This Bible study was taught during the spring months of 2012 as a requested follow-up topic after our study on angelology.
The study guides are available below:
Lucifer – The Fallen Cherub
- There was a time (before the world was made) when all the Angels joyfully served God (Job 38:4-7).
- Lucifer was an Anointed Cherub who was full of wisdom and perfect in beauty (Ezekiel 28:11-15).
- Lucifer’s heart was lifted up with pride and he aspired to be like God (Ezekiel 28:17a, Isaiah 14:12-14).
- Because of Lucifer’s rebellion, he was expelled from heaven and cast down to the earth (Ezekiel 28:17b).
- It appears that Lucifer continued to have at least some access to heaven after his expulsion (Job 1:6-7).
Satan – The Deceiver
- From the beginning of the creation, deception has been Satan’s preferred method of operation (John 8:44).
- Satan’s deceptions are not usually obvious, but wrapped in a subtle package (Genesis 3:1a, 2 Corinthians 11:13-14).
- Satan deceives by questioning the authority of God’s word, slightly twisting it, or denying it outright (Genesis 3:1-4).
- Satan will typically appeal to man’s desire to be autonomous [i.e., self-rule] or his pride (Genesis 3:5-6, 1 Timothy 3:6).
- Satan employs our fellow man in his program of deception and destruction (e.g., Eve, Cain, False Prophets, Judas, etc.).
Satan – The Accuser
- The word “Satan” literally means to “accuse” or “oppose” in the Hebrew language.
- There was a time when Satan had access to heaven and accused men before God (Job 1:6-11; 2:1-6).
- God’s response to Satan’s false accusations is symbolically foreshadowed in Zechariah 3:1-5.
- Jesus’ death and resurrection resulted in Satan’s expulsion from heaven as the accuser (John 12:31, Revelation 12:10).
- Christians now have an “Advocate” in Heaven rather than an “Accuser” (1 John 2:1-3, Romans 8:31-34, Col. 2:13-17).
Satan – The Antichrist
- The title “Anti-Christ” literally means (1) “against” or (2) “in place of” God’s Anointed in the Greek language.
- Satan’s opposition to Christ’s birth is symbolically described in Revelation 12:1-4 and detailed throughout OT history.
- During Christ’s incarnation, Satan opposed him through temptation and accusation (Matthew 4:1-11, 12:22-32).
- Having failed to destroy Christ, Satan opposes his church through heretics and heresies (2 Cor. 11:13-15, 1 John 4:1-3).
- In the last days, the other meaning on “anti” (i.e., in place of/substitute) is made manifest (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).
Demons – OT Background
- Demons are fallen Angels who sinned against God and were therefore cast out of heaven (Jude 6, 2 Peter 2:4).
- It appears that one-third of the Angels were “recruited” by Satan in his heavenly rebellion (Revelation 12:3-4).
- These Demons then assisted Satan on earth by opposing God, attacking God’s people, and deceiving the nations.
- Demons are eerily described as the “satyrs” or “hairy ones” who inhabit the dark wastelands (Isaiah 13:21, 34:14).
- Mankind served and worshiped the Demons through idolatry and immorality (Deut. 32:15-18, Leviticus 17:7).
Demons – NT Introduction
- When Christ came to earth two kingdoms essentially collided; causing an intense outbreak of demonic activity.
- Demons were entering people’s bodies and tormenting them mentally and physically (Luke 13:10-11, Matthew 17:15-16).
- Jesus came to destroy the Devil’s works, and therefore cast out these tormenting Demons (Matthew 4:23-25, 1 John 3:8).
- Jesus’ presence and authority frightened the Demons greatly because they knew his identity and mission (Luke 4:31-34).
- When confronted, Jesus rebuked, silenced (lit., muzzled), and cast out Demons with all authority (Luke 4:35-37).
Demons – The Demoniac
- The Demoniac was a danger to himself and others and was therefore removed from civilization (Mark 5:1-5).
- The Demoniac was possessed by a legion of Demons who worshiped, feared, and implored Jesus (Mark 5:6-10).
- Jesus cleansed the man and land by sending the unclean spirits into unclean swine — destroying both (Mark 5:11-14).
- The man who had been possessed was restored to full physical, mental, and spiritual health (Mark 5:15-16).
- Jesus sent the man back to his family and friends as a witness to Christ’s power to deliver (Mark 5:17-20).
Demons – Apostolic Authority
- While issuing the Great Commission, Jesus delegated his authority over the Demons to the Eleven (Mark 16:14-20).
- After Pentecost, the Apostles exercised this authority exactly as geographically promised (Acts 1:8; 5:14-16; 8:4-8ff).
- The Demons acknowledged the authority of the Apostles, but of no one else (Acts 19:11-16).
- The Apostles’ authority over Demons caused many to seek deliverance through personal repentance (Acts 19:17-20).
- The last Apostle promised the continued exercise of this authority through the means of grace (Ephesians 6:10-20).
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