THE DESIGNATIONS OF SATAN
On 24th March 2024, I was given the privilege to speak on the topic, “Lucifer” in the Chinese Fellowship. This message is part of an ongoing series of messages on surveying the wicked men of the Bible.
We begun the message with a quick examination of the various designations of Satan in the Bible. Through these various designations of the Devil, we come to understand the various characteristics of our chief enemy. Since we are Chris[1]tians, we should be like God and not the Devil. We do not want to sin against God by behaving like the Devil. Furthermore, to know our enemy is an important step in emerging victorious in the spiritual warfare. As the Chinese saying goes, 知己知彼，百战不殆 (i.e. Know yourself and know your enemy and you will not be defeated in a hundred battles.)
What then are some of the designations of Satan in the Bible?
The Devil
We see this designation in Ephesians 4:26-27. “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” This designation διάβολος (diabolos) describes one who blasphemes and engages in slander.
Satan
See for example Matthew 4:10 – “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” The designation 
refers to one who is an adversary. The devil is thus one who is an adversary of God and His people. He will work fervently to destroy anything that has to do with God.
The Wicked One
“We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” (1 John 5:18) This designation speaks of the nature of Satan – he is wicked through and through. This designation sets him in opposition to God, who is absolutely holy without blemish.
Lucifer
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isaiah 14:12-14) The name Lucifer is derived from the Hebrew word ל ֵיל ֵה)heylel) and has the meaning of one who is a shining one or a light bearer. Lucifer was created as a glorious cherub but became proud of the own light which he bore and wanted to be like the Most High. He was cast out from heaven because of his pride and is reserved for destruction.
Father of Lies
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44) This teaches us that Satan is a person who engages in dishonesty and falsehood. His modus operandi is to engage in deception. Those who are liars are therefore children of the devil.
Prince of the Power of the Air
“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” (Ephesians 2:2) This designation speaks of the hold of Satan over the spiritual wickedness in this world.
Prince of this World/ God of this World
“Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” (John 14:30) A similar designation is found in 2 Corinthians 4:4 – “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” This talks about the dominion and power which Satan exercises in this world, especially his hold on unbelievers, energising them to do wicked deeds (see Ephesians 2).
The Great Dragon/ The Old Serpent
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Revelation 12:9) The term “dragon” talks about his ferociousness. He is a violent person and seeks to destroy all that stands against him. On the other hand, the designation “old serpent” points back to the garden of Eden, where Satan possessed the serpent to deceive Eve. He is thus the chief deceiver who can never be trusted.
The Tempter
“And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” (Matthew 4:3) Satan will do his very best to try to lead people away from Christ with sweet but poisonous methods. As for the incident in Matthew 4:3, Reverend Timothy Tow restated this in lively humour – if you swallow the char siew bao (sweetened meat bun) offered by the tempter, it will turn into stones in your stomach.
Beelzebub
“But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.” (Matthew 12:24) The title “Beelzebul”, “Lord of the House,” probably alludes to “Beelzebub” (“lord of flies,”…), the local deity of Ekron (2 Kings 1:2–3). The title was appropriately applied in some later Jewish sources to Satan” (Bible Background Commentary).
Belial
“And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” (2 Corinthians 6:15) The term Belial refers to one who is worthless. Although the devil may be involved in much activity, his nefarious works will all be in vain.
Dear friends, let us observe the character and methods of the operation of our enemy and let us never be like him!
Yours affectionately,
Pastor Clement Chew
03/03/24