Topical Bible: The Devil: Character of Powerful

◄ The Devil: Character of Powerful ►

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The Devil, also known as Satan, is depicted in the Bible as a powerful and malevolent being who stands in opposition to God and His purposes. His power is evident in various aspects of his character and actions as described in Scripture.

1. Origin and Fall: The Devil's power is first hinted at in his origin as a created being who fell from grace. Ezekiel 28:12-17, while addressing the king of Tyre, is often interpreted as a dual reference to Satan's fall. It describes a being of great beauty and wisdom who was in Eden and was cast down due to pride and rebellion. This passage highlights the Devil's initial power and splendor before his fall.

2. Deceiver and Tempter: The Devil's power is prominently displayed in his role as a deceiver and tempter. In Genesis 3:1-5, he appears as a serpent, cunningly leading Eve into sin by questioning God's command and promising false wisdom. His ability to deceive is further emphasized in 2 Corinthians 11:14, where he is described as masquerading as an angel of light.

3. Accuser: The Devil's power is also seen in his role as the accuser of humanity. In Job 1:6-12, he appears before God, challenging Job's righteousness and seeking permission to test him. Revelation 12:10 refers to him as "the accuser of our brothers," who accuses believers before God day and night.

4. Ruler of this World: The Devil is described as having significant influence over the world. In John 12:31, Jesus refers to him as "the ruler of this world," indicating his power over earthly systems and structures. Ephesians 2:2 calls him "the prince of the power of the air," highlighting his pervasive influence.

5. Opposer of God's People: The Devil's power is evident in his opposition to God's people. 1 Peter 5:8 warns believers to be sober-minded and watchful because "your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." His relentless pursuit of believers underscores his formidable power.

6. Source of Spiritual Warfare: The Devil's power is a central element in the spiritual warfare faced by Christians. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers that their struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil, including the Devil. This passage calls for the use of the full armor of God to stand against his schemes.

7. Limited Power: Despite his power, the Devil's authority is ultimately limited by God. In the temptation of Jesus, recorded in Matthew 4:1-11, the Devil offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, but Jesus rebukes him with Scripture, demonstrating that the Devil's power is subject to God's Word. James 4:7 encourages believers to resist the Devil, promising that he will flee from them.

The Devil's character as powerful is a consistent theme throughout the Bible, illustrating his significant but ultimately constrained influence in the spiritual realm.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Loosing of the Devil, and of the Second and Greatest ...
... XXVI."Of the Loosing of the Devil, and of the ... The powerful right hand of God protects
thee from all ... both by the innate sanctity of thy character, and by thy ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxvi of the loosing of.htm

The World, the Flesh, and the Devil
... manifold corruptions of the world, the devil, and the ... up their cringing to the wealthy
and powerful; and by ... been the recognised sign of women of bad character. ...
/.../chapter xxxvii the world the.htm

The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is Designed.
... quick, will force a hearing when the most powerful words are ... 6. As an essential part
of the character of God's ... and lust, by the world and the devil, too long ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iv the character of.htm

Commencement of the Legends Concerning Jesus --His Own Idea of his ...
... See the passages previously cited on the character of the ... is obliged to be concealed
to avoid powerful men who ... kill him.[5] In exorcisms, the devil cheats him ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xv commencement of the.htm

On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Giving of ...
... II."On the Formation of the Character of Believers ... servants; Thou, O God, who art
powerful, faithful, and ... of His kingdom, to condemn the devil, the deceiver ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on the formation of.htm

That Evil Comes of Sloth, and virtue from Diligence, and that ...
... Thereby she afforded the Devil a powerful handle ... the clothing of the flesh, and this
the Devil destroyed on ... For the character of calamities is not of such a kind ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii that evil comes.htm

Exposition: 1 John 3:1-10
... ourselves to be even when divine grace is powerful in us ... against us, with the foot
of the devil on our ... life; it means that that is the man's general character. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/exposition 1 john 3 1-10.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan.
... for they would exert a powerful influence in ... The insidious, deceptive character of
his influence and example ... vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /30 enmity between man and.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan
... for they would exert a powerful influence in ... The insidious, deceptive character of
his influence and example ... vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 30 enmity between man.htm

Christ the Support of the Tempted
... It is so dangerous to engage so subtle and powerful an enemy as Satan is, that we
shall be ... And though this character is given of the devil, if we were to ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the support of the.htm