Know Your Enemy Revelation 12-13 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:11-12). “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). “So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs” (2 Cor. 2:11). Meet the cast of Revelation 12-13 -A woman clothed with the sun = Israel -A male child = Jesus -A Great Red Dragon and his angels = Satan and his demons -Michael and his angels = Good angels -An eagle with two wings = God’s protection to his people -The First Beast = the Anti-Christ, a powerful world leader -The Second Beast = the false teacher -The image of the beast = a counterfeit What Can We Glean About Our Enemy’s Tactics from Revelation 12-13? 1. We need to understand that Satan is vehemently against everything about Jesus. 2. We need to understand that Satan and his minions are at work against God’s people “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32). “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man” (Matthew 16:23). 3. We need to understand that Satan is a master deceiver and will do whatever it takes to deceive you too! 4. We need to understand that Satan is a fierce accuser who will constantly try and rack us with shame, even attempting to make you think you aren’t forgiven and loved by God. How Can We Ultimately Protect Ourselves from the Enemies Tactics 1. READ Ephesians 6:10-20 and familiarize yourself with the armor of God. 2. REMEMBER, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 Jn. 4:4). 3. REFUSE to buy into a watered-down prosperity Gospel that is sure to disillusion you when the rubber meets the roads. No, if we are going to overcome the evil one’s tactics it will require some good old fashioned Gospel grit and a recognition that following Jesus was never meant to be a cake walk. 4. REACH out to God through prayer. 5. REJOICE because Satan and his minions will be ultimately defeated!