The Devil
His Holiness Pope Shenouda — Summary of the lecture about Satan and resisting him
His Holiness Pope Shenouda defines Satan as an angel who fell from the ranks of angels because of pride, and became the principal enemy of humanity who leads attendants from fallen angels and from humans to change people’s behavior and make them fall into sin.
He explains that Satan’s work has continued since ancient times: he deceived our first parents, drove nations to idol worship, and sometimes led God’s people astray as in the worship of the golden calf.
Satan is intelligent and skillful: he spies on people’s hearts, chooses suitable means for each person — greatness for some, wealth for others, bodily lust for others — and uses his envy and temptations to ensnare the righteous.
He has many methods: sexual temptation, doubt, disturbing holiness, sickness, psychological disturbance, and intellectual deviation; he may even appear disguised as an angel of light or present false visions and dreams to deceive souls.
But he is not invincible over believers: God restrains his works and sets limits as in Job’s story, and by grace the Holy Spirit strengthens believers so they stand firm. The apostles received authority over unclean spirits, and many spiritual fathers often cast out demons by the power of faith.
Satan is not despairing: he perseveres and returns repeatedly with attempts to entice, and he renews his methods over time and with technology, yet he is ultimately defeated before the blessing of the saints and the power of prayer and sanctification.
The spiritual conclusion: the devout need not fear Satan because God is merciful enough not to leave us alone; we must trust in God’s grace, seek help through prayer, repentance and baptism, and act in love and obedience to face the enemy’s snares.
