The Bible speaks of a war being waged between God and Satan with humanity caught in the middle. Knowledge of this battle is essential to Christians especially as it intensifies during these last days. “Unless we are intelligent in the Scriptures, may we not, when this mighty miracle-working power of Satan is manifested in our world, be deceived and call it the workings of God; for the Word of God declares that, if it were possible, the very elect should be deceived. Unless we are rooted and grounded in the truth, we shall be swept away by Satan’s delusive snares. We must cling to our Bibles.” (Evangelism p.249)
1. a. With who did sin and suffering originate? 1 John 3:8
For the ____________________ sinneth from the beginning.
b. Where did Satan come from? Luke 10:18
I beheld Satan as lightning fall from ______________________.
2. What kind of being was Satan? Ezekiel 28:14,15
Thou art the anointed ______________________ that covereth.
The “Cherub that covers” is a description of the angel that stood next to the throne of God in Heaven (Psalm 80:1). This angel, Lucifer, was one of the most honored of all created beings.
3. What led to Lucifer’s rebellion? Ezekiel 28:17
Thine heart was lifted up because of thy _______________________, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.
Little by little, Lucifer began to indulge the desire for self-exaltation… Though all his glory was from God, this mighty angel came to regard it as pertaining to himself. Not content with his position, though honored above the heavenly host, he ventured to covet homage due alone to the Creator… The high honors conferred upon Lucifer were not appreciated as God’s special gift, and therefore called forth no gratitude to his Creator. He gloried in his brightness and exaltation and aspired to be equal with God.
4. a. What goal did this angel set for himself? Isaiah 14:12-14
I will exalt my throne above the ____________________ of God.
b. How did he Lucifer try to achieve his goal? Ezekiel 28:16
By the abundance of your _____________________________ you became filled with violence within, and you sinned.
The word trading is translated from a Hebrew root word, which means “scandal monger.” This means that Lucifer went about spreading lies about God. At this time, God easily could have blotted sin out of existence in one blinding flash. He could have eliminated Satan and the rebellious angels who followed him. If God had done this, however, the other angels and the inhabitants of the universe would have served and obeyed Him out of fear of destruction. God wants our allegiance because we love Him. Therefore He allowed sin to run its course to demonstrate to the universe the consequence of rebellion and disobedience to God.”
5. a. What happened as a result of Lucifer’s rebellion? Revelation 12:7-9
And there was ______________ in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.
b. Who was cast out of heaven with him? Revelation 12:3-9
And his tail drew the third part of the ___________________ of heaven, and did cast them to the earth.
The word “war” is translated from the greek word “polemos,” which means argument. Thus, this war in heaven was not necessarily fought with swords, but with words. Satan’s argument has been over the law of God’s government. God’s government is founded on love while Satan’s principle is that of self.
6. After he was cast out of Heaven, whom did Satan seek to deceive? Genesis 3:1-6
And the serpent said unto the __________________, Ye shall not surely die.
No longer free to stir up rebellion in heaven, Satan’s enmity against God found a new field in plotting the ruin of the human race… The tree of knowledge had been made a test of their obedience and their love to God. The Lord had seen fit to lay upon them but one prohibition as to the use of all that was in the garden; but if they should disregard His will, they would bring upon themselves the guilt of transgression. Satan never works openly. He used a snake as medium through which he could speak to and deceive Eve and her husband, Adam. Instead of the happy labour God had given them in the Garden of Eden, now anxiety and toil would be their lot. They would be subject to disappointment, grief, pain, and finally death.
7. a. What are the six things the Lord hates? Proverbs 6:16-19
A ______________________ look, a _______________________ tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies.
b. What is most detestable to God? Proverbs 6:19
He that soweth _________________________ among brethren.
Discord originated in heaven when Satan began spreading lies about God’s character to the angels. One third of God’s beloved angels believed that lie (Revelation 12:4). Later, Satan deceived Adam and Eve to believe his lies and separated them from God. The devil continues to strive to cause us to oppose each other.
8. How does Satan now attempt to disguise himself and his activities? 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For Satan himself is transformed into an angel of______________________.
9. What does Satan sometimes lead persons to do? Galatians 1:6,7
But there be some that trouble you, and would _____________________ the gospel of Christ.
10 What is our primary safeguard against he enemy? 2 Timothy 3:15
And that from a child thou hast known the holy ____________________, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
11. Do you want to ask God to keep you from the opposer?
_________________________