What's Next? Revelation Series With Skip HeitzigSample

Satan's Global Conflict Path The Bible reveals the startling truth about Satan: he is real, he has access to heaven, and he is not in charge of hell, nor will he ever be. There are two major themes in Revelation 12: war in heaven and wrath on earth. In considering them, we learn a few character traits about the Devil: Points Satan Is Persistent (vv. 7-12) In the future, heaven will be a war zone. Satan fell from heaven and failed to destroy God's Messiah (see Revelation 12:4), but he will try once again during the tribulation to conquer heaven and thwart God's plans. Satan doesn't give up easily. He wants to create as much chaos and destroy as many lives as he can--like a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). When God said, "Have you considered My servant Job?" (Job 1:8), He acknowledged that Satan had been watching Job, looking for weaknesses. One of Satan's biggest lies is that he is the evil opposite of righteous God. God does not fight battles; He wins them. Satan will fight a losing battle against God's angels--particularly Michael, an archangel associated with Israel's protection (see v. 7). Satan Is Perverse (vv. 9-10) Dragon (a fierce tyrant) Serpent of old (his subtle treachery) Devil (slanderer, gossip) Satan (adversary, enemy) Deceiver (false religion, security, and hope) Accuser (spews accusations against us) Satan Is Pernicious (vv. 12-17) Heaven will rejoice at Satan's banishment from heaven, but the earth will recoil. The tribulation includes not only God's judgment against the earth but also Satan's great wrath as he and his minions are confined to earth for three and a half years. Satan will vent all his outrage on the earth, specifically against Israel. Through the Antichrist, two-thirds of all the Jews will be killed (see Zechariah 13:8), and the abomination of desolation will occur (see Matthew 24). God will protect His people from the flood of Satan's wrath; Israel's darkest hour will lead to its brightest dawn. Satan Is Preventable (v. 11) Believers in the tribulation "overcame [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb" (v. 11). Satan has built a case against us, but our defense attorney, Jesus, makes a stronger case by His blood (see 1 John 2:1). Like the martyrs, we overcome Satan by the word of our testimony (see v. 11). Our spiritual loyalty is more important than our physical life. Once we know how to die, we know how to live (see John 12:25). Practice Connect Up: Satan studies how to harm us, but he operates within strict parameters--by God's permission and for God's purposes. What battles do you need to give over to God, trusting that His ultimate victory is sure? Connect In: The solidarity of Christians is important in resisting Satan's influence. How can you support other believers in the challenges you face? Connect Out: What is your testimony? Prepare a brief account of how God has changed your life. [The video portion of this devotional is not available on your device. To view this video, visit your plan at www.Bible.com]