What Is the Devil Allowed to Do? Understanding Satan’s Power and Limitations in Light of Scripture

The Bible speaks extensively about the devil, also known as Satan, as a real being who is opposed to God and God’s purposes. Many people wonder, “What is the devil allowed to do?” This question is important because understanding the devil’s power, his limitations, and the boundaries God places on his actions helps believers navigate spiritual warfare and remain vigilant in their faith. The Bible teaches that while Satan is powerful, his power is ultimately limited by God. Through a biblical examination, we can gain insight into the devil’s activities, methods, and limitations as ordained by God.

1. The Origin and Fall of the Devil

To understand what the devil is allowed to do, we must first understand his origins. The Bible indicates that Satan was originally an angelic being created by God, but due to pride and rebellion, he fell from his position.

– Isaiah 14:12-15 gives a poetic description often associated with the fall of Satan, who was called “Lucifer,” meaning “morning star” or “light-bringer.” This passage describes a being who sought to ascend above God, resulting in his fall.

– Ezekiel 28:12-17 also provides insight into the nature of Satan’s fall, using the imagery of a beautiful, high-ranking angel who became corrupt due to pride and was cast out of God’s presence.

From these passages, we understand that Satan’s rebellion against God led to his fall. This rebellion is foundational to his character and explains his opposition to God’s people and purposes.

2. The Devil’s Power and Limitations

The Bible acknowledges that the devil has power, but this power is not unlimited. Satan operates under God’s authority and is restricted in what he can and cannot do. Here are some specific things the Bible says the devil is allowed to do:

A. Tempt People to Sin

One of the primary activities of the devil is to tempt people to sin, leading them away from God.

– Genesis 3:1-6 describes the temptation of Eve by the serpent (Satan) in the Garden of Eden. Satan enticed Eve to disobey God, which led to humanity’s fall into sin. This temptation set the pattern for Satan’s work in seeking to lead people away from God through deception.

– Matthew 4:1-11 recounts how Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Although Jesus resisted, this story illustrates Satan’s role as a tempter and his ability to try to lead people away from God’s will. However, Jesus’ response shows that we can resist Satan’s temptations by relying on God’s Word.

While Satan can tempt, it is important to remember that yielding to temptation is a personal choice. James 1:14-15 explains that temptation begins with one’s own desires, and it is not God who tempts but rather the devil who exploits human weaknesses.

B. Deceive and Accuse

Another significant role of the devil is deception. Jesus called Satan the “father of lies” (John 8:44), and he is skilled at twisting truth to lead people astray.

– 2 Corinthians 11:14 warns that Satan can disguise himself as “an angel of light.” This means that he often uses subtlety and deception, appearing to be righteous to mislead others. Satan’s tactics include sowing confusion, spreading false doctrines, and causing doubt in God’s Word.

– Revelation 12:10 refers to Satan as the “accuser of our brothers and sisters,” highlighting his role in accusing believers. Satan’s accusations aim to discourage Christians, make them feel unworthy, and create doubt in their salvation. This is why believers are encouraged to hold onto their faith and the assurance of their forgiveness in Christ (Romans 8:1).

While Satan can deceive, the Bible also emphasizes that God’s truth overcomes deception. Jesus declared, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Knowing Scripture allows believers to discern Satan’s lies and stand firm in God’s truth.

C. Inflict Suffering and Physical Afflictions (With Permission)

Satan can cause suffering, illness, and physical afflictions, but only if God permits it. The Book of Job illustrates this principle well.

– Job 1:6-12 describes how Satan approached God and was granted permission to test Job. While Satan inflicted severe suffering upon Job, he could only act within the limits God set. Satan was first allowed to take away Job’s possessions and family but was not allowed to harm Job physically. Later, God permitted Satan to afflict Job’s body but prohibited him from taking Job’s life (Job 2:6).

– Luke 13:11-16 tells of a woman who had been disabled by a “spirit of infirmity” for eighteen years. Jesus healed her and referred to her as one “whom Satan has kept bound.” This story implies that Satan has some power over physical afflictions, though Jesus’ healing demonstrated His authority over Satan’s hold.

Through Job’s story, we learn that although Satan can cause suffering, he can only do so under God’s sovereignty. Additionally, God uses trials for His divine purposes, often to refine and strengthen believers’ faith (1 Peter 1:6-7).

3. The Devil’s Influence Over the World

The Bible describes Satan as the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and “the ruler of the kingdom of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). This implies that he has significant influence over worldly systems and ideologies.

A. Blinding the Minds of Unbelievers

Satan actively works to prevent people from understanding the gospel and coming to faith in Jesus Christ.

– 2 Corinthians 4:4 says, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ.” This blindness is a form of spiritual deception that keeps people in darkness and away from the truth of the gospel.

B. Leading People into Bondage

Satan leads people into bondage through sin, idolatry, and spiritual oppression.

– Ephesians 2:1-2 describes unbelievers as being under the influence of “the ruler of the kingdom of the air,” who works in those who are disobedient. This influence leads people into a life of sin and disobedience, away from God’s will.

– 1 John 5:19 states that “the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” Satan uses worldly systems, values, and temptations to keep people enslaved to sin and prevent them from seeking God.

4. The Devil’s Limitations

While Satan has power, he is by no means all-powerful. His authority is limited, and he is subject to God’s sovereignty. Here are some of the key limitations that the Bible reveals:

A. Satan Is Not Omnipotent, Omniscient, or Omnipresent

Unlike God, Satan does not possess all power, all knowledge, or the ability to be everywhere at once. His influence is vast, but he is ultimately a created being with finite abilities.

– Job 1:6-7 suggests that Satan roams the earth, but he is not present everywhere at once. Satan is limited in scope and cannot be in more than one place at a time, unlike God, who is omnipresent.

B. Satan Can Be Resisted by Believers

The Bible encourages Christians to stand firm against the devil, with the assurance that he will flee when resisted.

– James 4:7 instructs believers to “resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This verse demonstrates that Satan’s influence can be overcome by actively resisting him through faith and reliance on God.

– Ephesians 6:10-11 advises believers to “put on the full armor of God” to stand against the devil’s schemes. This spiritual armor equips Christians to defend against Satan’s attacks, highlighting that he does not have unlimited power over those who are in Christ.

C. Satan Will Ultimately Be Defeated

The Bible assures us that Satan’s defeat is certain. Although he currently has some authority, his power is temporary, and his end is already determined by God.

– Revelation 20:10 describes Satan’s ultimate fate: “And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Satan’s defeat is a future reality, and he will be punished eternally.

– Colossians 2:15 reveals that Jesus’ victory over sin and death has already disarmed the powers and authorities, including Satan. By His death and resurrection, Jesus triumphed over Satan, securing victory for all who believe in Him.

Conclusion

The Bible clearly depicts the devil as a powerful yet limited adversary. Satan has permission to tempt, deceive, accuse, and inflict suffering, but his power is under God’s control. He cannot operate outside of God’s sovereign will, and his defeat is already assured through Jesus Christ.

For Christians, understanding the devil’s limitations and strategies is essential for spiritual discernment. Although Satan prowls

like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8), believers are equipped with the power of God to resist him. By relying on God’s truth, wearing the armor of faith, and clinging to Jesus, Christians can withstand the devil’s schemes and live victoriously in Christ.

For additional study, explore passages like Ephesians 6, James 4:7, and Romans 8:38-39 to further understand God’s promise of protection and victory over the devil.