Satan is seeking to oppose God’s plan by promoting evil in every way possible:
(1) Indirect Activity
He works indirectly through the world (in which he has great freedom and power – John 12:31; 1 John 5:19) and the flesh (Gal.5:19-21). The world, the flesh and the devil are not three separate enemies of the Christian. Rather Satan works through the evil world system (1 John 2:13-15) to exploit the fleshly nature that still wars within us (Rom.7:18; Gal.5:19-21).
(2) Direct Activity
He works directly by deception, temptation, attack and possession.
1. In Christ’s ministry:
(a) He tempted Christ (Matt.4:1-11).
(b) He attempted to thwart Christ’s work (John 8:44; Matt.16:23; Luke 22:31).
(c) He possessed Judas to accomplish the betrayal (John 13:27).
2. In unbelievers
(a) He blinds their minds to hinder their understanding of the gospel (2 Cor.4:4).
(b) When the gospel is heard or understood, he tries to hinder its effect (Luke 8:12).
(c) He uses persecution (Rev.2:10) and false religions (Rev.2:13) to hinder the effect of the gospel.
3. In believers
(a) He tempts believers (to pride – 1 Chron.21:1-8; to materialism – John 2:15; James 5:1-7; to immorality – 1 Cor.7:5; to lie – Acts 5:3; to discouragement – 1 Pet.5:6-10; to be unforgiving – 2 Cor.2:10,11 etc.).
(b) He hinders the ministries of believers (1 Thess.2:18; Rev.2:10).
(c) He promotes false teaching among believers (1 John 4:1-4).
(d) He promotes anger, bitterness and division (Eph.4:26,27; 2 Cor.2:5-11). Note: See the supplement – “Satanic Activity and Spiritual Warfare” for more information on how Satan and his demons work and how we must respond.
Persecution Live 