LIKE MASTER, LIKE STUDENT

Satan is the consummate narcissist, sociopath, and psychopath – and so are his demons.

The following characteristics overlap, yet each possesses its own distinct nuance.

(1) Demons are liars.

Jared Wilson, in his book ‘The Gospel According to Satan’ writes,

“Before there was death, there was the lie. But before the lie, there was the Liar.”

In John 8:44, describing the devil, Jesus warned,

“…there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar and the father of lies and half-truths.”

In his Commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther, observed –

“The devil is able to print in our heart so manifest a lie that we would swear a thousand times it was an undeniable truth.”

(2) Demons are deceivers.

The most defining word to describe the entire operation of Satan and his demons is deception.

Paul warned Timothy of “deceiving spirits.” (The Greek for “deceiving is: seducing, lying, misleading, disguised.)

Paul expressed to the believers at Corinth,

“But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived (Greek = charm; enchant) by the cunning ways of the serpent. (2 Corinthians 11:3)

(3) They are opportunists.

“And when the devil had ended every temptation [to Jesus], he departed from him until an *opportune* time.” (Luke 4:13; emphasis mine)

Satan never gave up on Jesus (albeit Satan failed). Why on earth would we think he’ll give up on trying to weaken and destroy our faith? He’s just waiting for the right opportunity. For instance…

“Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an *opportunity* (to develop a stronghold.)” (Eph 4:26-27)

(4) They are imposters.

C.S. Lewis, in his brilliant ‘Screwtape Letters’, records Uncle Screwtape’s advice to his young demon apprentice, Wormwood, regarding their strategy with Christians:

“My dear Wormwood,… Our policy, for the moment, is to conceal ourselves.” (keep ourselves from being recognized for who we really are.)

Paul warned the believers at Corinth,

 “…for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.“ (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Charles Stanley, in his ‘When the Enemy Strikes’ explains,

“Satan doesn’t look like a terrible monster… He camouflages himself in deception, He does what he can to disguise himself,…”

Part 3 of 4 – “What can demons do to Christians?”

Nick