The battle is on. Join the fight!
Few people want to be in a battle. As followers of Christ, however, we’re in the middle of a conflict that has been raging for thousands of years—whether we know it or not. Ours is a spiritual battle, and it’s critical for us to know the stakes.
Anyone with military experience will tell you the value of knowing your enemy and determining what you’re up against. In The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis identified two wrong attitudes people often hold about evil: “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.”
In this study, The Dark Side, we’ll take a deeper look at the truth about Satan, demons, and the pervasive evil in the paranormal world. Yes, those are dark subjects, but they’re also critical for those of us who need to know what we’re up against.
Thankfully, this study will also examine everything we’ve been given in Christ to stand against the forces of evil. We don’t need to be afraid! In fact, through the truth of who we are in Christ and the armor He has made available to us, we can stand confidently against the devil’s schemes.
Yes, Satan is mighty, but our God is Almighty!
NEW SERIES 6 LESSONS
- SATAN - Revelations 12:7-12
- DEMONS - Mark 9:17-29
- THE PARANORMAL - Deuteronomy 18:9-18
- FEAR NOT! - 1 John 4:1-6
- BATTLE ARMOR - Ephesians 6:10-20
- BATTLE PLAN - Matthew 4:1-10
What monster or fictional villain best represents evil to you?
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
We can’t deny evil exists. It’s all around us.
That reality struck home when I saw the shoes—piles of children’s shoes. I was visiting the infamous Nazi concentration camp known as Buchenwald. Over 250,000 people were cruelly imprisoned there, and conservative estimates put the death toll between 40 and 50 thousand innocents. Seeing the ovens left little to the imagination, but it was the shoes of the countless children who died that hit me with the harsh reality of evil.
Unfortunately, evil isn’t something we just see in fiction. Evil is no illusion, and while it can certainly reside in the hearts of people, such evil is most clearly seen in the one who seeks to inspire it: Satan. The Book of Revelation shows us exactly who this Satan is, the one who seeks to harm us.
Thankfully, the Book of Revelation also tells us of Satan’s defeat. In this study, we’ll see what Christ has done for us and how we can stand against Satan’s schemes.
Lesson Point
Satan fights against us, but we can stand in Christ.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Revelation 12:7-9
7 Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels also fought, 8 but he could not prevail, and there was no place for them in heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was thrown out — the ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the one who deceives the whole world. He was thrown to earth, and his angels with him.
Revelation is a prophetic book full of visions and symbolism, which has given rise to a few disagreements in interpretation. Thankfully, John’s apocalyptic vision is crystal clear about several key truths: God remains sovereign, He brings redemption to its complete fulfillment, and His eternal kingdom is firmly established. Revelation also reveals Christ as our victorious King.
Another truth that becomes clear in John’s vision is Satan’s defeat. Revelation 12 describes a war in which Satan, pictured as a great dragon, is defeated by God’s angelic forces. When does this war take place? Some scholars believe the battle occurred at the time of Jesus’ ascension, when the Son “was caught up to God and to his throne” (Rev. 12:5). Other scholars are convinced the battle will take place in the future—specifically, during the latter days of the tribulation.
We might differ on the timing of this war, but we can be clear on one thing: at its conclusion, Satan is defeated. Satan no longer has any right to be in heaven, the place where Jesus “has been exalted to the right hand of God” (Acts 2:33). But the devil doesn’t go down without a fight. He still wants to destroy us.
Satan has been working to deceive God’s people since the beginning. According to Jesus: “He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).
What have you been taught about the devil?
Make no mistake: Satan works to confuse us, lie to us, deceive us, and ruin our lives and spiritual vitality. He tries to get us to see things from our distorted human perspective rather than with our hearts devoted to the honor and glory of our Creator.
The unfortunate truth is that we believe the enemy’s lies on a regular basis. He is crafty, and we are easy targets when we’re unprepared. Therefore, followers of Christ must be ever vigilant. We must keep our focus on God and God’s will rather than our own desires.
Where do you see evidence of Satan’s deceptive work in the world today?
Revelation 12:10
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say, “The salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have now come, because the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been thrown down.
Did you know that “Devil” is not a personal name? Neither is “Satan.” These are titles that describe our enemy’s evil body of work. In the Greek language, the word diabolos refers to someone who slanders and accuses. The devil is continually speaking against us.
Indeed, we see in Revelation 12 that Satan not only seeks to deceive us, he also seeks to accuse us—just as he accused others throughout God’s Word:
Did you know that “Devil” is not a personal name? Neither is “Satan.” These are titles that describe our enemy’s evil body of work. In the Greek language, the word diabolos refers to someone who slanders and accuses. The devil is continually speaking against us.
Indeed, we see in Revelation 12 that Satan not only seeks to deceive us, he also seeks to accuse us—just as he accused others throughout God’s Word:
- The devil accused Job. Satan stood before God and accused the righteous Job of not having a deep commitment to God. He even accused God of protecting Job from harm so that the man would not reveal his true nature. (See Job 1:9-11.)
- The devil accused Joshua. Zechariah saw a vision in which Satan stood at the right side of the high priest, Joshua, to accuse him. (See Zech. 3:1.)
- The devil accuses us. You surely have felt his accusations. “You’ve sinned too much.” “You’re not good enough.” “If you really loved Jesus, you wouldn’t think that way.” “You’ve failed.”
How should we understand Satan’s role as our “accuser”?
Because of Christ, we have an Advocate—someone who stands with us against Satan’s accusations.
- The Lord stood with Joshua. In Zechariah’s vision, the Lord answered Satan’s accusations by saying: “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! May the Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you!” (Zech. 3:2).
- The Lord stood with Peter. Hours before His arrest and trial, Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, look out. Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:31-32).
- The Lord stands with us. Satan was defeated through the work of Christ, and Christ now stands for us. He is our Advocate: “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one” (1 John 2:1).
Believing Satan’s lies can destroy our spiritual vitality. We must know our enemy’s tactics, and we must always return to the reality of our faith and the forgiveness we’ve received through Jesus Christ.
Revelation 12:11-12
11 They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; for they did not love their lives to the point of death. 12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you with great fury, because he knows his time is short.”
So far we’ve seen that Satan is relentless in his deceit and accusations. That can feel overwhelming when we remember how powerful he is. But don’t lose heart! Satan may be powerful, but God is all-powerful. Satan is a created being with limitations. He is certainly no equal with God.
Best of all: he is already defeated!
One of the blessings of the gospel is that we don’t have to bring about Satan’s defeat; we only have to stand in the victory we receive through Jesus. Looking ahead to the cross, Jesus said: “Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out. As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to myself” (John 12:31-32). Our victory is assured because, after He died, Jesus walked out of a borrowed tomb. Our redemption and our relationship with the Victor is eternally secure.
“Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us” (Rom. 8:33-34).
According to Revelation 12:12, Satan “knows his time is short.” That’s why he stays after us—and that’s why we need to stay vigilant. Satan will attack, but we can resist him by daily lifting up Jesus in our lives and dying to our “old” selves. No more darkness; no more bondage. Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
We can stand against Satan because we can stand in Christ.
11 They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; for they did not love their lives to the point of death. 12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you with great fury, because he knows his time is short.”
So far we’ve seen that Satan is relentless in his deceit and accusations. That can feel overwhelming when we remember how powerful he is. But don’t lose heart! Satan may be powerful, but God is all-powerful. Satan is a created being with limitations. He is certainly no equal with God.
Best of all: he is already defeated!
One of the blessings of the gospel is that we don’t have to bring about Satan’s defeat; we only have to stand in the victory we receive through Jesus. Looking ahead to the cross, Jesus said: “Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out. As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to myself” (John 12:31-32). Our victory is assured because, after He died, Jesus walked out of a borrowed tomb. Our redemption and our relationship with the Victor is eternally secure.
“Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us” (Rom. 8:33-34).
According to Revelation 12:12, Satan “knows his time is short.” That’s why he stays after us—and that’s why we need to stay vigilant. Satan will attack, but we can resist him by daily lifting up Jesus in our lives and dying to our “old” selves. No more darkness; no more bondage. Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
We can stand against Satan because we can stand in Christ.
What are some ways we can defend against Satan’s accusations?
LIVE IT OUT
We can overcome Satan through Jesus. What will you do this week to walk in that victory?
- Confess. Turn from sin and give Satan no grounds for accusations in your life. Place your trust in Christ for forgiveness and freedom.
- Read. Make Scripture reading a daily habit. Let the truth of Scripture fill your mind rather than the deceit and lies of Satan. Test every thought to see how it stands against the truth of Christ in His Word.
- Speak. When you see others living in false guilt because of Satan’s lies, point to the victory they can have in Christ. Lead them to embrace the truth and walk in victory.
Don’t fall into the trap of believing evil doesn’t exist—or believing that evil only impacts the world in faraway places. Satan is a clear and present danger to God’s people. Thankfully, our status as God’s people means we can claim the victory He has already won.
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Teacher's Notes:
The Dark Side
Video: Michael doing Battle! “I am completely happy!”
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Our series for the next 6 weeks is on the spiritual battle we face as followers of Christ with the dark side. Our lesson says the battle is on. Join the fight!
Where is this battle going on?
There is a battle going on and we should prepare for it. The great dragon, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, is a formidable enemy. Rev.12:9 The battle is in our minds for our thoughts. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Satan has two strategies:
1. He wants you to ignore him – even deny that he exist.
2. Or he wants you so fearful of him that you give up any hope.
Believers make the mistake of taking him too lightly. When we hear of other Christians falling into sin, we’re often tempted to puff out our chests and say, “That will never happen to me.” I firmly believe that is one of the most dangerous things you can say. Such sentiments are evidence of pride, and that is one of the devil’s greatest tools. When you start thinking you can handle temptation on your own, chances are the devil has you right where he wants you.
The Book of Revelation shows us exactly who this Satan is – he’s the one who seeks to harm us. But it also tells us of his defeat.
Revelation 12:7-9
7 Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels also fought, 8 but he could not prevail, and there was no place for them in heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was thrown out — the ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the one who deceives the whole world. He was thrown to earth, and his angels with him.
Revelation 12 describes a war in which Satan, pictured as a great dragon, is defeated by God’s angelic forces.
When does this war take place?
- Some scholars believe the battle occurred at the time of Jesus’ ascension, when the Son “was caught up to God and to his throne” (Rev. 12:5).
- Other are convinced the battle will take place in the future—specifically, during the latter days of the tribulation.
What have you been taught about the devil?
What is his nature? The names of a person frequently reveal the nature, activity and mission of a person. Satan is known by almost 30 different names in Scripture, some of which are: the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan
1. The adversary (1 Pet. 5:8, 9)
2. The god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4)
3. The prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:1-3)
4. The accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10; Job 1:6-12)
5. The enemy (Matt. 13:39)
6. The tempter (Matt. 4:3)
7. The roaring lion (1 Pet. 5:8-10)
8. The father of lies (John 8:44)
9. The deceiver (Rev. 12:9)
10. The murderer (John 8:44)
What is Satan’s primary objective?
1. To deceive us concerning the true nature of sin.
2. To cause us to doubt the truth of God’s Word
3. To cause us to feel inferior and inadequate—low self-esteem
4. To tempt us not to trust in the Lord.
5. To discourage us concerning our progress in spiritual growth.
6. To disappoint through the inconsistency of ourselves and others.
7. To cause us to lose our vitality and credibility.
8. To encourage us to abdicate (disown) the Christian life.
9. To render us ineffective and unfruitful in our service of God.
10. To divide us from others through unnecessary and unresolved conflict.
What are some of the weapons Satan uses?
1. Fear/False Accusation/Condemnation
2. Doubt/Misinformation
3. Anger/Hostility
4. Worry/Anxiety
5. Guilt/False Guilt
6. Tempts and blinds by Deception/Lies
7. Discouragement/Disappointment
8. Deep Depression
9. Division/Conflict
10. Ignorance/Misconceptions
What do you suppose is Satan most frequently used weapon?
- Deception: In John 8:44 Jesus said, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Every time Satan speaks, his lies are intended to mislead and deceive in order to defeat us.
Why was Eve deceived?
- Eve was deceived because she believed the lie that God did not want what was best for her, but didn’t know it was a lie. Each time we sin we’re deceived by the same lie.
Point: Satan seeks to deceive us. How does Satan deceive us today?
The three principle enemies of the Christian are:
1. The Flesh—Yourself (self-deception) the process of misleading ourselves to accept what is false as true. It is one form of denying the truth—justifying false beliefs to ourselves.
2. The World—Others—unintentionally and intentionally (false prophets and teachers).
3. The Devil or his cohorts—Deceiving demonic spirits (1 Tim. 4:1).
Satan and his demonic sought to destroy Jesus, the Christ, during his earthly ministry and they continued to try to do so in a cosmic battle after Christ’s resurrection and ascension. Satan’s goal is to oppose the righteousness of God and to deceive the whole world. Satan has not prevailed; he never will.
Revelation 12:10
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say, “The salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have now come, because the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been thrown down.
Point: Satan seeks to accuse us.
How does Satan accuse us today? How should we understand Satan’s role as our “accuser”?
- The devil enjoys accusing us about things that God has already forgiven. He does it through our feelings and through our memory by causing us to dwell upon our past sins until we feel so guilty and unclean that we think we cannot pray.
- He will “accuse” you in order to discourage you. The story goes that Satan once came to Martin Luther and showed him a long list of sins he had committed. Luther replied, “Think a little harder. You must have forgotten some.” Satan did so, and added some more sins to the list. Luther replied, “Now write across that list in red ink, ‘The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses from all sin.’” The devil had no reply to that.
How do you distinguish between the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the accusations of the devil concerning our sin?
How do we answer Satan’s accusations?
- We should answer the devil as Jesus did, with the Word of God. Every time the devil tempted him, he replied with, “It is written,” and then quoted Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus the Son of God, led by the Spirit of God, fought the devil with the Word of God.
What is the good news regarding Satan’s accusations of us?
- In Christ, we have an Advocate—someone who stands with us against Satan’s accusations.
- The Lord stood with Joshua. In Zechariah’s vision, the Lord answered Satan’s accusations by saying: “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! May the Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you!” (Zech. 3:2).
- The Lord stood with Peter. Hours before His arrest and trial, Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, look out. Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:31-32).
- The Lord stands with us. Satan was defeated through the work of Christ, and Christ now stands for us. He is our Advocate: “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one” (1 John 2:1).
When are we vulnerable to Satan’s lies?
- We are most vulnerable when we are most ignorant. Jesus said that we are to watch (remain spiritually alert) and pray. We are vulnerable to Satan’s lies if we fail to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. We’re most equipped when we’re able to relate specific Scripture to specific temptations— like Jesus in Matthew 4:1-10.
Victory over sin, death, and Satan is assured through Jesus Christ. Satan’s accusations are thwarted by the advocacy of Christ.
Revelation 12:11-12
11 They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; for they did not love their lives to the point of death. 12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you with great fury, because he knows his time is short.”
Point: Satan is relentless – but he is defeated.
According to Revelation 12:12, Satan “knows his time is short.” That’s why he stays after us—and that’s why we need to stay vigilant. Satan will attack, but we can resist him by daily lifting up Jesus in our lives and dying to our “old” selves. No more darkness; no more bondage. Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Christ’s death on the cross opens the way to victory. Recalling our personal testimony of faith in Christ can help us to overcome the attacks of Satan. Though we may suffer for our faith in Christ, we can rejoice that victory will be ours.
The Point: Satan fights against us, but we can stand in Christ.
I. The reality of Satan.
A. Satan has been waging a war for a long time.
1. This passage speaks of a war between Satan and Michael.
a. The name “Michael” means “Who is like God?”
b. Jude 9 calls him “the archangel”, and he is usually depicted as a warrior (Daniel 10:12-13; 12:1).
2. When did / will this war take place?
a. Even though Satan has already been cast out (2 Peter 2:4), he evidently still has limited access to God’s throne (Job 1:6; 2:1).
b. This passage seems to refer to a future war in heaven in which Satan will be cast out once and for all.
B. Though Satan has been cast out, he is still active and powerful.
1. Paul warned us not to be “ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).
a. Satan has fooled many people into thinking he does not exist.
b. Even believers make the mistake of taking him too lightly.
• When we hear of other Christians falling into sin, we’re often tempted to puff out our chests and say, “That will never happen to me.” I firmly believe that is one of the most dangerous things you can say. Such sentiments are evidence of pride, and that is one of the devil’s greatest tools. When you start thinking you can handle temptation on your own, chances are the devil has you right where he wants you.
2. Peter warned that Satan is “as a roaring lion …seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
a. He will try to destroy your witness and your credibility.
b. He will “accuse” you in order to discourage you.
• The story goes that Satan once came to Martin Luther and showed him a long list of sins he had committed. Luther replied, “Think a little harder. You must have forgotten some.” Satan did so, and added some more sins to the list. Luther replied, “Now write across that list in red ink, ‘The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses from all sin.’” The devil had no reply to that.1
II. The ruin of Satan.
A. He has been defeated by the blood of the Lamb.
1. Jesus’ death was the beginning of Satan’s end.
a. When Jesus died on the cross, He “spoiled principalities and powers” (Colossians 2:14-15).
b. If you have trusted in Jesus, Satan can never take you out of God’s hands (John 10:27-30; Romans 8:31-39).
2. Satan’s accusations against us can no longer hold up.
a. Jesus’ blood has cleansed us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
b. God has declared us righteous (Romans 3:21-26).
B. His final defeat is guaranteed.
1. Satan knows his time is short.
a. He is still doing what he can to discourage and discredit believers.
b. If I understand Scripture correctly, he will become even more active as the return of Christ draws near.
2. God has promised his ultimate doom.
a. He will be bound for a thousand years (Rev 20:1-3).
b. He will be cast into a lake of fire for eternity (Rev. 20:10).
Conclusion: “God intends that part of our preparation for heaven be a life of warfare with hell.”
Satan’s Leash — and Impending Doom
God is sovereign over Satan. The devil does not have a free hand in this world. He is on a leash, so that he can do no more than God permits. In effect, he must get permission — as in the case of Simon Peter, where Jesus discloses, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has asked to have you, that he might sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31). And the case of Job: “The Lord said to Satan, “Behold, Job is in your hand; only spare his life” (Job 2:6).
So evidently God sees the ongoing role of Satan as essential for his purposes in the world, since, if God willed, Satan would be thrown into the lake of fire now, instead of at the end of the age. “The devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and . . . will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10). His complete defeat is coming and sure. But not yet.
Unwitting Servant of Our Sanctification
God intends that part of our preparation for heaven be a life of warfare with hell. He calls it a “good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18) and a “good fight” (1 Timothy 6:12). It is good, not because we might be killed (which we might! — Revelation 2:10), but because these fire-fights refine the gold of our faith (1 Peter 1:7), in life and death. God is the great General in this warfare. He has given us the walkie-talkie of prayer to call for help: “Take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times” (Ephesians 6:17–18).
He sees behind enemy lines, and knows exactly the strategies that will be used against us. He has written them down in a wartime manual “so that we would not be outwitted by Satan.” The reason we will not be outwitted is that “we are not ignorant of his designs” (2 Corinthians 2:11).
No Neutral Zone
The question is not whether you want to be in this war. Everyone is in it. Either we are defeated by the devil and thus following, like cattle to the slaughter, “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), or we are resisting — “resist him, firm in your faith!” (1 Peter 5:9).
There is no neutral zone. You either triumph “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony,” or you will be enslaved by Satan. Therefore, “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3), and “wage the good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18). Pray without ceasing!
The Lord Jesus is no less a warrior today than in the days of old. So I urge you again: Come to him as willing soldiers of the Prince of Peace and learn to say, “He trains my hands for war” (Psalm 144:1).
Hope to see everyone this Sunday!
In His Love,
David & Susan
