We live in a world filled with problems—personal problems, problems between individuals, problems within families, churches and organizations and problems between nations. In our modern secular society, many assume that the solution to problems is negotiation, passing new laws or enforcing old ones, providing counseling or financial assistance or increasing opportunities for the disadvantaged. Yet these efforts to solve problems often overlook or ignore a fundamental aspect of reality—that many human problems have a common source. The Bible reveals that a powerful spirit being—Satan the devil—is deeply involved in fomenting problems that plague human beings. Scripture describes Satan’s nature, his goals and his methods. In this article, we will examine how this powerful spirit being operates, so that we can become more alert to his activities and can avoid coming under his influence. Without this biblical knowledge, we can become unsuspecting pawns in Satan’s disruptive plans and schemes, causing—rather than solving—problems.
Satan’s Nature
The Bible reveals that when God created the being who is now called Satan, He created him perfect in beauty and wisdom (Ezekiel 28:12–13). This powerful and gifted spirit being was given a special position covering the throne of God (Ezekiel 28:14), symbolized by the two cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant whose wings extend over the mercy seat (symbolic of God’s throne; see Exodus 25:18–22). But this powerful being allowed thoughts of vanity to dominate his mind. He began to envision himself as capable of taking over God’s role in the universe (Isaiah 14:12–15), and eventually led one-third of the angels in a rebellion against God (Jude 6; Revelation 12:4–9). As a result of these misguided thoughts and actions, his name was changed to Satan (meaning “adversary” or a “hostile opponent” of God).
Scripture indicates that when Satan sinned, and began to act in opposition to God’s divine plan, his mind became perverted, his reasoning became twisted and the wisdom God had given him became corrupted (Ezekiel 28:15–17). He became filled with violent thoughts and actions (Ezekiel 28:16). He began to spread lies, and to promote hatred and murder (John 8:44). Satan is also called a “destroyer” (Abbadon, Revelation 9:11) and a “deceiver” (Revelation 12:9). Satan’s destructive and deceptive nature is utterly opposed to the nature of God, as God is a creator and sustainer who upholds truth, and acts out of love, mercy and concern for others.
Satan’s Goals
Satan understands the plan of God, and that God made human beings in His own image (Genesis 1:26–28) to become part of the God family (Romans 8:14–17; 1 John 3:1–3). He understands the importance of the physical family in molding future members of God’s family (see Colossians 3:18–20). Satan also knows that the Church is a vital part of God’s plan to help human beings grow to spiritual maturity. He knows that Church members are learning to respond to Jesus Christ’s leadership, just as a wife should respond to the leadership of a loving husband (Ephesians 5:22–33). Satan knows that the Church has an important mission to preach the gospel of the coming kingdom of God, to warn the world of an impending judgment and to feed the flock that God calls out of this world. Satan also knows that God wants those whom He calls to develop the very mind and character of their Creator (Philippians 2:5) and to be lights to this world (Matthew 5:13–16).
However, as the adversary and hostile opponent of God and His plan, Satan has sought from the beginning to undermine and disrupt the plan of God. He deceived Adam and Eve, and sowed discord in the first family, leading to Cain killing his brother (see Genesis 3–4). Satan sowed seeds of rebellion, doubt, idolatry and sexual licentiousness in the camp of ancient Israel, and later in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Satan tried to destroy Jesus just after His birth, to thwart God’s plan for a Messiah (Matthew 2:16–18). He moved Judas to betray his Master (John 13:27) and motivated the Jewish authorities to oppose Christ (John 8:40–44). Satan has sought to infiltrate, disrupt and destroy the Church of God from its inception in the early first century ad (see Acts 4–9).
Satan also goes after individuals, especially those who have been called or who have come into contact with the truth of God. In the Bible, he is described as one who “walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan seeks to destroy individuals so that they cannot become part of God’s family, and to undermine the family structure that God designed to prepare future members of His family. Satan also seeks to divert the Church from its God-given mission. But just what are his methods? How can we recognize his activities, and how can we avoid becoming unsuspecting pawns in his disruptive schemes?
Satan’s Devices
The Bible indicates that Satan is the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). He is able to put thoughts into people’s minds, influence attitudes and spur actions against the way God wants people to live. Most people today do not realize that Satan can actually influence our thoughts, actions and reactions. The Apostle Paul warned the early Church that “we are not ignorant of his devices… lest Satan should take advantage of us” (2 Corinthians 2:11). But how do we recognize when Satan is trying to influence us? We will examine six methods he uses to accomplish his purposes.
(1) Satan operates by deception. The Bible indicates that Satan has deceived the whole world (Revelation 12:9). Jesus warned that many false teachers would come—claiming to be Christians—and would “deceive many” (Matthew 24:5). Mixing truth with error, in order to mislead the unwary, is a deception that Satan used effectively against Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:17; 3:1–13). He appealed to Eve’s physical senses, her emotions and her human reason, and was able to mislead her into making a wrong decision. Satan uses the same method today. This is why God provides specific warnings in Scripture, such as: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 16:25). We are also told: “Trust in the Lord… and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). One of the surest ways to be deceived is to ignore wise counsel and to follow our own reasoning—or the reasoning of the “friends” with whom we associate. The Apostle Paul taught us to “test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Before making major decisions, we need to carefully evaluate the consequences of our anticipated choices or actions. These are practical guidelines to help us avoid being deceived by our adversary, and being caught up in situations that will ultimately lead us astray.
(2) Satan is an accuser of the brethren. Satan can achieve his destructive purposes by prompting people to make damaging allegations against other people. The most devastating accusations are those that twist and misrepresent facts in order to destroy someone’s character. Jesus Christ was accused falsely, and He was crucified (Matthew 26:59–66). Stephen suffered a similar fate at the hands of false accusers (Acts 6:8–14). Satan still uses the same tactics today. False accusations have played a major role in producing divisions in families and in the Church. To avoid being caught up in Satan’s divisive schemes, we need to be wary of listening to those who come with long lists of accusations about someone else. God warns us that “an ungodly man [person] digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire [it is all he wants to talk about]” (Proverbs 16:27). We are also advised that “the first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him” (Proverbs 18:17). It is never wise to believe the first person who presents his case; it is always better to listen to the “other side” of the story before coming to a conclusion. Jesus did not encourage accusations; He advised accusers to “clean up their own acts” before becoming overly concerned about others’ faults. If we are determined to “walk in the footsteps” of Christ, we will not become unwitting agents in Satan’s schemes by listening to accusations or joining with accusers in their destructive works.
(3) Satan spreads rumors. A rumor is simply gossip—something you heard from someone else. Rumors tend to undermine and divide friends, acquaintances, co-workers, family members and churches. Rumors are dangerous and destructive, which is why Satan employs them. The Bible takes a strong stand against spreading rumors. Moses told the Israelites: “You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people” (Leviticus 19:16). Solomon wrote that “the hypocrite destroys with his mouth his neighbor” and that “a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter” (Proverbs 11:9–13). We are also told that “a perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends… he who covers [overlooks or forgives] a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates the best of friends” (Proverbs 16:28; 17:9). People influenced by Satan like to hear and pass on juicy rumors about other people, generating strife and bad feelings. Yet the Bible states that “where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases” (Proverbs 26:20). A real Christian will not listen to rumors or pass on rumors. Anyone who has a proclivity to promote rumors is very likely to become an instrument in Satan’s hands.
(4) Satan spreads lies. Jesus plainly stated that Satan is a liar who has no respect or regard for the truth (John 8:44). To achieve his goals, Satan can use those who tend to twist or shade the truth in order to achieve their own purposes. Satan used lies and half-truths in the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 3). He motivated Ananias and Sapphira to lie to Peter—which cost them their lives (Acts 5:1–11). Paul told Timothy that “in the latter times some will depart from the faith… speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron”—they will lie with a straight face to achieve their own selfish ends (1 Timothy 4:1–2). When people lie and fail to speak the truth, trust is destroyed. Families, churches, business organizations and societies plagued by lies begin to break down because no one can trust anyone else. Lies are destructive, which is why Satan (the destroyer) employs this device. God, our wise Creator, designed one of the Commandments—“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor”—to discourage this dangerous behavior. If you do not lie or participate in spreading lies, you can avoid being used by Satan.
(5) Satan despises authority and acts presumptuously. Satan assumed that because God created him perfect in beauty and wisdom, he could actually replace (or act in place of) God (Isaiah 14:12–14). In his misguided audacity, he led an angelic rebellion against his Creator. We see this same attitude in human beings who are influenced by Satan. The disciples encountered a man called Simon, who was a local leader in Samaria, “claiming that he was someone great” (Acts 8:9). Simon was attracted by the miraculous power that the disciples possessed, and he tried to buy that power so that he could use it for his own purposes (vv. 18–19). Peter’s response—“you have neither part nor portion in this matter” (Acts 8:21)—indicates that Simon was actually trying to buy an “apostleship” (see Acts 1:25). Simon’s presumptuous action was the result of Satan’s influence (Acts 8:22–23). Peter later warned that false teachers would be characterized by their willingness to “despise authority. They are… self-willed; they are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries” (2 Peter 2:1–10). Down through the ages, many have proclaimed themselves to be prophets, evangelists and teachers, and have led many sincere people astray. The Bible indicates God works through His Church to appoint humble, qualified individuals to positions of leadership—individuals who recognize and can work with established authorities (see Romans 10:14–15; Acts 13:1–3; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1:5–9). Jesus set the example of how to respect and submit to authority (John 5:30; 6:38). Anyone who follows Christ’s example will not act presumptuously, or despise the authority that God has established in the Church or the family. Such Christians will also abide by the laws of the country they live in, as long as those laws are not contrary to the laws of God (Romans 13:1–3). Satan will have a difficult time influencing someone who has a proper attitude towards authority.
(6) Satan pretends to be a Christian and part of the Church. As we have already seen, Simon, the self-proclaimed leader from Samaria, claimed to be a Christian because he was baptized (Acts 8:13), but his subsequent actions revealed that he was merely a pretender. The Apostle Paul spoke of “false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:13). Paul also explained that since “Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 11:14–15). According to the Bible, Satan has ministers masquerading as ministers of Jesus Christ—pretending to be Christian leaders! These false ministers will be involved in preaching about “another Jesus… a different spirit… [and] a different gospel” (2 Corinthians 11:1–4). This is why there are so many different churches today preaching so many different ideas. It is all part of Satan’s plan to destroy the Church that Jesus Christ founded—the Church that He still guides and leads.
Just because people attend the Church of God does not mean they are converted. Paul warned the leaders of the Church in Ephesus: “I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among your own selves men will rise up, speaking perverse [deceptive, misleading] things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:29–30). Paul was describing how false teachers—unconverted individuals who appear to be “members” of the Church—would actually become instruments of Satan and be used by this powerful spirit being to wreak havoc and destruction in the Church of God.
The Bible clearly indicates that Satan is real, and that he stirs up problems between individuals, family members, Church members and nations. Satan has his devices, and he knows how to use these very destructive tools. As human beings, we need to recognize how Satan operates. We need to understand his goals and objectives. By studying and following the instructions that God provides in His Word, we can prevent the problems Satan wants to cause. We must remain alert, and learn to live “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). If we want to avoid becoming instruments in Satan’s hands, and unsuspecting agents operating on his behalf, we must be able to recognize the methods he uses to accomplish his purposes. By doing so, we can avoid Satan’s devices, and make progress towards the kingdom of God.