Revelation 12: Conflict with the Accuser
DRAGONS SYMBOLIZE ALL that is terrifying, evil and loathsome. In Revelation 12 Satan appears as an enormous red dragon, full of rage. Knowing that his time is short, he unleashes his fury as never before. During such dark moments of history, it seems as though God is absent and Satan is victorious. Yet in this passage John describes a heavenly vision that puts all earthly tribulation in proper perspective.
Warming Up to God
In what ways are you experiencing the reality of spiritual warfare?
Read Revelation 12. »
Discovering the Word
- Three of the characters in this chapter are the woman (perhaps the Lord's people or the Holy Spirit), the red dragon (Satan) and the male child (the Lord Jesus). What conflict does John observe among them (vv. 1-6)?
- In verses 7-9 John describes a war in heaven. What does the war reveal about the dragon?
- What does the dragon's defeat mean in heaven (vv. 10, 12) and on earth (vv. 12-17)?
- What does it mean to overcome Satan's accusations by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (v. 11)?
Applying the Word
- How can we help a fellow Christian who is no longer under God's condemnation but who still feels condemned and defeated?
- In what other ways do we experience Satan's attacks?
- How can the victory of Christ help us face these battles and struggles of the Christian life?
Responding in Prayer
Pray for those who are struggling against Satan.
For Further Study
1 & 2 Thessalonians: Living in the End Times by John Stott