Satan is an angelic being who rebelled against God (Isaiah 14:13). As an angelic being, he has more power than any human being. In addition, he leads other fallen angels, also known as demons. He will also be the power behind the Antichrist in the last days (Revelation 13).
However, Satan's power is limited. First, he was created by God (originally as an angel). Because God is all-powerful, Satan has far less power than God and can only operate as God allows or permits to accomplish God's perfect, sovereign will.
Second, Satan is not omnipresent. In other words, as a spirit being he cannot be at all places at all times as God can. He is limited to working in one place at a time, using other evil spirits to accomplish tasks beyond his ability.
Third, Satan's power is less than the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian. The New Testament offers many examples of Christians who displayed power over evil spirits through the power of the Holy Spirit. For example, Philip cast out many demons: "And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed" (Acts 8:6–7).
Fourth, in contrast to God, Satan is not all-knowing or omniscient. Satan does not know all of the details of God's divine plan. In fact, since Satan can only operate as God permits, even his evil actions serve as part of God's divine plan. For example, when Satan afflicted Job, his actions ultimately led to God's will in which Job withstood suffering and was blessed double what he had in the beginning.
Fifth, Satan's time is limited. He may wreak havoc on the earth now, but will be defeated in the end. Revelation 20:10 describes the ultimate doom of Satan: "the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever."
Should Christians fear Satan? Not necessarily. He is powerful, but his power does not compare to the power of God. Through the power of Christ, we can overcome Satan's temptations, his afflictions, and his attempts to destroy our efforts to serve the Lord. James 4:7 teaches, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
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