Discernment, Doctrine, and Finishing Well
5 min read
Personal Application
This supplement is a heart-to-heart companion to the preceding two lessons — addressing your immediate personal needs and practical application of the truths studied.
Satan — From the Hebrew satan, meaning adversary, accuser, or opponent. Used as a proper name for the chief of fallen spirits and as a description of one who opposes God's people. Key texts: Job 1:6-12; Zechariah 3:1-2; 1 Peter 5:8.
Devil — From the Greek diabolos, meaning slanderer or false accuser. Emphasizes Satan's work of accusing God to men and men to God. Key texts: Matthew 4:1; Revelation 12:10; 20:10.
Lucifer — Latin translation of the Hebrew helel in Isaiah 14:12, meaning morning star or light-bearer. Describes Satan before his fall, when he was a glorious covering cherub.
Serpent — The form Satan took in Eden to deceive Eve. Represents subtlety, deception, and the introduction of sin into the world. Key texts: Genesis 3:1-15; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9.
Dragon — A symbol in Revelation of Satan's power, cruelty, and destructive nature. He is called the great dragon, the old serpent, the devil, and Satan. Key texts: Revelation 12; 20:2.
Prince of the Power of the Air — Describes Satan's authority over the invisible realm and the world-system of disobedience. Key text: Ephesians 2:2.
God of This World / Age — Describes Satan's blinding influence over unbelievers and his rule over the rebellious world-system. Key texts: 2 Corinthians 4:4; John 12:31.
Prince of This World — A title Jesus used for Satan, indicating his present authority over the fallen world order. Key texts: John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11.
Tempter — Describes Satan's work of testing faith by offering attractive alternatives to obedience. Key texts: Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5.
Liar and Murderer — Jesus described Satan as a liar and the father of lies, and as a murderer from the beginning. Key text: John 8:44.
Accuser of the Brethren — Describes Satan's work of bringing charges against believers before God. Key text: Revelation 12:10.
Roaring Lion — Peter's image of Satan walking about seeking whom he may devour. Emphasizes danger, vigilance, and fear. Key text: 1 Peter 5:8.
Apollyon / Abaddon — From the Greek and Hebrew words for destroyer. The angel of the bottomless pit in Revelation 9:11.
Beelzebub — Meaning lord of the flies or possibly a derisive reference to a Philistine deity. Used as a name for Satan or a chief demon. Key texts: Matthew 12:24; Mark 3:22.
Belial — Meaning worthless or wicked. Used to describe Satan and anything opposed to Christ. Key text: 2 Corinthians 6:15.
The Evil One — A common New Testament designation emphasizing Satan's moral character and active opposition to God and His people. Key texts: Matthew 6:13; 13:19; 1 John 5:18-19.
Antichrist — Literally against or instead of Christ. Used for the spirit that denies the Father and the Son, and for the final world ruler who embodies opposition to Christ. Key texts: 1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7; Revelation 13.
Demon — A fallen spirit-being, subordinate to Satan, that deceives, oppresses, and afflicts human beings. Key texts: Matthew 8:16; Mark 1:34; 1 Timothy 4:1.
Fallen Angel — An angel who rebelled against God and followed Satan. Key texts: Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4; Revelation 12:4, 7-9.
Principalities, Powers, Rulers, Spiritual Wickedness — Terms describing ranks and territories within the demonic hierarchy. Key text: Ephesians 6:12.
World, Flesh, Devil — The threefold source of temptation and opposition facing the believer. Key texts: 1 John 2:15-17; James 1:14; 1 Peter 5:8.
Summary: Scripture gives Satan many names and titles, each revealing an aspect of his character and work as adversary, accuser, deceiver, destroyer, and ruler of the fallen world-system.
Key principle: "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices" 2 Corinthians 2:11. Knowing Satan's names equips us to recognize his work.
Core teaching points:
Real-world example: A counselor explains to a struggling believer that "Devil" means "slanderer," helping the person recognize that accusing thoughts may be Satanic rather than true.
Common student mistake: Treating the names as merely poetic or outdated language with no practical use in recognizing attacks.
Practice assignment: Memorize five names and their meanings, then identify which name best describes a spiritual attack you faced this week.
Worksheet idea: "Names at Work": match ten names or titles to real-life situations where that aspect of Satan's activity appears.
Completion requirement: Correctly define ten key names or titles and supply a Scripture reference for each.
Study Questions
Expand each question to enter the answer. These questions reinforce the key truths from this lesson.