The Enemy

TODAY’S SPECIAL: 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12

TO CHEW ON: And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 2 Thessalonians 2:8

The Bible is a story of a fight. The fight is between light and darkness, love and hate, obedience and rebellion, good and evil, God and Satan. This fight began in the Garden of Eden when Satan, in the form of a snake, tempted Eve. He persuaded her to listen to him and eat fruit from the tree God had plainly forbidden. Sin (any act that defies God and sides with Satan) came into the world.

"The Fall" by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1907

Through history, God has done many things to fight Satan. He chose the Jews, gave them His laws, and commanded them to make sacrifices for sins. Then He sent His son Jesus, born of a Jewish mother, who became the final sacrifice for sin. Now we have the Holy Spirit who helps us resist Satan’s temptations and live for God.

The final showdown between God and Satan is still to come (although because Jesus rose from the dead, we know Satan’s power is broken). Our verse today talks about a future battle in the fight between God and Satan. Satan’s servant, the lawless one (also called the Antichrist) will someday try to convince all people living on the earth to follow Satan. But though he uses Satan’s most powerful signs, wonders and miracles, his end will be the same as his boss’s. What happens to the lawless one? (2 Thessalonians 2:8) __________.

"The Antichrist" - Artist unknown, 1593

PRAYER: Dear God, help me to recognize and stand against Satan’s tricks. Help me remember he is defeated through Jesus. Amen.


MORE: Satan, A.K.A....
In the Bible, Satan is called many names. Knowing what they are helps us understand him and resist his ways. Look up each Bible reference and make a list of the names Satan is called.
1. Isaiah 14:12
2. Isaiah 27:1
3. Matthew 13:19
4. 1 Thessalonians 3:5
5. 2 Corinthians 4:4
6. Ephesians 2:2
7. Matthew 12:29
8. 2 Corinthians 11:14
9. 1 Peter 5:8
10. John 8:44
11. Revelation 9:11

ANSWERS

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.