Ministers of Satan

Introduction

When you read this phrase, “Ministers of Satan” what comes to mind? Men in long, black robes walking around a pentagram on the floor chanting some ungodly statement. Or perhaps one who is wearing a large goat mask who brandishes a long-bladed sacrificial knife.

What if I were to tell you that a minister of Satan is actually the local preacher who has a bible in his hand, every Sunday, and professes the name of God? That sounds like an oxymoron but there is more truth to it than you think.

The standard definition of Satan

Everyone is familiar the individual known as Satan. He challenged God in regards to Job (1:6-12; 2:1-7) and He tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Mt. 4:1-11); just to name a couple examples.

This is a general term for Satan as well. Here’s the definition from Easton’s Bible Dictionary…

Satan

adversary; accuser. When used as a proper name, the Hebrew word so rendered has the article "the adversary", Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7. In the New Testament, it is used as interchangeable with Diabolos, or the devil, and is so used more than thirty times.

As you see here, Satan could also mean adversary; one who is against God. Now you might ask, “How is a preacher an adversary of God if he’s preaching the gospel?”

Let’s see what the apostle Paul has to say in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. Here it states that Satan’s ministers appear as ministers of righteousness; which is how a local preacher could easily deceive a congregation.

Now I’m not saying that all preachers are ministers of Satan, nor am I saying that certain ones are intentionally leading people astray. But if what they preach does not conform to the scriptures, then they are not preaching for God but for self or the denomination that they are attached to.

Speaking as the Oracles of God

The apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 4:11, If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

It’s not enough to have a bible in your hand when you speak or read a couple of passages. You need to be able to tell people what the bible says and give proper application as to what’s written in the context. Those who are listening to the preacher, have an obligation to follow along in their own bibles to make sure what he is teaching is from the scriptures (Acts 17:11). As this verse shows, those in Berea made an effort to check out what Paul said in comparison to what the scriptures taught. If he checked out, they continued to listen. If not, then they would declare him a false teacher; a minister of Satan.

The Ministers of Television

More often than not people assume that if a preacher has his or her own television show, they have to be a representative of God. Not so. Just because they have a huge following of people doesn’t mean they are preaching the truth; they are preaching what people want to hear. Next time you watch one of these programs, see how often they talk about people as sinners. Most likely, they won’t. They don’t want to lose their viewership.

These televangelists care more about people coming to their services than saving their souls. They want people to continue to come back week after week, they want you to feel good about yourself, and they want to give you an emotional experience. That is the spirit of Satan!

Not that you can’t feel good in regards to the worship service, but if that’s all you get out of it, then something is very wrong. If you’re not given the plan of salvation; understanding what you must do to be a Christian, then you are following a minister of Satan.

Conclusion

        One simple way to know who a minister of Satan is, is if they use the title of “Pastor” or “Reverend” before their name. This is condemned by Jesus himself (Mt. 23:9) and it’s a sign to others that they see themselves as better than you. They wouldn’t elevate themselves with a title if they were your equal. None of the apostles had a title and neither should we. If you’re not following along in the scriptures, you’re putting your soul in the care of another human being.