Scripture provides numerous examples of ways in which Satan opposes the presence and purposes of God in his world.
Satan and God's people
Satan opposes believers
1 Chronicles 21:1 See also Job 2:1–7; Zechariah 3:1–2; 1 Thessalonians 2:18
Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.
Satan accuses believers
Revelation 12:10 See also Job 1:8–11; Zechariah 3:1–2
And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down — he who accuses them day and night before our God.
Satan slanders believers
So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.
Satan tests believers and causes their suffering
Revelation 2:10 See also Ephesians 6:11–13, Ephesians 6:16
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Satan opposes the work of the archangel Michael
Jude 1:9 Daniel 10:13, Daniel 10:21, Daniel 12:1; Revelation 12:7
But even the archangel Michael, when he disputed with the devil over the body of Moses, did not presume to bring a slanderous charge against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
Satan opposes God
Satan opposes God's purposes
Matthew 16:23 parallel Mark 8:33
But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
Satan opposes God's word
See also Matthew 13:3–19 parallels Mark 4:3–16, Luke 8:4–12 the parable of the sower; Matthew 13:24–39 the parable of the weeds and its explanation; Acts 13:8–10 Elymas, the sorcerer, acts on Satan's behalf to oppose Barnabas and Paul.
Satan opposes God's righteousness
Satan blasphemes God
Satan's opposition to God's work will not succeed
Zechariah 3:2 God rebukes him; Luke 10:19 His reign is temporary.
Satan's role as adversary earns him varied titles
The devil
He is the adversary because he deceives: Revelation 12:9, Revelation 20:2–3
Belial
He is the adversary because he is the troublemaker or scoundrel (the same Hebrew word is used in the OT passages as in 2 Corinthians 6:15 to describe Satan's work): Deuteronomy 13:13; 1 Kings 21:10; Proverbs 6:12; 2 Corinthians 6:15
The dragon
He is the adversary because he is the enemy: Revelation 12:4, Revelation 12:13–14
The serpent
He is the adversary because he thwarts spiritual insight: Genesis 3:1–5, Genesis 3:13; 2 Corinthians 11:3
The prince of this world
He is the adversary because his rule is temporary, not absolute: John 12:31, John 14:30, John 16:11
The angel of the Abyss
Revelation 9:11 He is the adversary because he is the destroyer.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.