For the Christian:
A Christian may ask questions such as: Just how real is Satan? Can he exercise power over my life? Is he as real as the Holy Spirit?
1. Satan is, indeed, a real person. He is, however, limited in power. The Holy Spirit, on the other hand, is almighty; as a member of the Trinity He is God.
2. The Christian must not take lightly the designs and works of Satan: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).
3. The Christian must believe Satan to be a defeated foe: "Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4, KJV). Jesus Christ emerged victorious over Satan through His incarnation, death on the cross, and resurrection: "Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Hebrews 2:14).
4. Satan will have no power or influence over the Christian who submits constantly to the dominion of Christ, to the authority and illumination of the Word of God, to the discipline of prayer, and to involvement with a dynamic group of Christian believers. This is what is meant by putting on the "whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11).
5. Pray with the inquirer for understanding of Satan and for victory over all concerns and fears about the enemy and his influence and power.
Scripture
Job 1:6–12 Matthew 4:1–11 Ephesians 2:1–3 Hebrews 2:14 1 Peter 5:8–10 Revelation 12:9–10 Revelation 20:1–10