The Most Important Truth We Need to Know About the Devil Today

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The Book of Revelation contains a great deal of imagery that I have to admit I don’t really understand.

Chapter 12 describes an end of the age battle between the “woman” (who commentaries and notes say represents “God’s faithful people”) and the “large red dragon” (who is Satan himself).

John wrote:

This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.

Revelation 12:9

There is nothing the enemy of our souls would like more than for the world to think of him as simply a legend or myth . . . as a made-up red comic book character with pointy ears and a pointy tail. But Jesus made it clear that the devil is not a symbol or myth, he is absolutely real.

The Bible says he is an angel who pridefully turned against God, was thrown out of heaven, and intentionally and intensely attacks God’s creation.

But Jesus defeated him through His sinless life, His death, and His victorious resurrection. Even though we may not understand every descriptive image written about the spiritual world, we can understand and trust the voice that spoke the following heard by John:

Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,
“It has come at last—
    salvation and power
and the Kingdom of our God,
    and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters
    has been thrown down to earth—
the one who accuses them
    before our God day and night.
And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
    and by their testimony.
And they did not love their lives so much
    that they were afraid to die.
Therefore, rejoice, O heavens!
    And you who live in the heavens, rejoice!
But terror will come on the earth and the sea,
    for the devil has come down to you in great anger,
    knowing that he has little time.”

Revelation 12:10–12

Satan knows that his complete defeat and destruction are coming. He knows his power is limited and there is little time left.

When spiritual attacks overwhelm us and it looks and feels like evil is growing . . . when we feel burdened and worried—we need to:

♥ Take our burdens to Jesus.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

♥ Remember the devil “has little time.”

The devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.

Revelation 10:12

♥ Resist – we have the sword of the Spirit, God’s Word.

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7

A Prayer to Know the Truth and Resist the Devil

Father, thank you for wanting us to know the truth about the devil. Jesus called him a murderer and the “father of lies.” (John 8:44) Peter described him as a “roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) And John wrote that he “deceives the whole world.” (Revelation 12:9)

But John also wrote that Jesus, “the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8) Thank you! I praise You for all You have given us in Jesus.

Father, some days it’s hard to withstand the devil’s attacks. I want to resist him but I know I’m not as strong as I need to be or even as I want to be. Please forgive me. I don’t want to give in to doubt or fear, anger or pride, frustration or _________. Please help me.

I come to You, Lord Jesus. Please give me strength. Fill me with Your peace. Help me know Your Word so I can resist the devil’s temptations. Help me remember that his time is limited. Help me run to You . . . You are the One who defeated him. You are my strength and my shield. I love you, Lord. Amen.

The LAB notes tell us:

We are living in the last days, and Satan’s work has become more intense . . . he is battling daily to bring more into his ranks and to keep his own from defecting to God’s side.

You and I are called to resist his efforts and pray faithfully for people to know the truth and turn to Jesus.

Remember . . . although we’re told the battles are real and difficult, the war has already been won. Victory belongs to the Lord and we belong to Him!

On today’s note write:

I will run to Jesus, the Victor, when the devil taunts, tempts, or persecutes me.

May God bless you and give you the strength you need to fight your spiritual battles today and in the days ahead.

Click here to read the rest of Revelation 12.

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