The Doctrine of Satan, Lesson 2: What Does Satan Do?

The last lesson in our study looked at who Satan is, this lesson explores what Satan does. Satan opposes God's plan of redemption every way he can. Beginning in Genesis 3 Satan deceives Eve and Adam disobeys command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God pronounces judgment on the serpent in Genesis 3:14-15 which includes the first promise of the Messiah in the Bible. The rest of the Bible includes the people of God looking for the one who would rescue mankind from sin, death and Satan. The New Testament clearly points to Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) who would be victorious over Satan.

Satan attempted to stop God's plan and people throughout the Old Testament, then continues with his attack on Jesus in His birth through King Herod in Matthew 2:16 and many other attempts against Jesus during His ministry by various religious leaders and individuals.

Satan also deceives the nations through his counterfeit world system. This includes the demonic influence over kings and governmental authorities and future deceptions in the future Tribulation (Revelation 16:14) and the final deception and rebellion in Revelation 20:7-10.

Satan blinds unbelievers so they cannot see and believe the good news about Jesus' payment for our sins on the cross. Satan also promotes counterfeits religions and ideas to draw people away from the one true Savior, Jesus Christ. Satan also attacks believers with temptations to sin, accusations and hindering God's work and people every chance he can. Satan has many other fallen angels who also rebelled with him to work throughout our world. Those demonic forces sow confusion and disharmony around the world.

Satan is a defeated enemy. He continues to work his schemes, but God's plan cannot be thwarted. Believers can be confident that Jesus death on the cross and resurrection from the dead conquered Satan and his forces of evil. Satan can only work as God allows and he will be judged and condemned forever in the lake of fire with all who refuse to believe in Jesus for eternal life. Believers can stand firm today through God's Word, God's Spirit and God's strength in our lives. God's victory is certain!