Dictionary of Bible Themes: 4121 Satan, as the enemy of God

4121 Satan, as the enemy of God

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 4000 Creation » 4100 Supernatural beings » 4120 Satan » 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

1 Chronicles 21:1 See also Job 2:1-7; Zechariah 3:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 2:18

Satan accuses believers

Revelation 12:10 See also Job 1:8-11; Zechariah 3:1-2

Satan slanders believers

1 Timothy 5:14

Satan tests believers and causes their suffering

Revelation 2:10 See also Ephesians 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:

Daniel 10:13,21; Daniel 12:1; Revelation 12:7

Satan opposes God

Satan opposes God's purposes

Matthew 16:23 pp Mark 8:33

Satan opposes God's word

See also Matthew 13:3-19 pp Mark 4:3-16 pp Luke 8:4-12 the parable of the sower; Matthew 13:24-39 the parable of the weeds and its explanation; Acts 13:8-10 Elymas, the sorcerer, acts on Satan's behalf to oppose Barnabas and Paul.

Satan opposes God's righteousness

1 John 3:7-10

Satan blasphemes God

Revelation 13:6

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

Zechariah 3:2 God rebukes him; Luke 10:19 His reign is temporary.

Satan's role as adversary earns him varied titles

The devil

He is the adversary because he deceives:

Revelation 12:9; Revelation 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):

Deuteronomy 13:13; 1 Kings 21:10; Proverbs 6:12; 2 Corinthians 6:15

The dragon

He is the adversary because he is the enemy:

Revelation 12:4,13-14

The serpent

He is the adversary because he thwarts spiritual insight:

Genesis 3:1-5,13; 2 Corinthians 11:3

The prince of this world

He is the adversary because his rule is temporary, not absolute:

John 12:31; John 14:30; John 16:11

The angel of the Abyss

Revelation 9:11 He is the adversary because he is the destroyer.