THE REBELLION OF HEAVEN

Transcription

1 SESSION 2 THE REBELLION OF HEAVEN In this study, we see how God s good rule first came under attack. At some point after God created the world, Satan, one of God s angels grew proud in his heart and rebelled against God s authority. In response, God cast Satan and the rebel angels out of His presence and promised to one day destroy them forever. Although the Bible does not present many details about this heavenly rebellion, we see a picture of pride going before destruction and the nature of sin. STEPS TO PREPARE 1. Read the main passages for this week s lesson, recording your insights and questions: Ezekiel 28:11-19 Isaiah 14: Review the Teaching Plan (pgs.18-21). Refine the lesson plan based on your group s particular needs. Adjust the plan if necessary. 3. Study the Expanded Lesson Content (pgs.22-28). Determine what elements of this lesson are most applicable to your particular group. Consider ways to personalize the lesson content for you and your class. 4. Pray for the Lord s guidance as you lead students through this material. LESSON OUTLINE CREATED AS AN ANGEL, SATAN 1. Was supposed to glorify God (Ezek. 28:11-15). 2. Grew proud and rebelled (Isa. 14:13-14; Ezek. 28:17-19). 3. Was judged and cast out (Isa. 14:12,15; Ezek. 28:16). The Gospel Project for Students 17

2 SESSION 2 SESSION 2 TEACHING PLAN NOTES: THE REBELLION OF HEAVEN CONNECT OPTION 1 Begin with the example of The Force in Star Wars to launch into a discussion of the nature of evil and where it comes from (p.22). How would you respond if someone were to ask you, Where did Satan come from? and Why did God create Satan? What should we do when the Bible does not give us all the answers on a particular topic? OPTION 2 For this option, test students trivia knowledge by asking them a series of questions about popular heroes and villains. Before group time, you will need to locate pictures of said characters (such as Superman, Lex Luthor, Batman, the Joker, etc.). Show the pictures one at a time and ask students who the person is and if they are a hero or villain. Once you are done showing the pictures, lead students to consider what makes the heroes good and the villains evil. Transition the conversation to the session by explaining that God is the ultimate Hero. One of the villains in God s Story is Satan, who tries to work against God by creating more villains. Guide students to consider some of the similarities and differences between God and Satan s relationship and those of the heroes and villains you showed previously. Gently correct any wrong misconceptions (for instance, in thinking that Satan is an equal counterpart or that he does things beyond God s sovereign control over him). After the discussion, move to the transition part of the session. TRANSITION In this session we learn of the rebellion that took place in heaven under God s rule. We learn of the first villain in God s Story, Satan, who after growing proud in his heart rebelled against God s authority. Not only that, but we witness God s response to the rebellion, and the warning that is given to us in regards to the sin of pride that is often found within the human heart. 18 Leader Guide

3 THE REBELLION OF HEAVEN CONVEY CREATED AS AN ANGEL, SATAN 1. WAS SUPPOSED TO GLORIFY GOD (EZEK. 28:11-15). Introduce the mysterious serpent that shows up in Genesis 3, and then ask the question: Where did this being come from? Use the teaching of Genesis 1 2 to infer the timeline of Satan s fall. Then, read Ezekiel 28:11-15, encouraging students to note how this passage might refer to an earthly king and the heavenly rebellion (p.23). At this point, consider using the story Right Tool, Wrong Way in the Personal Study Guide (p.21) as a way to illustrate this point. A brief synopsis has been provided for you in the sidebar. First, explain Ezekiel 28:11-15 in its original context, noting the significance of Tyre and God s blessing of the king with precious gifts. Then, highlight how Bible students have seen in this passage a further reference to Satan (p.23). Why might it be easier for people with abundant wisdom, beauty, or wealth to be prideful? What gifts from God are humans inclined to take credit for? What are some gifts God has given you? How are you using these gifts in service to God or in service to furthering your own name? Again, show how the passage refers first to the religious activity of the king of Tyre and then alludes to Satan, who took his position of prominence and desired glory for himself (pgs.23-24). Why might pride be a greater temptation for someone in a position of religious or spiritual leadership? 2. GREW PROUD AND REBELLED (ISA. 14:13-14). Point out another relevant passage, Isaiah 14:13-14, which first refers to the fall of the king of Babylon, but also has application to Satan s initial fall from glory. As you read these verses, encourage students to list the five I will statements. Then, connect these statements to the truth that pride comes before destruction (pgs.24-25). At this point, consider using the story Off the Team in the Personal Study Guide (p.23) as a way to illustrate this point. A brief synopsis has been provided for you in the sidebar. RIGHT TOOL, WRONG WAY I was trying to hang a flat screen television on the wall, and It involved bolting a mount to the wall. I needed a hammer, but all I had were wrenches. I used my wrench as a hammer and it ended up being scratched and bent from being used the wrong way. Satan was created to worship God, but he rebelled against God, abandoning the purpose he was created for. How can you make sure that you are doing what you were created for? OFF THE TEAM Matt was an incredible athlete. He loved baseball and was naturally talented. But as Matt received more attention and praise for his accomplishments, his personality began to change. He became prideful in his own talent. He stopped working hard. He began to put down other players, he even began arguing with the coaches. The coach had no choice but to kick him off the team. This story reminds me of the pitfalls of pride the same exact pitfall that Satan fell into. Satan, a beautiful, wonderful angel, began to think that he knew better than God. In his pride, he rebelled against God. Why do you think Satan became prideful and rebelled against God? How can you guard against pride? Create a list of sins, and trace their connection back to pride. In what ways do we mimic Satan every time we sin? What is the connection between idolatry and pride? The Gospel Project for Students 19

4 SESSION 2 INCARCERATION The US leads the world in incarceration rates. People are imprisoned because they committed a crime, were prosecuted in a court of law, found guilty, and sentenced to pay for their crime. In other words, they did something wrong, they were judged, and they were sentenced. The same thing happened to Satan. Satan s crime was that he rebelled against God. God then judged him rightly and found him guilty. Satan s sentence, in part, was being cast out of heaven. Does it make you feel safe that God can handle Satan s treachery? Explain. NOTES: Return to Ezekiel 28, focusing on verses 17-19, where God promises punishment against the king of Tyre (and by extension, Satan) (pgs.25-26). What can remind today s rulers and the powerful of the world that their moment is fleeting? How can you combat pride? 3. Was judged and cast out (Ezek. 28:16). Because of our inborn sense of justice, we want God to deal with evil in our midst. Read Ezekiel 28:16 to see how God responded to the pride of the king of Tyre (and behind that, the fall of Satan) removal from God s presence. Then read Isaiah 14:12,15 and note that the same punishment is alluded to destruction and removal from God s presence (pgs.26-27). At this point, consider using the story Incarceration in the Personal Study Guide (p.24) as a way to illustrate this point. A brief synopsis has been provided for you in the sidebar. Have you personally experienced conviction over your pride? Why is it important to be reminded that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble? Review the Bible s teaching about Satan, emphasizing the good news that Jesus death was the decisive blow against Satan and his forces (p.27). In what ways did Christ counteract and oppose the work of Satan? How is the humility of Christ opposed to the pride of Satan? How does the coming final judgment against Satan and sin make us bolder in our mission of proclaiming God s kingdom to the world? 20 Leader Guide

5 THE REBELLION OF HEAVEN COLLIDE After having set the stage for His kingdom through the creation of the heavens and earth, our study now turns to the earliest instance of treason against God in the fall of Satan. This session emphasizes at least two things that are important. First, Satan is not the only being to become prideful; he was only the first. While it is easy to sit in judgment and be confounded as to why anyone would do that, let us not forget that often times we give in to the sin of pride as well. In fact, pride is what led to the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden. In pride, they thought they knew better than God. In pride, they thought that they could become like God in a manner different from the image of God they already bore. Pride has always been present and can often be the root of our sins. Thus, it is important that we clearly explain the nature of pride to students and how to be on guard for pride dwelling within our hearts. Why is it important to emphasize the fact that we can never say the devil made me do it? Discuss that while he may bring temptation, it is important that we own up to our sin. The second point to note is that God, the King, will not be thwarted by Satan s evil schemes. His kingdom will prevail through Jesus Christ. No matter how much evil is allowed to take place here on earth, and no matter how hard the battle for good might be, God is in complete control and will one day do away with all evil. How can the sovereignty of God over all things, including evil, be comforting as you go through trials? NOTES: Additional suggestions for specific groups are available at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources And for free online training on how to lead a group visit MinistryGrid.com/web/TheGospelProject _ The Gospel Project for Students 21

6 SESSION 2 SESSION 2 by Kendell Easley EXPANDED LESSON CONTENT THE REBELLION OF HEAVEN CREATED AS AN ANGEL, SATAN WAS SUPPOSED TO GLORIFY GOD, GREW PROUD AND REBELLED, AND WAS JUDGED AND CAST OUT. OPENING ILLUSTRATION AND DISCUSSION STARTER Imagine you re taking Philosophy 101 in college. How would you respond to this multiple-choice question: What is your belief about the origin of evil? A. There is no such thing as real evil in the universe. Evil is only an illusion. B. Evil has always co-existed alongside good. The universe has two eternal opposing forces, like yin-yang in Taoism or the Force in Star Wars (20 th Century Fox). C. In the beginning there was only good and God. But sometime before He created the earth, God created evil as a thing lesser than Himself but still able to oppose Him. D. Evil is not a thing per se, but the absence of good. God created everything good, but allowed His creatures to freely choose the non-good (evil). All four views have been proposed by philosophies and religions through the ages. The fourth, while not explicitly articulated this way in Scripture, was thought through and laid out by the early church father Augustine, especially in his Confessions and The City of God. Many Christians through the centuries have found Augustine s view compelling. In the previous session, we saw that God deserves utmost praise for who He is and how He reigns over the universe. He created angels who celebrated His handiwork as He made heaven and earth. In this session, we see how God s good rule first came under attack. At some point after God created the world, Satan, one of God s angels grew proud in his heart and rebelled against God s authority. In response, God cast Satan and the rebel angels out of His presence and promised to one day destroy them forever. Although the Bible does not present many details about this heavenly rebellion, we see a picture of pride going before destruction and the nature of sin. 22 Leader Guide

7 THE REBELLION OF HEAVEN CREATED AS AN ANGEL, SATAN WAS SUPPOSED TO GLORIFY GOD (EZEK. 28:11-15). At the end of the creation account, we read that God saw all that He had made, and it was very good (Gen. 1:31). Yet in the account of mankind s fall into sin two chapters later, we find a mysterious being present the serpent (later described as Satan). Through his cunning and questioning, the serpent led our first parents into sin (Gen. 3:1-7). More on that in an upcoming lesson. The question before us now is Where did this mysterious being come from? Since the Bible teaches that God created everything, we believe Satan himself began as part of God s creation of the heavens. He was included in the heavenly host God created to praise Him (Ps. 148:1-2). He was probably among the angelic beings who sang together and shouted for joy when earth was formed (Job 38:7). He was created to bring glory to God. Bible scholars have inferred a timeline of Satan s existence: (1) God created all things. (2) As an angel, Satan was created before earth was created. (3) As an angel, Satan probably glorified God at earth s creation. (4) Everything, including Satan, was created good. (5) Sometime between Satan s creation and the Garden of Eden scene (Gen. 3), Satan went from being good to being a tempter. Bible students have turned to an extraordinary part of Ezekiel s prophecy for more clues about the origin of Satan and evil. Here is what Ezekiel 28:11-15 says: Moreover, the word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, raise a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord God: You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared. You were an anointed guardian cherub. I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God; in the midst of the stones of fire you walked. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you. (Ezek. 28:11) Ezekiel prophesied for some twenty years (around BC) during the first part of the Jews Babylonian captivity. His stunning visions taught God s people about Yahweh s sovereign plan over them so that they will know that I am the lord (Ezek. 28:23). He spoke of God s present judgment on evil, but he also predicted future events in which God s kingdom would display righteousness. In Ezekiel s time, Tyre was a major seaport, located on an island just off the coast of Phoenicia (modern Lebanon). It was wealthy, and its ruler was arrogant and self-sufficient. Ezekiel 27 lamented Tyre as a city and prophesied FURTHER COMMENTARY Was the serpent in Eden really Satan inhabiting a creature? The Genesis account uses serpent, but not Satan. Satan means Accuser in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this name appears rarely and in only three books, in which he is an accuser: 1 Chronicles 21:1; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Zechariah 3:1-2. The New Testament develops Satan vocabulary more completely. Devil (Greek for Slanderer ) appears only in the New Testament. Revelation 20:2 notes that the serpent is the same as the Devil and Satan. Further, it should be clarified that there is only one Devil, while the Bible speaks of many demons other created supernatural beings who followed the Devil in his rebellion against God. FURTHER COMMENTARY Though the context is an oracle against the king of Tyre, many believe that this anointed cherub should ultimately be identified as Satan himself. In that case the passage would have double reference. As an angel, Satan had continuous and unhindered access to the glorious presence of God before he rebelled. 1 Mark F. Rooker The Gospel Project for Students 23

8 SESSION 2 VOICES FROM CHURCH HISTORY This angel was both by creation good and by choice corrupt.none else than the very author of sin who was denoted in the person of a sinful man: he was once irreproachable, at the time of his creation, formed for good by God... and associated with God, good with the Good; but afterwards of his own accord removed to evil. 2 Tertullian FURTHER COMMENTARY The Hebrew verb satan means to oppose or to act as an adversary or accuser... As a fallen angel, Satan accused Job before God (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7), Joshua before the Angel of the Lord (Zech. 3:1-2), and stood against Israel, inciting David to take a census of Israel (1 Chron. 21:1). The helel of Isaiah 14:12 ( shining one ) is translated morning star (NIV) or Day Star (ESV) or Lucifer (NKJV) and is rightly understood by many as a reference to Satan. 3 Peter Schemm, Jr. its doom. Ezekiel 28 turns attention from the city itself to its king. Chapters together are classic Hebrew poetry, filled with exalted language. They refer primarily to the king of Tyre as a rebel against God. But not far below the surface, Bible students have long recognized that the king of Tyre was a human example of the first rebel against God: Satan. Note how the human king (as well as Satan) was created to bring glory to God. There was nothing lacking in wisdom or beauty (v. 12). There was nothing lacking in placement (v. 13). Tyre was in an ideal location in the Mediterranean. And of course Eden, the garden of God is a reminder of the place in the biblical narrative where the serpent (Satan) first appeared. There was nothing lacking in wealth and splendor (v. 13). The precious stones mentioned are a kaleidoscope of jewels, not all of which can be identified. Verse 14 continues recounting the privileges of Tyre s king. The reference to a guardian cherub is curious. A pair of carved, winged cherubim was placed over the Ark of the Covenant in the Israelite tabernacle and later in their Jerusalem temple (Ex. 37:6-9; 1 Kings 6:23-28). Further, the precious stones listed in verse 13 recall one of the garments worn by Israel s anointed high priest: a breastpiece with twelve jewels (Ex. 28:15-21). Moreover, when a permanent temple was finally built in the time of Solomon, it could very well have been called the holy mountain of God. It is hard to understand the direct correlation between what is stated in verse 14 and the (pagan) king of Tyre who was likely a priest in his idolatrous religion. The words make more sense if we see an allusion to Satan in the imagery. The clues point to his function as a kind of angelic priest before God, appointed to lead praise and worship in ways we can t begin to imagine. The expression about walking the stones of fire suggests God s own throne room, a description with which Ezekiel began his book (Ezek. 1:25-28; Ex. 24:17). If these suggestions are on target, then in creating Satan, God bestowed on him a place of prominence close to the preeminence of God himself. This story does not end well. It is bitter to read the words, You were blameless in your ways...till (v. 15). till is the deadly word here, and the implications are laid out in the next few verses of Ezekiel. 2. GREW PROUD AND REBELLED (ISA. 14:13-14; EZEK. 28:17-19). In addition to Ezekiel s portrait, many Bible scholars find a possible allusion to Satan behind the imagery of Isaiah 14. Along the way Isaiah predicted the future downfall of the king of Babylon. Just as Ezekiel s words first addressed the king of Tyre but then provide insight into Satan s situation, so Isaiah s words appear to have application to Satan. Consider Isaiah 14:13-14: 24 Leader Guide

9 THE REBELLION OF HEAVEN You said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. (Isa. 14:13-14) Note that I will is repeated so aggressively. We see that the desire to challenge God as King to seek to replace Him as Lord of the universe is truly awful. Babylon s king thought he could set up an empire to rival God s. Not so. Nor could Satan. Consider the self-assertions: I will ascend. Instead of humbling himself before the Almighty, he exalted himself. I will set up my throne. God allows sub-kings under His rule. But in what brazen way could one assert self to be above the stars? I will sit. Having taken the divine throne by force, the desire is to remain there. I will ascend. This repeats the first I will. I will make myself like the Most High. Here we get to the essence of where pride can take someone: I want to be like God. Throughout the ages, theologians and poets have pondered what may have happened to lead Satan down the path from pride to rebellion. In English literature, there is nothing more profoundly suggestive than John Milton s Paradise Lost (Dover Publication, 2005). This massive poem depicts the pattern of revolt against God, both by Satan and his hosts, as well as our first parents. Before Milton, the ancient Greek philosophers understood the danger of pride (hubris, they called it) overconfidence in one s own person or abilities. Before that, Israel s Book of Proverbs had warned, Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall (Prov. 16:18). Satan s pride led to his rebellion against the one-and-only true King of all. This pride seems to have grown from his taking credit for qualities he wrongly assumed originated in himself. We can speculate that the descent of Satan went something like this: God created Satan, bestowing on him wonderful qualities and abilities. Satan began to take credit for what God had given him. This pride led to a loss of wisdom. Pride and a loss of wisdom led him to challenge God s rule and rebel. This sequence is borne out when we return to Ezekiel. Again, although the primary reference is to the king of Tyre, it is possible to see how these words can apply to Satan. Here is what Yahweh proclaimed, recorded in Ezekiel 28:17-19: Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before The Gospel Project for Students 25

10 SESSION 2 FURTHER COMMENTARY Sometime between Genesis 1:31 (everything was very good ) and 3:1-5 (the temptation), Satan rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven, bringing many evil angels under the same judgment (Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:11-19; Matt. 25:41; Luke 10:18). Some of them were bound until the final day of judgment (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6). Some are presently bound but will be released during the end times (Rev. 9:14). Others actively oppose God and work evil continually in the world (Eph. 6:11-12). Why some evil angels are bound and others are free to oppose God we are not told in Scripture. There is no indication in Scripture that evil angels can be redeemed from their fallen condition. 4 Peter Schemm, Jr. kings, to feast their eyes on you. By the multitude of your iniquities, in the unrighteousness of your trade you profaned your sanctuaries; so I brought fire out from your midst; it consumed you, and I turned you to ashes on the earth in the sight of all who saw you. All who know you among the peoples are appalled at you; you have come to a dreadful end and shall be no more forever. (Ezek. 28:17-19) In the case of the king of Tyre, the Lord disdained him because he assumed that his beauty and splendor were of his own making (v. 17). To be sure, the Phoenicians had worked hard to attain their place of prominence as an international trading center in the Mediterranean basin. But they failed to acknowledge God as the source of their resources. Their punishment was to be cast from such a lofty perch, being sent to the ground. Indeed, Tyre lost its place of prominence. So it was with Satan. Jesus Himself said, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven (Luke 10:18). Verse 18 speaks of rebellion against God in terms of the king of Tyre/ Satan having profaned your sanctuaries, proceeding from the multitude of your iniquities. Small, unchecked sins lead to great sins, which lead to great profanity against everything holy. The divine judgment pronounced against the king of Tyre (such as God s I turned you to ashes on the earth and you shall be no more forever ) has not yet been extended against the city itself. The island city of Tyre has seen its ups and downs, but it remains to this day as a Lebanese port. Jesus Himself visited Tyre, and the Apostle Paul found comfort in the Christians of Tyre (Mark 7:24; Acts 21:3-4). All human kings and kingdoms are fleeting. The most arrogant and seemingly invincible of empires have all crumbled into dust. Satan s demise, as we shall see, resulted in his being cast out of God s presence. He has not yet met his final doom. Ultimately he and all his workers and works will be thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur tormented day and night forever and ever (Rev. 20:10). 3. WAS JUDGED AND CAST OUT (ISA. 14:12,15; EZEK. 28:16). What is a great and wonderful king to do when he finds a rebel among his subjects? Our inborn sense of justice cries for the king to deal with evil in his midst. Our eternal God is perfectly righteous and holy. He does not tolerate sin in His presence. Thus, Satan was cast out of God s presence. Again, the Bible is not as explicit as perhaps we would wish, but there is enough to let us speculate about the bare facts. Some Bible scholars believe the following words from John in the Book of Revelation may apply to the initial rebellion: Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any 26 Leader Guide

11 THE REBELLION OF HEAVEN place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him (Rev. 12:7-9). Just imagine it: war arose in heaven, the very heavens that were the first object of God s loving creative plan. And somehow in God s plan, He has permitted Satan to roam for a while on the earth deceiving humanity and opposing Him. Here s the way the future fall of the king of Tyre (and, behind that, the past fall of Satan) is described in Ezekiel 28:16: In the abundance of your trade you were filled with violence in your midst, and you sinned; so I cast you as a profane thing from the mountain of God, and I destroyed you, O guardian cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. (Ezek. 28:16) The verbs cast and destroyed are strong. Isaiah helps us further understand the judgment that fell on Satan. Here is Isaiah 14:12,15: How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. (Isa. 14:12,15) This passage implies a two-stage judgment process. The king of Babylon/ Satan is likened to a day Star, son of Dawn perhaps the planet Venus seen at dawn, a glorious sight to ancient peoples. The first part of the judgment was to be cast from the heavens and therefore cut down to the ground. The second step in the divine judgment was to be cut down from the earth to Sheol or the far reaches of the Pit. ( Sheol and the Pit were Hebrew terms referring to the grave or the afterlife. ) In the case of the king of Babylon, we can see an example of the first judgment step in the account of King Nebuchadnezzar s divine punishment by a season of mental incapacity (Dan. 4). Further, the second step of judgment against Babylon s king is told in Daniel 5. King Belshazzar was overthrown and the entire Babylonian enterprise came to nothing. We do not know why God allows Satan a measure of freedom between the time he was cast from heaven and the time he will be cast into hell forever. The following points may be made: In the Old Testament, he is the tempter of humanity and the accuser. Jesus noted that he was a murderer from the beginning and a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). One reason for Jesus incarnation, life, death, and resurrection was to further judge Satan. He appeared to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). FURTHER COMMENTARY Jesus humility contrasted with Satan s pride. As we have seen, Satan (a created being) took credit for what God had given him. In his pride, he rebelled against God. Consider that Jesus took the opposite approach. He was uncreated. He had it all by virtue of who He was. Yet He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death even to death on a cross emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Phil. 2:7-8). The Gospel Project for Students 27

12 VOICES FROM CHURCH HISTORY The one thing [Satan] tempts to is putting myself as master instead of God. 5 Oswald Chambers Jesus death was the decisive blow against Satan and his forces. Jesus disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him (Col. 2:15). Satan and his forces are still potent antagonists against believers. Your adversary the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Pet. 5:8). Believers equipped with the armor of God need not fear the Devil. We can stand against the schemes of the devil (Eph. 6:11). CONCLUSION The Bible does not answer all our questions about Satan, but there are two things we can take with us from this study. First is the sober reminder that Satan is not the only being to find that pride leads to rebellion and judgment merely the first. This study challenges us to examine our own hearts both past and present to identify and repent of any pride, which is taking credit for what God has blessed us with or desiring to be independent of God. Second is the joyful reminder that God has never been thwarted by Satan s evil schemes. Before God even created the heavens or Satan himself, He planned to interpose Himself as the solution. He had a plan for a Savior that was devised before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4). The result is that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil. 2:10-11). Satan s puny revolt against heaven will give way to the final triumph of God s beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev ). References 1. Mark Rooker, HCSB Study Bible (Nashville: B&H, 2010), 1395; n. 28: Tertullian, Tertullianus Against Marcion, Book II, in Translations of the Writings of the Fathers Down to A.D. 325, Volume 7 in Ante- Nicene Christian Library, ed. Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson (Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark, 1878), Peter Schemm, Jr., The Agents of God: Angels, in A Theology for the Church, ed. Daniel L. Akin (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2007), Peter Schemm, Jr., The Agents of God: Angels, Oswald Chambers, Satan/Satanic, in The Quotable Oswald Chambers, comp. and ed. David McCasland (Grand Rapids: Discovery House, 2008), Leader Guide