Satan’s Origin Story 

• Created as a Perfect Being:  
  Son of man, sing this funeral song for the king of Tyre. Give him this message from the Sovereign LORD: “You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and exquisite in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God. Your clothing was adorned with every precious stone— red carnelian, pale-green peridot, white moonstone, blue-green beryl, onyx, green jasper, blue lapis lazuli, turquoise, and emerald— all beautifully crafted for you and set in the finest gold. They were given to you on the day you were created. I ordained and anointed you as the mighty angelic guardian. You had access to the holy mountain of God and walked among the stones of fire. “You were blameless in all you did from the day you were created until the day evil was found in you.” Ezekiel 28:12-15 

•  

• Fell Due to Pride:  
  How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world.13 For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. 14 I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’15 Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths.  
  Isaiah 14:12-15 

Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you.  Ezekiel 28:17 Leader of Rebellion:  

Then I witnessed in heaven another significant event. I saw a large red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, with seven crowns on his heads. 4 His tail swept away one-third of the stars in the sky, and he threw them to the earth. (Revelation 7-9) 7 Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels.8 And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. 9 This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. 
Revelation 12:3-4 

• A Created Being: For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 
  Colossians 1:16 
   

You were in Eden, the garden of God. Your clothing was adorned with every precious stone red carnelian, pale-green peridot, white moonstone, blue-green beryl, onyx, green jasper, blue lapis lazuli, turquoise, and emerald—all beautifully crafted for you and set in the finest gold. They were given to you on the day you were created. 
Ezekiel 28:13 

Satan’s Titles and Names 

• Satan: Means "adversary."  
   One day the members of the heavenly court[a]came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them.  “Where have you come from?” the Lord asked Satan. Satan answered the Lord, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.”(Zechariah 3:1) then the angel showed me Jeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua. 
  Job 1:6-7 
   

• Devil: Means "accuser" or "slanderer."  
  Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters 
  has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night. 
  Revelation 12:10 
   

• Lucifer: Often translated as "morning star" or "light bearer."  
  How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 
  Isaiah 14:12, KJV 
   

• The Accuser:  
  Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last— salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night. 
  Revelation 12:10 
   

• The Deceiver:  
  This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. 
  Revelation 12:9 
   

• The Tempter:  
  Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”  
  Matthew 4:1-3 
   
  That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless. 
  1 Thessalonians 3:5 
   

• Prince of the Power of the Air:  
  You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.  All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. 
  Ephesians 2:2 
   

• The God of This World:  
  Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 
  2 Corinthians 4:4 

Satan’s Character and Tactics 

• A Liar and a Murderer 
  For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. 
  John 8:44 
   

• Schemer:  
  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 
  Ephesians 6:11 
   

• Masquerades as an Angel of Light:  
  But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 
  2 Corinthians 11:14 
   

• An Opponent of God’s People:  
  We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us.  
  1 Thessalonians 2:18  
   
  And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus. 
  Revelation 12:17 
   

• Sower of Division and Doubt: 
  The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” 
  Genesis 3:1-5 
   

• A Snatcher of Truth: 
  The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. 
  Matthew 13:19 

Satan’s Activity and Authority 

• Temporary Authority: 
  “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please.  
  Luke 4:6 
   
  One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them.  “Where have you come from?” the Lord asked Satan. Satan answered the Lord, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.” Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant, Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.” Satan replied to the Lord, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! 11 But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face! ” All right, you may test him,” the Lord said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence. 
  Job 1:6-12 
   

• Roams the Earth:  
  “Where have you come from?” the Lord asked Satan. Satan answered the Lord, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.”  
  Job 1:7 
   
  Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 
  1 Peter 5:8 
   

• Persecutor of the Church: 
  And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus. 
  Revelation 12:17 
   

• Opposes the Gospel: 
  Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 
  2 Corinthians 4:4  
   
  Then he said, “You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? 
  Acts 13:10 

Satan’s Future 

• Defeated at the Cross: 

In this way, he disarmed[a] the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. 
Colossians 2:15  
 
Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had[a] the power of death. 
Hebrews 2:14 

• Cast Out of Heaven:  
   
  Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels.8 And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. 9 This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. 
  Revelation 12:7-9 
   

• Final Judgment:  
  Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. 
  Revelation 20:10 

 

The elohim or "Little g" gods (Rebellious Divine Beings) 

God presides over heaven’s court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings. 
Psalm 82:1 

There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords. 
1 Corinthians 8:5 

Origins and Nature of Little g gods 

• Created Beings:  
   
  For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. 
  He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 
  Colossians 1:16  
   
  You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you. 
  Nehemiah 9:6 
   

• Spiritual Beings: 
   
  They offered sacrifices to demons, which are not God, to gods they had not known before, to new gods only recently arrived, to gods their ancestors had never feared. 
  Deuteronomy 32:17  
   
  No, not at all. I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to God. And I don’t want you to participate with demons. 
  1 Corinthians 10:20 
   

• Subordinate to Yahweh:  
   
  The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens!  
  Psalm 96:5   

Say this to those who worship other gods: “Your so-called gods, who did not make the heavens and earth, will vanish from the earth and from under the heavens.” 
Jeremiah 10:11 

Titles and Descriptions 

• gods (elohim):  
   
  You must not have any other god but me.  
  Exodus 20:3  

God presides over heaven’s court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings: 
Psalm 82:1 

• Princes and Powers:  
   
  They are connected to principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness in spiritual realms.  
  Ephesians 6:12 
   
  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.  
  Daniel 10:13  
   
  But for twenty-one days the spirit prince[a] of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.  
  Daniel 10:20  
   

• Idols:  
   
  You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.  
  Exodus 20:4  
   
  Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them.– these lifeless images are representing read gods… 
  Psalm 115:4-8 
   

• Demons:  
   
  They offered sacrifices to demons, which are not God, to gods they had not known before, to new gods only recently arrived, to gods their ancestors had never feared. 
  Deuteronomy 32:17 
   
  They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons. 
  Psalm 106:37 

Their Role in Spiritual Warfare 

Rulers of Nations:  
 
When the Most High assigned lands to the nations, when he divided up the human race, he established the boundaries of the peoples according to the number in his heavenly court. “For the people of Israel belong to the Lord; Jacob is his special possession. 
Deuteronomy 32:8-9 

Mislead Humanity:  
 
Pay close attention to all my instructions. You must not call on the name of any other gods. Do not even speak their names. 
Exodus 23:13  
 
Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. 
1 Kings 18:21 

Promote False Worship:  

 
How foolish are those who manufacture idols. These prize objects are really worthless. The people who worship idols don’t know this, so they are all put to shame. Who but a fool would make his own god—an idol that cannot help him one bit? All who worship idols will be disgraced along with all these craftsmen—mere humans—who claim they can make a god. They may all stand together, but they will stand in terror and shame. The blacksmith stands at his forge to make a sharp tool, pounding and shaping it with all his might. His work makes him hungry and weak. It makes him thirsty and faint Then the wood-carver measures a block of wood and draws a pattern on it. He works with chisel and plane and carves it into a human figure. He gives it human beauty and puts it in a little shrine. He cuts down cedars; he selects the cypress and the oak; he plants the pine in the forest to be nourished by the rain. Then he uses part of the wood to make a fire. With it he warms himself and bakes his bread. Then—yes, it’s true—he takes the rest of it and makes himself a god to worship! He makes an idol and bows down in front of it! He burns part of the tree to roast his meat and to keep himself warm. He says, “Ah, that fire feels good.” Then he takes what’s left and makes his god: a carved idol! He falls down in front of it, worshiping and praying to it. “Rescue me!” he says. “You are my god!” Such stupidity and ignorance! Their eyes are closed, and they cannot see. Their minds are shut, and they cannot think. The person who made the idol never stops to reflect, “Why, it’s just a block of wood! 
I burned half of it for heat and used it to bake my bread and roast my meat. How can the rest of it be a god? Should I bow down to worship a piece of wood?” The poor, deluded fool feeds on ashes. He trusts something that can’t help him at all. Yet he cannot bring himself to ask, “Is this idol that I’m holding in my hand a lie?”  

Isaiah 44:9-20 

 

 

Hear the word that the Lord speaks to you, O Israel! This is what the Lord says: “Do not act like the other nations, who try to read their future in the stars. Do not be afraid of their predictions, even though other nations are terrified by them. Their ways are futile and foolish. They cut down a tree, and a craftsman carves an idol.They decorate it with gold and silver and then fasten it securely with hammer and nails so it won’t fall over. Their gods are like helpless scarecrows in a cucumber field! They cannot speak, and they need to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of such gods, for they can neither harm you nor do you any good. 
Jeremiah 10:1-5 

Characteristics and Actions 

• Deceptive:  

But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve. 
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 

They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?” 
Revelation 13:4 

• Weak Compared to God:  
   
  Such stupidity and ignorance! Their eyes are closed, and they cannot see. Their minds are shut, and they cannot think. 19 The person who made the idol never stops to reflect, “Why, it’s just a block of wood! I burned half of it for heat and used it to bake my bread and roast my meat. 
  How can the rest of it be a god? Should I bow down to worship a piece of wood?” 20 The poor, deluded fool feeds on ashes. He trusts something that can’t help him at all. Yet he cannot bring himself to ask, “Is this idol that I’m holding in my hand a lie?”  
  Isaiah 44:18-20 
   
  Their gods are like helpless scarecrows in a cucumber field! They cannot speak, and they need to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of such gods, for they can neither harm you nor do you any good.” 
  Jeremiah 10:5 

Jealous and Violent:  
 
“Do not permit any of your children to be offered as a sacrifice to Molech, for you must not bring shame on the name of your God. I am the Lord.  
Leviticus 18:21 
 
Then the king defiled the altar of Topheth in the valley of Ben-Hinnom, so no one could ever again use it to sacrifice a son or daughter in the fire as an offering to Molech. 
2 Kings 23:10 

Examples of Little g gods in the Bible 

• Baal 

• Asherah 

• Molech 

• Dagon 

• Chemosh 

• Astarte/Ishtar 

• Ra and Egyptian gods 

God’s View and Actions Against Them 

• Yahweh Alone is God:  
  I have equipped you for battle, though you don't even know me, so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the LORD, and there is no other. 
  Isaiah 45:5-6 
   
  “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 
  Deuteronomy 6:4  
   

• God’s Judgment on Them:  
   
  On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord!  
  Exodus 12:12 
   
  But you will die like mere mortals and fall like every other ruler. 
  Psalm 82:7 
   

• False gods Will Perish:  
  “Your so-called gods, who did not make the heavens and earth, will vanish from the earth and from under the heavens.” 
  Jeremiah 10:11   
   
  The Lord will terrify them as he destroys all the gods in the land. Then nations around the world will worship the Lord, each in their own land. 
  Zephaniah 2:11 

 

Prohibited Worship:  

You must not have any other god but me. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.  
Exodus 20:3-4 
 
You must not worship any of the gods of neighboring nations, 15 for the Lord your God, who lives among you, is a jealous God. His anger will flare up against you, and he will wipe you from the face of the earth. 16 You must not test the Lord your God as you did when you complained at Massah. 
Deuteronomy 6:14-15 

Future of Little g gods 

• Defeated by God:  
   
  Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other.23 I have sworn by my own name; I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to me. 
  Isaiah 45:22-23  

Final Judgment

Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.  
Revelation 20:10  

After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power. 25For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet. 
1 Corinthians 15:24-25 

• God’s Kingdom Prevails:  
   
  Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. 
  Revelation 21:27 

Angels (The Forces of Light) 

Angels’ Origin and Nature 

• Created by God: 
   
  For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 
  Colossians 1:16   
   
  Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. 
  Who determined its dimension and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone 7 as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? 
  Job 38:4-7 

Spiritual Beings:  
 
Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. 
Hebrews 1:14   
 
That evening the two angels came to the entrance of the city of Sodom. Lot was sitting there, and when he saw them, he stood up to meet them. Then he welcomed them and bowed with his face to the ground. 2 “My lords,” he said, “come to my home to wash your feet, and be my guests for the night. You may then get up early in the morning and be on your way again. ”Oh no,” they replied. “We’ll just spend the night out here in the city square.” 3 But Lot insisted, so at last they went home with him. Lot prepared a feast for them, complete with fresh bread made without yeast, and they ate. 
Genesis 19:1-3 

• Immensely Powerful:  
  "Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands" 
  Psalm 103:20 

But the angels, who are far greater in power and strength, do not dare to bring from the Lord[a] a charge of blasphemy against those supernatural beings. 
2 Peter 2:11 

• Immortal: 
   
  And they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection. 
  Luke 20:36 

Titles and Descriptions 

• Angels (messengers):  
   
  Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. 
  Hebrews 1:14  
   
  In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 
  Luke 1:26 
   

• Hosts:  
  Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will!  
  Psalm 103:21 
   
  Then Micaiah continued, “Listen to what the Lord says! I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the armies of heaven around him, on his right and on his left. 
  1 Kings 22:19 
   

• Cherubim:  
   
  After sending them out, the Lord God stationed mighty cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden. And he placed a flaming sword that flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. 
  Genesis 3:24  
   
  In my vision I saw what appeared to be a throne of blue lapis lazuli above the crystal surface over the heads of the cherubim. 2 Then the Lord spoke to the man in linen clothing and said, “Go between the whirling wheels beneath the cherubim, and take a handful of burning coals and scatter them over the city.” He did this as I watched.3 The cherubim were standing at the south end of the Temple when the man went in, and the cloud of glory filled the inner courtyard. 4 Then the glory of the Lord rose up from above the cherubim and went over to the entrance of the Temple. The Temple was filled with this cloud of glory, and the courtyard glowed brightly with the glory of the Lord. 5 The moving wings of the cherubim sounded like the voice of God Almighty[a] and could be heard even in the outer courtyard.6 The Lord said to the man in linen clothing, “Go between the cherubim and take some burning coals from between the wheels.” So the man went in and stood beside one of the wheels. 7 Then one of the cherubim reached out his hand and took some live coals from the fire burning among them. He put the coals into the hands of the man in linen clothing, and the man took them and went out.8 (All the cherubim had what looked like human hands under their wings.)9 I looked, and each of the four cherubim had a wheel beside him, and the wheels sparkled like beryl. 10 All four wheels looked alike and were made the same; each wheel had a second wheel turning crosswise within it. 11 The cherubim could move in any of the four directions they faced, without turning as they moved. They went straight in the direction they faced, never turning aside.12 Both the cherubim and the wheels were covered with eyes. The cherubim had eyes all over their bodies, including their hands, their backs, and their wings. 13 I heard someone refer to the wheels as “the whirling wheels.” 14 Each of the four cherubim had four faces: the first was the face of an ox,[b] the second was a human face, the third was the face of a lion, and the fourth was the face of an eagle.15 Then the cherubim rose upward. These were the same living beings I had seen beside the Kebar River. 16 When the cherubim moved, the wheels moved with them. When they lifted their wings to fly, the wheels stayed beside them.17 When the cherubim stopped, the wheels stopped. When they flew upward, the wheels rose up, for the spirit of the living beings was in the wheels.18 Then the glory of the Lord moved out from the entrance of the Temple and hovered above the cherubim. 19 And as I watched, the cherubim flew with their wheels to the east gate of the Lord’s Temple. And the glory of the God of Israel hovered above them.20 These were the same living beings I had seen beneath the God of Israel when I was by the Kebar River. I knew they were cherubim, 21 for each had four faces and four wings and what looked like human hands under their wings. 22 And their faces were just like the faces of the beings I had seen at the Kebar, and they traveled straight ahead, just as the others had. 
  Ezekiel 10:1-22 
   

• Seraphim:  
   
  Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven's Armies! 
  Isaiah 6:2-3 
   

• Archangels:  
   
  But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.)  
  Jude 1:9 
   
  "Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels" 
  Revelation 12:7 

Angels’ Roles and Activities | Servants of God 

Worship and Praise:  
 
Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders.12 And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—  to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” 
Revelation 5:11-12  
 
They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” 
Isaiah 6:3 

Messengers:  
 
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings,[a] favored woman! The Lord is with you![b]”29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel[c]forever; his Kingdom will never end!”34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. 37 For the word of God will never fail.[d]”38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. 
Luke 1:26-38  
 
As I was praying, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came swiftly to me at the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He explained to me, “Daniel, I have come here to give you insight and understanding. 23 The moment you began praying, a command was given. And now I am here to tell you what it was, for you are very precious to God. Listen carefully so that you can understand the meaning of your vision. 
Daniel 9:21-23 

Enforcers of God’s Will:  
 
That night the angel of the Lord went out to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. When the surviving Assyrians[a] woke up the next morning, they found corpses everywhere. 
2 Kings 19:35  

When the Lamb broke the seventh seal on the scroll,[a] there was silence throughout heaven for about half an hour. 2 I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets.3 Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God’s holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out. 5 Then the angel filled the incense burner with fire from the altar and threw it down upon the earth; and thunder crashed, lightning flashed, and there was a terrible earthquake. The First Four Trumpets 6 Then the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to blow their mighty blasts.7 The first angel blew his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were thrown down on the earth. One-third of the earth was set on fire, one-third of the trees were burned, and all the green grass was burned.8 Then the second angel blew his trumpet, and a great mountain of fire was thrown into the sea. One-third of the water in the sea became blood,9 one-third of all things living in the sea died, and one-third of all the ships on the sea were destroyed.10 Then the third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch. It fell on one-third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star was Bitterness.[b] It made one-third of the water bitter, and many people died from drinking the bitter water.12 Then the fourth angel blew his trumpet, and one-third of the sun was struck, and one-third of the moon, and one-third of the stars, and they became dark. And one-third of the day was dark, and also one-third of the night.13 Then I looked, and I heard a single eagle crying loudly as it flew through the air, “Terror, terror, terror to all who belong to this world because of what will happen when the last three angels blow their trumpets.” The Fifth Trumpet Brings the First Terror 9 Then the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen to earth from the sky, and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit.[a] 2 When he opened it, smoke poured out as though from a huge furnace, and the sunlight and air turned dark from the smoke.3 Then locusts came from the smoke and descended on the earth, and they were given power to sting like scorpions. 4 They were told not to harm the grass or plants or trees, but only the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 They were told not to kill them but to torture them for five months with pain like the pain of a scorpion sting. 6 In those days people will seek death but will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them!7 The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. They had what looked like gold crowns on their heads, and their faces looked like human faces. 8 They had hair like women’s hair and teeth like the teeth of a lion. 9 They wore armor made of iron, and their wings roared like an army of chariots rushing into battle. 10 They had tails that stung like scorpions, and for five months they had the power to torment people. 11 Their king is the angel from the bottomless pit; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon—the Destroyer.12 The first terror is past, but look, two more terrors are coming! The Sixth Trumpet Brings the Second Terror13 Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice speaking from the four horns of the gold altar that stands in the presence of God.14 And the voice said to the sixth angel who held the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great Euphrates River.” 15 Then the four angels who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year were turned loose to kill one-third of all the people on earth. 16 I heard the size of their army, which was 200 million mounted troops.17 And in my vision, I saw the horses and the riders sitting on them. The riders wore armor that was fiery red and dark blue and yellow. The horses had heads like lions, and fire and smoke and burning sulfur billowed from their mouths. 18 One-third of all the people on earth were killed by these three plagues—by the fire and smoke and burning sulfur that came from the mouths of the horses. 19 Their power was in their mouths and in their tails. For their tails had heads like snakes, with the power to injure people.20 But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood—idols that can neither see nor hear nor walk! 21 And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their sexual immorality or their thefts. The Angel and the Small Scroll10 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, surrounded by a cloud, with a rainbow over his head. His face shone like the sun, and his feet were like pillars of fire. 2 And in his hand was a small scroll[a] that had been opened. He stood with his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. 3 And he gave a great shout like the roar of a lion. And when he shouted, the seven thunders answered.4 When the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write. But I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Keep secret[b] what the seven thunders said, and do not write it down.”5 Then the angel I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand toward heaven. 6 He swore an oath in the name of the one who lives forever and ever, who created the heavens and everything in them, the earth and everything in it, and the sea and everything in it. He said, “There will be no more delay. 7 When the seventh angel blows his trumpet, God’s mysterious plan will be fulfilled. It will happen just as he announced it to his servants the prophets.”8 Then the voice from heaven spoke to me again: “Go and take the open scroll from the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.”9 So I went to the angel and told him to give me the small scroll. “Yes, take it and eat it,” he said. “It will be sweet as honey in your mouth, but it will turn sour in your stomach!” 10 So I took the small scroll from the hand of the angel, and I ate it! It was sweet in my mouth, but when I swallowed it, it turned sour in my stomach.11 Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.” 
Revelation 8-10 

Protectors and Helpers 

• Guardians of Believers:  
   
  Or he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. 
  12 They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. 
  Psalm 91:11-12  
   
  “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.  
  Matthew 18:10 

Ministers to the Faithful:  

Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. 
Hebrews 1:14  

Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered. So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him. 
Acts 12:7-10 

Deliverers:  
 
 My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.” 
Daniel 6:22  
 
But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, 20 “Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!” 
Acts 5:19-20 

Participants in Spiritual Warfare 

• Combatants Against Evil:  
   
  Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels.8 And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. 9 This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. 
  Revelation 12:7-9 
   
  But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. 
  Daniel 10:13 
   

• Observers of God’s Plan: 
   
   In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” 
  Luke 15:10  
   
  They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. 
  1 Peter 1:12 

Characteristics of Angels 

• Holy:  
   
  If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” 
  Mark 8:38 
   
  Must drink the wine of God’s anger. It has been poured full strength into God’s cup of wrath. And they will be tormented with fire and burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. 
  Revelation 14:10 
   

• Numerous:  
   
  No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. 
  Hebrews 12:22  
   
  Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. 
  Revelation 5:11 
   

• Organized:  
   
  But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels,[a] did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.)  
  Jude 1:9 
   
  Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 
  Isaiah 6:2 

Angels’ Interaction with Humanity 

• Appearances:  
   
  He looked up and noticed three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran to meet them and welcomed them, bowing low to the ground.  
  Genesis 18:2 
   
  Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 
  Matthew 28:2-3 
   

• Guidance:  

At dawn the next morning the angels became insistent. “Hurry,” they said to Lot. “Take your wife and your two daughters who are here. Get out right now, or you will be swept away in the destruction of the city!”  
Genesis 19:15 
 
After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 
Matthew 2:13 

• Strengtheners:  
   
  Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. 
  Luke 22:43  
   
  For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, 24and he said, 'Don't be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What's more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you. 
  Acts 27:23-24 

Witnesses of Redemption:  
 
In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents. 
Luke 15:10  
 
Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory. 
1 Timothy 3:16 

Special Angels in the Bible 

• Michael the Archangel:  
   
  But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. 
  Daniel 10:13  
   
  Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. 
  Revelation 12:7 
   

• Gabriel:  
   
  And I heard a human voice calling out from the Ulai River, “Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of his vision.”  
  Daniel 8:16 
   
  Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! 
  Luke 1:19   
   
  In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 
  Luke 1:26 

The Angel of the Lord: 

There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. 
Exodus 3:2 
 
Then the angel of the Lord came and sat beneath the great tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash of the clan of Abiezer. Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites.12 The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!”13 “Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt’? But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.”14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!”15 “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!”16 The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”17 Gideon replied, “If you are truly going to help me, show me a sign to prove that it is really the Lord speaking to me. 18 Don’t go away until I come back and bring my offering to you. “He answered, “I will stay here until you return.”19 Gideon hurried home. He cooked a young goat, and with a basket[a] of flour he baked some bread without yeast. Then, carrying the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot, he brought them out and presented them to the angel, who was under the great tree.20 The angel of God said to him, “Place the meat and the unleavened bread on this rock, and pour the broth over it.” And Gideon did as he was told.21 Then the angel of the Lord touched the meat and bread with the tip of the staff in his hand, and fire flamed up from the rock and consumed all he had brought. And the angel of the Lord disappeared.22 When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the Lord, he cried out, “Oh, Sovereign Lord, I’m doomed! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face!”23 “It is all right,” the Lord replied. “Do not be afraid. You will not die.” 24 And Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and named it Yahweh-Shalom (which means “the Lord is peace”). The altar remains in Ophrah in the land of the clan of Abiezer to this day. 
Judges 6:11-24  

Angels’ Relationship to Believers 

• Fellow Servants:  
   
   I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. 9 But he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God! 
  Revelation 22:8-9 
   

• Witnesses of Human Redemption:  
   
  They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. 
  1 Peter 1:12 

Subject to Christ:  

This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names. The Son Is Greater Than the Angels for God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus: “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father. God also said, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.”[ And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said, “Let all of God’s angels worship him.” 
Hebrews 1:4-6  
 
Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority. 
1 Peter 3:22 

Demons (The Forces of Darkness) 

Demons’ Origin and Nature 

• Created Beings:  
   
  Through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 
  Colossians 1:16 
   

• Fallen Angels:  
   
   Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven.  This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. 
  Revelation 12:7-9 
   
  “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. 
  Matthew 25:41 

Spiritual Beings:  

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 
Ephesians 6:12 
 
Jesus demanded, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, for he was filled with many demons. 
Luke 8:30 

• Immortal:  
   
  Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. 
  Matthew 25:41  
   
  Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. 
  Revelation 20:10 

Titles and Descriptions 

• Demons:  
   
  When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. 
  Matthew 12:43 
   
  When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from the tombs to meet him. 
  Mark 5:2 
   

• Fallen Angels:  
   
  His tail swept away one-third of the stars in the sky, and he threw them to the earth. He stood in front of the woman as she was about to give birth, ready to devour her baby as soon as it was born. 
  Revelation 12:4 
   
  For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell,[a] in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment. 
  2 Peter 2:4 
   

• Powers and Principalities:  
   
  Ephesians 6:12  
  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 
  2 Peter 2:4  
   
  In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. 
  Colossians 2:15 

• Deceivers:  
   
  Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 
  1 Timothy 4:1  
   
  For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. 
  John 8:44 

Demons’ Roles and Activities 

In Relation to God 

• Opposition to God: 
   
  They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty.  
  Revelation 16:14 
   
  This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. 10 He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. 
  2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 
   

Under God’s Sovereignty: 

“All right, you may test him,” the Lord said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence. 
Job 1:12  
 
So the demons begged, “If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.”32 “All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water. 
Matthew 8:31-32 

In Relation to Humanity 

Tempters:  
 
The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” 
Genesis 3:1-5  
 
Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 
1 Corinthians 7:5 

• Deceivers:  
   
  Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 
  1 Timothy 4:1 
   
  But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve. 
  2 Corinthians 11:14-15 
   

• Afflicters:  
   
  When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus. 33 So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed. 
  Matthew 9:32-33  
   
  Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones. 
  Mark 5:5 

Possessors: 
 

So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2 When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil[b] spirit came out from the tombs to meet him.3 This man lived in the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain.4 Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.6 When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. 7 With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.”9 Then Jesus demanded, “What is your name?” And he replied, “My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man.” 10 Then the evil spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place.11 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby. 12 “Send us into those pigs,” the spirits begged. “Let us enter them.”13 So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of about 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water. 
Mark 5:1-13 
 
Jesus demanded, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, for he was filled with many demons. 
Luke 8:30 

Accusers:  

Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night. 
Revelation 12:10 
 
Then the angel showed me Jeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua. 
Zechariah 3:1 

Characteristics of Demons 

• Deceptive:  
   
   But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve. 
  2 Corinthians 11:14-15 
   

• Destructive:  
   
  The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. 
  John 10:10 
   
  Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 
  1 Peter 5:8 
   

• Intelligent and Cunning:  
   
  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 
  Ephesians 6:11 
   
  So that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. 
  2 Corinthians 2:11 
   

• Terrified of God:  
   
  You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.[a] Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 
  James 2:19 
   
  With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 
  Mark 5:7 

Examples of Demonic Activity in the Bible 

Possession:  

So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2 When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil[b] spirit came out from the tombs to meet him.3 This man lived in the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain.4 Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.6 When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. 7 With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.”9 Then Jesus demanded, “What is your name?” And he replied, “My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man.” 10 Then the evil spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place.11 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby. 12 “Send us into those pigs,” the spirits begged. “Let us enter them.”13 So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of about 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water. 
Mark 5:1-13 

Oppression:  

Now the Spirit of the Lord had left Saul, and the Lord sent a tormenting spirit[a] that filled him with depression and fear.15 Some of Saul’s servants said to him, “A tormenting spirit from God is troubling you. 16 Let us find a good musician to play the harp whenever the tormenting spirit troubles you. He will play soothing music, and you will soon be well again.”17 “All right,” Saul said. “Find me someone who plays well, and bring him here.”18 One of the servants said to Saul, “One of Jesse’s sons from Bethlehem is a talented harp player. Not only that—he is a brave warrior, a man of war, and has good judgment. He is also a fine-looking young man, and the Lord is with him.”19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse to say, “Send me your son David, the shepherd.” 20 Jesse responded by sending David to Saul, along with a young goat, a donkey loaded with bread, and a wineskin full of wine.21 So David went to Saul and began serving him. Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer. 22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse asking, “Please let David remain in my service, for I am very pleased with him.”23 And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better, and the tormenting spirit would go away. 
1 Samuel 16:14-23 

Deception:  
 
…and finally a spirit approached the Lord and said, ‘I can do it!’22 “‘How will you do this?’ the Lord asked. “And the spirit replied, ‘I will go out and inspire all of Ahab’s prophets to speak lies.’ “‘You will succeed,’ said the Lord. ‘Go ahead and do it.’23 “So you see, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all your prophets. For the Lord has pronounced your doom.”  
1 Kings 22:21-23 
 
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 
1 Timothy 4:1 

• Illness and Disability:  
   
  When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus. 33 So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed. 
  Matthew 9:32-33 
   

• Inspiring Idolatry:  
   
  They offered sacrifices to demons, which are not God, to gods they had not known before, to new gods only recently arrived, to gods their ancestors had never feared. 
  Deuteronomy 32:17     
   
  No, not at all. I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to God. And I don’t want you to participate with demons. 
  1 Corinthians 10:20 

Demons’ Limitations 

• Not Omnipotent 

• Not Omniscient 

• Not Omnipresent 

Demons and Spiritual Warfare 

In a Hierarchy:  

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 
Ephesians 6:12 
 
But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan,[a] the prince of demons.”25 Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. 26 And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive. 
Matthew 12:24-26 

• Oppose Believers:  
   
  Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 
  1 Peter 5:8 
   

We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 [a]We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 

• Fear Jesus and His Name:  
   
  Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”.  
  Mark 1:24  

When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” 
Luke 10:17 

• Defeated by Christ:  
   
  In this way, he disarmed[a] the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. 
  Colossians 2:15 
   
  But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 
  1 John 3:8 

Believers’ Authority Over Demons 

Empowered by the Holy Spirit:  
 
These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages 
Mark 16:17    

One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit that enabled her to tell the future. She earned a lot of money for her masters by telling fortunes. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.”18 This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her. 
Acts 16:16-18 

Demons’ Future 

• Judged by God:  
   
  “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.  
  Revelation 20:10 

• Defeated with Satan: 
   
  Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. 
  Revelation 20:10