Topical Bible: The Devil: Character of Presumptuous

◄ The Devil: Character of Presumptuous ►

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The Devil, also known as Satan, is a central figure in Christian theology, representing the embodiment of evil and opposition to God. One of the defining characteristics of the Devil is his presumptuous nature, which is evident throughout Scripture. This presumption is seen in his audacious attempts to challenge God's authority, deceive humanity, and assert his own will over creation.

Presumption in Heaven

The Devil's presumptuous character is first revealed in his rebellion against God. Isaiah 14:12-14, often interpreted as a reference to Satan, describes his fall from grace due to his pride and ambition: "How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! ... You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.'" This passage illustrates the Devil's audacious desire to usurp God's position, showcasing his presumptuous nature.

Presumption in the Garden of Eden

The Devil's presumption is further demonstrated in the Garden of Eden, where he tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. In Genesis 3:4-5, the serpent, a manifestation of Satan, boldly contradicts God's command: "You will not surely die," the serpent told the woman. "For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Here, the Devil presumes to know better than God, enticing humanity to disobey the Creator and suggesting that they, too, can be like God.

Presumption in the Temptation of Christ

The Devil's presumptuous character is also evident in the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. In Matthew 4:5-6, the Devil takes Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and challenges Him: "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.'" Here, the Devil presumes to test Jesus' identity and authority, misusing Scripture to manipulate the situation for his own ends.

Presumption in Accusation

The Devil's role as the accuser of humanity further highlights his presumptuous nature. In the book of Job, Satan challenges the integrity of Job, presuming to question the motives behind Job's righteousness. Job 1:9-11 records Satan's audacious claim: "Does Job fear God for nothing? ... But stretch out Your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face." The Devil's presumption here is in assuming that he can predict and influence human behavior, challenging God's understanding and judgment.

Presumption in the End Times

In the eschatological narrative, the Devil's presumptuous character is again on display. Revelation 12:7-9 describes a war in heaven, where Michael and his angels fight against the dragon, identified as the Devil. Despite knowing his ultimate defeat is prophesied, the Devil presumptuously continues his rebellion against God, attempting to thwart divine plans and deceive the nations.

Throughout Scripture, the Devil's presumptuous nature is a recurring theme, manifesting in his rebellion, deception, and audacious challenges to God's authority. This characteristic underscores his role as the adversary, constantly seeking to undermine God's sovereignty and lead humanity astray.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 1:6
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 4:5,6
Then the devil takes him up into the holy city, and sets him on a pinnacle of the temple,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Caution to the Presumptuous
... 1. My first business shall be to FIND OUT THE CHARACTER intended by ... loose thoughts
of sin often beget a presumptuous spirit, and we ... And both a devil and a saint ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/a caution to the presumptuous.htm

The Witness of the Spirit
... But is this the character of the presumptuous pretender to the ... to a lie; or testify
that he is a child of God when he is manifestly a child of the devil. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 10 the witness of.htm

The Comer's Conflict with Satan
... cannot save you." Thus the devil begins preaching ... asked them questions, and knows
their character." Well, if ... read the rolls, or, with presumptuous hand unfold ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the comers conflict with satan.htm

Hazael
... Let him grow careless, presumptuous, neglectful of prayer, and all ... the dog in you,
or of the devil, if you ... to manhood with a fairly unspotted character; a few ...
//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hazael.htm

Salt Without Savour
... These words must have seemed ridiculously presumptuous when they ... do it by the influence
of conduct and character. ... of a good man hinders the devil from having ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/salt without savour.htm

Introduction
... mystical genius, of strongly marked character and great ... the right way to treat the
devil; he draws ... He even fears that some "young presumptuous ghostly disciples ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/introduction.htm

Prayer and the Word of God (Continued)
... thought or prayer; as a consequence, the devil easily takes ... Keep back Thy servant
also from presumptuous sins. ... Its very existence and character is dependent on ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xiii prayer and the word.htm

The First Galilean Ministry.
... It might be presumptuous to attempt stating the reasons ... all so entirely contrary
to the Character, the Mission ... God's Jubilee, but that of the Devil, whose works ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi the first galilean.htm

Curiosity a Temptation to Sin.
... company whither we should not go, in presumptuous reasonings and ... is, that this is
its chief character, that all ... We are told "that the devil, our adversary, as ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon v curiosity a temptation.htm

Letter Lxxxii. To Marcian Augustus.
... not to allow any one in vain and presumptuous craftiness to ... of the Truth, so soon
as the devil aroused them in ... we have to determine not the character of the ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter lxxxii to marcian augustus.htm