Topical Bible: The Devil: Opposes God's Work

◄ The Devil: Opposes God's Work ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Devil, also known as Satan, is a central figure in Christian theology, representing the embodiment of evil and the primary adversary of God. His role as the opposer of God's work is evident throughout the Bible, where he is depicted as a deceiver, tempter, and accuser, actively working against God's purposes and the well-being of humanity.

Origin and Identity

The Devil's origin is often associated with a rebellion against God. Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-17 are traditionally interpreted as references to Satan's fall from grace, describing a once-glorious being who sought to exalt himself above God. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Satan's fall, saying, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven" (Luke 10:18).

Role as the Tempter

One of the Devil's primary roles is that of the tempter, seeking to lead people away from God. In the Garden of Eden, he appears as a serpent, deceiving Eve into disobeying God (Genesis 3:1-6). This act of temptation introduces sin into the world, setting the stage for humanity's ongoing struggle against evil.

In the New Testament, the Devil attempts to derail Jesus' mission by tempting Him in the wilderness. He offers Jesus worldly power and glory in exchange for worship, but Jesus resists, quoting Scripture to counter each temptation (Matthew 4:1-11).

The Accuser

The Devil is also known as the accuser, a role highlighted in the book of Job. He challenges Job's righteousness, suggesting that Job is faithful only because of God's blessings. God permits Satan to test Job, resulting in a series of trials that ultimately affirm Job's faithfulness (Job 1:6-12).

In Revelation, Satan is described as "the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them day and night before our God" (Revelation 12:10). This portrayal underscores his ongoing effort to undermine believers by highlighting their sins and shortcomings.

Deceiver and Father of Lies

The Devil is characterized as a deceiver, spreading falsehoods to lead people astray. Jesus identifies him as "a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). This deceit is evident in his manipulation of Scripture during the temptation of Jesus and his efforts to distort God's truth throughout history.

Opposition to God's Kingdom

Satan's opposition to God's work is evident in his attempts to thwart the establishment of God's kingdom. He sows discord and division, as seen in the parable of the weeds, where an enemy sows weeds among the wheat (Matthew 13:24-30). This parable illustrates the Devil's efforts to corrupt and hinder the growth of God's kingdom on earth.

Defeat and Final Judgment

Despite his efforts to oppose God, the Bible assures believers of the Devil's ultimate defeat. Jesus' death and resurrection mark the decisive victory over sin and death, breaking the power of the Devil (Hebrews 2:14). Revelation foretells Satan's final judgment, where he will be cast into the lake of fire, signifying the end of his influence (Revelation 20:10).

Throughout Scripture, the Devil is portrayed as a formidable adversary, yet one whose power is limited by God's sovereignty. Believers are called to resist the Devil, standing firm in their faith and relying on God's strength to overcome his schemes (Ephesians 6:11-12, James 4:7).

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 3:1
And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 2:18
Why we would have come to you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Conclusion
... weary and disgusted, since we know and feel how the devil always opposes this and ...
conscience, and act like a person who desires to be right with God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/conclusion.htm

Eighth Sunday after Trinity Living in the Spirit as God's Children ...
... They will certainly overpower him unless he resolutely opposes them and ... On the other
hand, the devil, who also is a ... of that which the Spirit of God leads them ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/eighth sunday after trinity living.htm

The Old Man and the New.
... the old man after regeneration, for this opposes the plain ... manfully fight and overcome
sin and the devil and all ... glorying only in the gracious work of his God. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xii the old man and.htm

The Power of God
... Satan opposes him, and the heart opposes him; a sinner ... The strong God can conquer
thy strong corruption; though ... not for thy honour that the devil should have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/6 the power of god.htm

His Past Work.
... called philosophical, in reality, satanic utterances, it opposes the revelation ... 3.
He suffered from the devil. ... mystery of the atoning work of the Son of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/i his past work.htm

How to Work the Work of God
... know that the commonplace of evangelical teaching opposes faith to ... It is not a condition
that God has invented ... to fight yourself, and the world, and the devil. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/how to work the work.htm

Thou Shalt have no Other Gods Before Me.
... in Mammon suffer care and want, and the devil opposes and resists ... Only let not the
devil and the world deceive you ... and use all the blessings which God gives no ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt have no other.htm

Christian Meekness
... Let him chequer his work as he please, it suffices ... Some divines say that when God
disposed of Moses ... The devil opposes the archangel and contends about the dead ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/12 christian meekness.htm

Anti-Pelagian Writings
... (See "The Unfinished Work," i. 73 ... Chapter 14 [V.]--Concupiscence Alone, in Marriage,
is Not of God. ... Birth, is Placed Under the Dominion of the Devil Through Sin ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/anti-pelagian writings/

Fourth Sunday after Trinity Redemption of the Creatures.
... they who are God's appear to be the devil's, and the devil's to be ... the abuse of the
ungodly; to endure that dishonor of God that opposes the hallowing of ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/fourth sunday after trinity redemption.htm