth, he is still under the authority of God and must even ask permission to touch God’s children, or Christians, and has limited authority and power here. When Christians are tempted by evil, James says to that we can resist the devil, and he will flee.
If you are not a Christian, the Bible says that you are already serving evil by choice and are already under his control. Without God saving you, you are at enmity with God and even playing for the other team. But because Jesus triumphed over death by being the only person in history to resurrect from death after defeating satan on the cross, he rendered satan defenseless and weak against his sovereign plan, for Jesus who has saved us is greater than anything else. Christians have this power because of the holy Spirit residing within them to command satan and demons to leave when being tempted or tormented. Even though Jesus has not returned and made all things right, there is still victory in the battles that are faced every day.
This week, thank God that he has defeated demonic powers by dying on the cross for the sins of the world and that he will make all things right one day.
Purposeful Theology 