Any army will quickly gain an advantage over its enemy if it can learn the tactics and habits of that enemy. So it is with Christians who stop to consider the adversary. Peter warns "Be sober, be watchful for your adversary, the devil, walks about as a roaring lion, seeking who he may devour" (I Peter 5:8.) Paul tells us not "to be ignorant of his devices" (II Corinthians 2:11.) We have a powerful enemy to face and learning about this enemy will help us overcome him.
His names are more descriptive than simple proper names. He is "called the devil, and Satan" in Revelation 12:9. The term "devil" means "slanderer" and the name Satan means "adversary." From these most common designations of our enemy we learn that he is no good. He is opposed to God and His people and will use whatever means necessary (slander) to gain and win. He is pictured as accusing the brethren (Revelation 12:10) and we see him doing just that to Job (Job 1 & 2.) What a nasty person.
He is referred to as "Beelzebub" in Matthew 12:24. This word originally was applied to Baal, the false god so often worshipped in the Old Testament and one variation is seen in II Kings 1:2 "Baalzebub". Again the idea is of one trying to claim an equality with the God of heaven he does not deserve. Other names include "Belial" (useless, reckless, lawless are all in the meaning of this name (II Corinthians 6:15); "Abaddon and Apollyon" (destroyer and destruction) in Revelations 9:11 ; and the list could go on. However, these are enough to show that the devil has no good quality. John 8:44 calls him the father of lies and he is referred to as the "evil one" (Matthew 13:19) and the tempter (Matthew 4:5.) Satan purposes in his heart to sin against God and has done so from the beginning. Those today that purpose to sin are of their father - the devil (John 8:44.) He means us no good - why serve him?
author: Wayde Miller, Evangelist
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