How does Revelation 12:4 illustrate Satan's influence over the world today? Revelation 12:4—Snapshot of the Conflict “His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky, tossing them to the earth”. “And the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth…to devour her Child”. Seeing the Dragon in Our Headlines • Sweeping movement: Satan’s influence is not isolated; it moves across cultures, governments, and media, shaping values and priorities. • Tossed stars: The fall of a third of the angels points to an organized, strategic rebellion—mirrored today in systems that normalize sin. • Waiting to devour: From abortion to persecution of believers, the dragon still seeks to destroy life and silence the gospel before it takes root. One-Third of the Stars Swept Away • Symbol of massive deception – 2 Corinthians 11:14: “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” – 1 Timothy 4:1: “Some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits.” • Ongoing spiritual defection – Spiritual leaders and influencers can drift, drawing others after them (Acts 20:30). – Trend toward redefining truth, morality, and even the nature of God. Devouring the Child: Ongoing Assault on Christ and His People • The Child represents Jesus; the assault continues against His body, the church (John 15:18). • Worldwide persecution (Revelation 12:17) shows the dragon targeting those “who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” • Cultural attempts to erase Christian witness—through ridicule, legislation, or violence—echo the dragon’s posture at the manger. Scripture Echoes of Satan’s Present Work • 1 John 5:19: “The whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” • 2 Corinthians 4:4: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers.” • John 8:44: “He was a murderer from the beginning…a liar and the father of lies.” • Ephesians 2:2: “The prince of the power of the air” is at work in those who resist God. Living Alert in the Midst of the Battle • Armor up daily (Ephesians 6:10-18). • Practice discernment—test every spirit and message (1 John 4:1). • Stand firm in grace; resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7). • Proclaim Christ confidently—“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). |
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