Unmasking Satan

June 12, 2020 (Friday)

 

                Let’s dissect Revelation 12 a bit closer. Because we need to understand the nature of the enemy and our hope.

                MYTHS: We tend to picture Satan’s Appearance as silly (red suit, horns, tail, and pitch fork) or ugly (Milton pictured Satan as a toad). We tend to think he “all powerful” (has his way) or an equal to God. We tend to think he cannot attack or touch believers. It’s wishful thinking, but that’s all.

                TRUTH: The Bible describes his appearance an “angel of light,” most beautiful of God’s creations. Interestingly, he is described as operating in darkness. Satan’s ability is limited. He is not all powerful, knowing, or present. Unfortunately there is evidence he does attack and affect believers (roaring lion).

                Some people think Satan is a myth, but our enemy is a personal one. "So the great dragon was thrown down. The old snake, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world, was thrown down to the earth; and his angels were thrown down with him." [Revelation 12:9 CEB] In other words the devil is not a “feeling” or a “force.” The devil is described as a distinct individual (with plans, will, and purpose).

                The name “devil” literally means “to throw through.” He is known to slander and accuses God to men. He also slanders and accuses men to God. Whenever you see slander in the church; that’s the devil.

                His purpose, as described in Revelation 12:9 “leads the whole world astray” [NIV] through deception. He introduces rebellion (sin) against God. Jesus described his mission to “Steal, kill, and destroy.” (John 10:10)

                Despite being a formidable foe that should not be underestimated, our enemy does not always succeed. In Revelation 12 he loses his prey (the child, the woman), loses his place in heaven (hurled from heaven) and loses his power (knows his time is short). Notice the use of three’s in describing his defeats.

                Our enemy is an angry one (verse 12 describes him as “filled with fury” [NIV] or “The devil has come down to you with great rage.” [CEB] Don’t underestimate what he’s capable of doing (the devil has “no rules”). This is his desperate “last stand.” Unable to win, so he’s out to create pain and misery.

                Our enemy is a malicious one (verse 13). He is relentless despite his defeats. He is defeated in getting the child. He attacks heaven and is defeated. He pursues the woman and fails. He makes war on the saints and conquered.

                Our enemy is an intelligent one (verses 4, 13, and 15). One often repeated myth: we think of Satan as being stupid. Intelligence is a matter of perspective. Please don’t mistake “intelligence” as “wisdom.” Satan’s intelligence” tends to be relative (knowledge and experience). While “foolish” in the sense he opposes God. In Revelation 12 there are demonstration of intelligence: 1.) (Verse 4) deceives a third of the angels (what would this take?), 2.) (Verse 4) waits (patience and planning) for the right moment (timing), 3.) (Verse 13) understands his position (hurled to earth, time is short), 4.) (Verse 13) pursues (hunts, direct attack against the weak and helpless), 5.) (Verse14) influence (“out of the serpent’s reach”).

                Our enemy is a limited one. He has three limitations: Space. He can only be in one place at a time and he cannot dislodge God (or even beat a fellow angel or the saints). Time. Has only a limited time (“short”) and this becomes part of his rage. Force. Satan is beaten in heaven, overcome (literally “conquered”) on earth, and even nature foils his attack.

                With that said, we need to remember, he is dangerous. He has followers (fallen angels, the world). He is capable of waging war. But he cannot have his own way. Unfortunately we will face the enemy (verse 17).

                So let’s consider some cautions: 1.) Don’t deny or ignore his existence. 2.) Don’t cower in fear.  (We are well armed but still in battle). 3.) Don’t give him an inch. Ephesians 4:27 advises: “Don’t provide an opportunity for the devil.” [CEB] 4.) Don’t become overconfident or careless. We are cautioned in 1 Peter 5:8: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” [NIV] Carelessness exposes us to sin. Overconfidence is the pride that goes before “utter destruction.” The “Armor of God” is given because of the reality of satanic attack.

                Big finish! The battle matures and makes us. Are you crushed or transformed?