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Satan was created as Lucifer, an angelic being of the highest order, before he fell into sin (see Ezekiel 28:11-15). After he fell, he apparently still possessed great powers. In the book of Job, we find that he could cause fire to fall from the sky (Job 1:16), control the wind (Job 1:19) and even inflict boils on a person (Job 2:7). On top of this, he had authority on earth since it was delivered to him (Luke 4:6) presumably by Adam when he listened to the serpent’s lie in the garden of Eden. However, all these changed when Jesus came to earth, died on the cross and rose again. He regained the authority Adam lost to Satan (Matthew 28:18) and now gives us power over Satan and his demons (Mark 16:17).

 There is no evidence from the Bible which shows that Satan knows the exact thoughts of a person. Only God searches all hearts and knows all the intent of every thought (1 Chronicles 28:9). However, Satan roams throughout the earth and goes back and forth on it (Job 1:7). Therefore, he can observe our acts and not only know what we do but also spiritually discern how God is active our lives. For example, Satan not only knew that Job was prosperous but also that God’s protection over him and his family is the reason for his abundance (Job 1:9-10).

While we do have a dangerous adversary in Satan, the way we deal with his presence is not by hoping that he will somehow pass over us in his surveillance (and certainly not because we are doing what we are not supposed to do!). The Bible warns us that “the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8); it will be a matter of time before he will spot a weak prey.

Instead, we are told to “be sober (and) vigilant” (1 Peter 5:8) in our lives and in particular, to check our anger lest the devil gains a foothold in our lives (Ephesians 4:26-27). If we keep ourselves from sin, Satan will not be able to touch us (1 John 5:18). If we put on the whole armour of God – practising truth and righteousness, proclaiming the gospel, maintaining faith, being assured of our salvation, living out the Word, praying always – we will be able to stand against his cunning schemes (Ephesians 6:11). Then whatever he comes up with against us, we can resist him and he will surely flee from us (James 4:7).