There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. [The devils] are equally pleased by both errors.[1]

We will use those words of C. S. Lewis as our guardrails for this study of spiritual warfare. The Bible is a book about God, his love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption. Satan is part of the story, but he is not the focus. He is a defeated foe—but a foe, nonetheless. He is out to destroy us; we are no match for him. Let’s spend some time considering our enemy.

The first question we must deal with is, “Where did Satan come from?”

While there is debate, most commentators agree that two passages in the Old Testament address the origin of Satan. We will consider Isaiah 14 today and Ezekiel 28 tomorrow.

Isaiah 14:12-15
How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.

While this passage speaks directly about a powerful king of Babylon, most scholars believe this is also a description of Satan. Satan is a creation of God. He was created as a beautiful and powerful angel, the most beautiful of all the angels. His greatness is described in his name, “Day Star.” The NIV translates this as “Morning Star.” The KJV translated this title, “Lucifer.” But there was a time after the creation of the angels and before the creation recorded in Genesis 1 when Satan’s pride got the best of him. He desired to be God. The Creator has given created beings (angels and humanity) a will to choose or reject him. Note Satan’s statements in our passage. “I will ascend to heaven…I will set my throne on high…I will ascend above the heights of the clouds. I will make myself like the Most High.”

Satan convinced one-third of the angels to follow him (Revelation 12:4), but his rebellion was short-lived. Isaiah says, “How you are fallen from heaven…you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.” Jesus describes Satan’s defeat as being quick and decisive. He said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18).

We will talk more about Satan’s fall tomorrow. But let’s wrap up with this reminder: Satan is a powerful enemy. On our own, we are no match for him. But we are not on our own! God, through his Spirit, lives within us. And the One in us is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Father,
We acknowledge that we have an enemy, but our focus is on you. You are the Creator of all things. All things are subject to you. Satan and death have been defeated at the cross. So help us depend on you for our strength and victory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

[1] C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters (HarperOne, 1942), ix.