Character is what defines a person. Jesus speaks of Satan as being a liar and a murderer and the father of it because he hates the truth. (John 8:44) This is one of the things known about Satan. It's a consistent part of his character and is called a trait, an identifying part of his character. He has other traits, too. Another is found in Genesis 3:1, "Now the serpent was more subtle than any other beast...". Subtle is the same as being shrewd. It is another character trait of Satan's.
Some may wonder whether the serpent spoken of here in Genesis really is Satan. To clear that up, one goes to Revelation 12:9, "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan...". Satan is also able to disguise himself as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14) He is a schemer (wily). (Ephesians 6:11) There is no doubt he is the tempter. In Matthew 4:3 he is called this when he is tempting Jesus. Jesus referred to Satan as a thief in John 10:10.
So here we have it. This is probably not a complete list but it gives us something to work with. He's a liar, murderer, shrewd, a schemer, a tempter, a thief, and he can transform himself into an angel of light (disguise himself). Now, what is he not? Satan has real power but he is not God. He cannot be everywhere like God, he has to roam the earth to find his prey. He is not all-knowing or all-powerful like God. He will come to an end, too, because it says that he'll be cast into the lake of fire. He is not a creator; he was created (Ezekiel 28:14-16) perfect and his iniquity was of his own doing.
All believers know that Satan is our enemy. His goal is to destroy as many of God's children as he can. There is a reference in Numbers 21:14 to a book of the wars of the Lord. It's the only place it's mentioned. Perhaps the book isn't finished yet. Perhaps, carrying the war to Satan has been left to New Testament believers of Jesus Christ.
Paul the Apostle speaks of the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20). He gives us the call to battle and how to be prepared for it. Our enemy, Satan, lies in wait and wishes to be victorious. At the very least, take as many of this world's population both past and present to the lake of fire with him.
It is up to believers to be prepared and lead the charge. We serve the Creator God of the Universe. He sent his Son to save us for eternity. "...we are partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end." (Hebrews 3:14) "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil (Satan), and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)
Some may wonder whether the serpent spoken of here in Genesis really is Satan. To clear that up, one goes to Revelation 12:9, "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan...". Satan is also able to disguise himself as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14) He is a schemer (wily). (Ephesians 6:11) There is no doubt he is the tempter. In Matthew 4:3 he is called this when he is tempting Jesus. Jesus referred to Satan as a thief in John 10:10.
So here we have it. This is probably not a complete list but it gives us something to work with. He's a liar, murderer, shrewd, a schemer, a tempter, a thief, and he can transform himself into an angel of light (disguise himself). Now, what is he not? Satan has real power but he is not God. He cannot be everywhere like God, he has to roam the earth to find his prey. He is not all-knowing or all-powerful like God. He will come to an end, too, because it says that he'll be cast into the lake of fire. He is not a creator; he was created (Ezekiel 28:14-16) perfect and his iniquity was of his own doing.
All believers know that Satan is our enemy. His goal is to destroy as many of God's children as he can. There is a reference in Numbers 21:14 to a book of the wars of the Lord. It's the only place it's mentioned. Perhaps the book isn't finished yet. Perhaps, carrying the war to Satan has been left to New Testament believers of Jesus Christ.
Paul the Apostle speaks of the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20). He gives us the call to battle and how to be prepared for it. Our enemy, Satan, lies in wait and wishes to be victorious. At the very least, take as many of this world's population both past and present to the lake of fire with him.
It is up to believers to be prepared and lead the charge. We serve the Creator God of the Universe. He sent his Son to save us for eternity. "...we are partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end." (Hebrews 3:14) "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil (Satan), and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)
