Read: Revelation 12:7-17
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
The glorious woman is carried to safety, so Satan makes war on the rest of her offspring—believers “who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus” (v. 17). The dragon is the Serpent who tricked Adam and Eve into betraying God’s world into his hands. This is how death entered the human race. Sin is a congenital, fatal affliction which has passed to all their descendants.
But God declared war on the Serpent on our behalf (Gen. 3:15). To win this war he became one of us, in Jesus, to destroy death. Satan attacks believers through people, but they are not the enemy. They also are his victims. He often comes to us as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14).
How can we resist his attacks? We must recognize his tricks and put on our armor daily—reaffirming our assurance of salvation, righteousness, truth, faith in God, and readiness to share the gospel. We must learn to use our sword, God’s Word, and to pray (Eph. 6:10-18). We must avoid what poisons our minds, ugly stuff on TV and social media (James 1:13-15). Satan creates crippling guilt in us. He makes us doubt God’s power and love. Draw near to God, then order the dragon away. He has to flee! We have all the authority of Jesus! —Ruth Siemens
As you pray, ask God to help you recognize and resist the devil’s attacks.
About the Author
Ruth Siemens was a campus minister with IVCF/IFES, then started Global Opportunities to prepare professionals to work and witness in secular employment abroad.
