For the Christian:
A Christian may ask questions such as: Just how real is Satan? Can he exercise power over my life? Is he as real as the Holy Spirit?
1. Satan is, indeed, a real person. He is, however, limited in power. The Holy Spirit, on the other hand, is almighty; as a member of the Trinity He is God.
2. The Christian must not take lightly the designs and works of Satan: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).
3. The Christian must believe Satan to be a defeated foe: "Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4, KJV). Jesus Christ emerged victorious over Satan through His incarnation, death on the cross, and resurrection: "Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Hebrews 2:14).
4. Satan will have no power or influence over the Christian who submits constantly to the dominion of Christ, to the authority and illumination of the Word of God, to the discipline of prayer, and to involvement with a dynamic group of Christian believers. This is what is meant by putting on the "whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11).
5. Pray with the inquirer for understanding of Satan and for victory over all concerns and fears about the enemy and his influence and power.
Scripture
Job 1:6–12 Matthew 4:1–11 Ephesians 2:1–3 Hebrews 2:14 1 Peter 5:8–10 Revelation 12:9–10 Revelation 20:1–10
SATAN, RESISTING
Background
Before Jesus began His earthly ministry, He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11). Having withstood Satan, Jesus can help us resist him when he tempts us (Hebrews 4:15–16).
Because Christ defeated Satan at the cross, we who acknowledge Him as Savior and Lord have been delivered from Satan's power (Colossians 1:13). Yet our encounter with him is not over; he doesn't give up easily. He is the "accuser of our brethren" (Revelation 12:10); the "enemy" (Matthew 13:39); the "tempter" (Matthew 4:3); and a "deceiver" (Revelation 12:9, PHILLIPS).
In the hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," Martin Luther alerts us to be on our guard:
"For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great, And armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal."
We are told to "stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11), and to resist him (James 4:7). Just how much power does Satan have over believers? What resources must we have in order to withstand his temptations and attacks? The Christian must learn to trust in the finished work of Christ. Satan is a defeated foe: "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb" (Revelation 12:11). Jesus became a human, "that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Hebrews 2:14).
The Christian enjoys a privileged position of refuge and security. According to Galatians 2:20, the "old you" is dead and your life is now "hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:1–3). The Christian is in Christ's constant protection and care: "The one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him" (1 John 5:18, NIV).
Helping Strategy
If a Christian feels under attack by Satan or is vulnerable to his wiles or temptations, ask him or her to tell you about it. He or she may be just succumbing to selfish, sinful desires. Satan is blamed for many things for which he is not guilty.