The most powerful force in the universe is the Triune God-God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. I know this because:
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” [Genesis 1:1]
“Through him (Jesus) all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. [John 1:3]
But I have stood before multiple adult Bible studies to impart my belief of who is the second-most powerful being in the universe-Satan. He was powerful enough to deceive God’s first created couple:
“Then the LORD God said to the woman, ‘What is this you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate.'” [Genesis 3:13]
He was prideful enough to believe he could tempt Jesus with the world:
“‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.’Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written; ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” [Matthew 4:9-10]
He is even powerful enough to convince one third of God’s angels to follow him:
“The great dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” [Revelation 12:9]
Can you imagine? Being a God-created angel living in heaven, and yet being convinced by Satan to follow him instead of staying in heaven? And if Satan can deceive even an angel, are we not also wise to be on our guard:
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” [I Peter 5:8]
How are we to handle such a powerful assault? The next verse tells us:
“Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” [v. 9]
And what is our reward for standing firm? Take in the next verse:
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” [v. 10]
To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. [v.11]