THE ANCIENT SERPENT: Why Is Satan Called That

Shalom!

By the grace of God, we have lived to see another day. Many didn’t have that chance today, so let’s be thankful. Let’s now turn to the Word of God—the true food that feeds our souls.

1. Satan: The Serpent of Old

The Bible calls Satan the “serpent of old,” revealing both his ancient existence and his unchanged, deceptive character:

Revelation 20:1–2 
“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.”

This title—“serpent of old”—goes back to Genesis 3, when Satan took the form of a serpent to deceive Eve:

Genesis 3:1 
“Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made…”

From the Garden of Eden to the end of the age, Satan has used deception as his primary weapon. His cunning ways remain consistent because he understands human weakness.

2. He Knows Human Nature Deeply

Satan has been studying humanity since creation. He knows our tendencies, desires, and weaknesses. He knew Adam and Eve. He watched Noah build the ark. He observed Abraham and Sarah’s struggles. He remembers Moses’ insecurities and Elijah’s discouragement. And most importantly, he knows Jesus Christ.

He personally tried to tempt Jesus:

Matthew 4:1 
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

Satan still remembers every moment of Jesus’ life, crucifixion, and resurrection—and he knows that his defeat is sealed:

Colossians 2:15 
“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”

He also knows each generation—what entices them, what weakens them, and how to ensnare them.

3. He Uses His Experience to Deceive

As a spiritual enemy, Satan doesn’t grow old physically like we do, but his experience continues to build over time. Just as elderly people often have more wisdom because of their life experiences, Satan’s “age” represents deep spiritual intelligence twisted by evil.

2 Corinthians 2:11 
“…lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

He knows exactly how to trap those who are spiritually immature—especially when someone begins to seek God. He uses old, proven methods that worked on generations before us.

4. Human Effort Alone Cannot Defeat Him

Trying to overcome Satan without being in Christ is spiritual suicide. It doesn’t matter how disciplined or strong-willed you are—Satan has defeated better people using the same temptations you think you can overcome.

Proverbs 14:12 
“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”

You may say, “I don’t need Jesus—I can avoid sin by myself,” but the truth is: you can’t. Many before you thought the same, and Satan destroyed them. You’re not the first, and without Christ, you’ll only be another number in his long list of victims.

5. So Who Can Defeat the Ancient Serpent?

The only one who can overcome Satan is the Ancient of Days—God Himself.

Daniel 7:9 
“I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated…”

Daniel 7:13–14
“One like the Son of Man came with the clouds of heaven… Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him…”

God’s wisdom far exceeds Satan’s. Not only does God know every plan Satan has made, He also gives believers the ability to discern and overcome those plans.

6. Christ Gives Us the Victory and the Wisdom

Through Jesus Christ, God gives us the wisdom and authority to resist and defeat Satan:

Luke 10:19 
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy…”

This wisdom is a gift to those who fear the Lord and walk with Him:

Proverbs 2:6–10
“For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding…
Then you will understand righteousness and justice…
When wisdom enters your heart, And knowledge is pleasant to your soul.”

That divine wisdom comes by faith in Jesus Christ, not through religious effort or moral willpower.

7. Outside Christ, No One Can Win

Anyone who remains outside of Christ is spiritually vulnerable—whether they admit it or not. Without salvation, a person cannot find peace, cannot overcome sin, and cannot resist the pressures of the world. Even their best efforts will end in spiritual defeat.

John 15:5 
“…for without Me you can do nothing.”

8. You Still Have Hope Today

If you haven’t yet repented and believed in Jesus, don’t let Satan deceive you any longer. He may be telling you now: “You’re too sinful. God won’t forgive you.” That’s a lie he has used for thousands of years.

But God is ready to forgive you right now, if you will repent.

Isaiah 1:18 
“Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow…”

1 John 1:9 
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Make a decision today:
– Leave sin behind.
– Turn away from drunkenness, gossip, and immorality.
– Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ.

Then the wisdom of the Ancient of Days—God Himself—will enter your life, enabling you to see through Satan’s tricks and overcome them.

Final Exhortation

You can’t defeat Satan with your own strength, intelligence, or discipline.
But if you’re in Christ, the Spirit of God will lead you to victory.

Romans 8:37
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

Decide today to be on the side of the One who conquered death, sin, and the devil.

Choose Jesus.
Receive God’s wisdom.
Overcome the ancient serpent.

May the Lord bless you abundantly.

Print this post