Angels and Demons: Debunking the Myths

Lesson 7Satanology: Part 2

Angel Demon

We continue our study of Satan by looking Satan’s "career": and his sin. Specifically, what is Satan’s raison d’etre, i.e., what has been his "career path", if you will. We will explore the time before the creation to find out what can we learn about Satan’s behavior. From there, we will examine specifically Satan’s sin and its consequences, both for man and for Satan himself. In doing so, we will also address the question of whether or not Satan is currently still in heaven or if he has already been cast down to the earth—something that is a result of his sin. And finally, we will try to discern Satan’s mission and goals; i.e., what is his long-range plan and desire?

Consider the following, and pray that through this study God will expand your knowledge and grow your faith.

Satan’s Career

  1. Satan’s Creation, Origin, Estate and Fall: What do the verses below indicate to us regarding this subject?
    1. Ezekiel 28:11-19
    2. 1 Chronicles 21:1
  2. Let’s now examine why the title "King of Tyrus" is a title for Satan and not a reference to an actual king of Tyrus. Review the specific verses below and consider the reasons that the references in Ezekiel 28:11-19 cannot apply to a mortal.
    1. Ezekiel 28:11-12
    2. Ezekiel 28:13
    3. Ezekiel 28:14
    4. Ezekiel 28:15
    5. Ezekiel 28:16-17
    6. Ezekiel 28:18-19

Satan’s Sin

  1. In Isaiah 14:12-17, Satan’s sin is described in detail. It represents the first sin ever committed in the universe, and shows us a pattern for sin, i.e., putting ourselves and our will ahead of our Creator’s. What does this passage tell us that his sin was?
  2. Has Satan already been cast out of heaven? Consider that there are three heavens described in the Bible: (i) Atmospheric, which encompasses the "birds of the heavens"; Satan, who is "Prince of the Power of the air" still has this authority and is active in it; (ii) Stellar places, which may refer to the dwelling of angelic beings; and (iii) the Third Heaven, which refers to the dwelling place of the triune God. So, will he be cast out of these places, or has he already been cast out? What do each of the verses below indicate?
    1. Luke 10:18
    2. Ezekiel 28:16-19
    3. Revelation 12:7-9

Satan’s Current Status

  1. What do the following verses indicate to us regarding the current location of Satan?
    1. Job 1:6 and Job 2:1-2
    2. Luke 22:31
    3. Ephesians 6:11-12
  2. What conclusion can we arrive at, based on the above?

Satan’s "Career Path"

  1. Revisiting Isaiah 14:12-17, what are the things that Satan set out to accomplish in the beginning? (Note that he wanted this to be a secret, since it was "said in [his] heart".)
  2. What did Satan’s actions actually lead to, according to the passage in Isaiah 14:9-17?
  3. What did Christ say about Satan? (see John 8:44)
  4. What are Satan’s goals, according to Isaiah?

In our next lesson, we will be examining Satan’s evil character and how God will ultimately judge Satan. So far, we’ve learned that Satan is a liar and a deceiver; and we’ve seen all that Satan desires to do is to oppose God and those who follow God. As we live out the life that Christ has given us, we need to always be mindful of the snares, traps, and lies that Satan lays before us.

My prayer is that you will be better equipped to do this as a result of our study.

Thanks for studying with us,

Wes

[2012]

[PDF Version]

Answers