The Original War

No. 3 of 8 

     Before Adam and Eve, there was war in God's realm. "Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. But he (the devil) was not strong enough and they lost their place. The great dragon - that ancient serpent called the devil or Satan - who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to earth, and his angels with him (Revelation 12:7). 

     "The great dragon is filled with fury. Woe to the earth and the sea..." (Rev. 12:12).

     God's own Son had to be tested before He could fulfill his mission. (Matthew chapter 4)    

     "Jesus was led by the (Holy) Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting 40 days and nights, he was hungry. The tempter said, 'If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.' 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" 

     "The devil took him to the highest point of the temple. 'If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down and worship me.' He quoted Psalm 91:11-12...'your angels will lift you up.' 'It is written, Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"  

     "Then on a high mountain where Jesus could see all the kingdoms: 'All this I will give you if you bow down and worship me.' 'Away from me, Satan. Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" 

     Decades later, people in Ephesus were following "the ways of this world and ... the spirit who is at work in those who are disobedient." That would be Satan, always interfering. 

     Some became believers. Paul wrote to them: "Because of your great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ - it is by grace you have been saved" (Ephesians chapter 2). 

Imagine this: Satan might know the Bible better than we do. Not for his salvation, but to fool us as he did Adam and Eve, or to "assure" lukewarm Christians they have nothing to fear. 

Next: Demons knew Jesus