lesson seven satan s final defeat Memory Verse: And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:10, NASB Background: The thousand-year reign of Christ is bookended by satan s imprisonment and final defeat. At the close of the Millennium, satan will be freed for a final revolt, which ends with an everlasting punishment in the lake of fire. Reflection: Reflect on what you have learned so far in this study. How has it impacted you? Satan Satan s first appearance in the Bible is in Genesis 3, tempting Adam and Eve to sin against God. Satan is specifically mentioned in seven Old Testament books, by every New Testament author, and by Jesus Christ. Satan s numerous names reveal his wicked character, treacherous activities, and evil intent. Names for Satan Name References Satan = Adversary Revelation 2:9, 13(twice), 24; 3:9; 12:9; 20:2, 7; 2 Corinthians 11:14 Devil = Slanderer Revelation 2:10; 12:9, 12; 20:2, 10; Ephesians 4:27; 1 Peter 5:8 Serpent Revelation 12:9, 14, 15; 20:2 Dragon Revelation 12:3, 4, 7(twice), 9, 13, 16, 17; 13:2, 4, 11; 16:13; 20:2 Accuser of the brethren Revelation 12:10 Murderer and Liar John 8:44 Ruler of this world John 12:31 Evil one 1 John 5:19 Prince of the power of the air Ephesians 2:2 Tempter 1 Thessalonians 3:5 Lucifer = Star of the Morning Isaiah 14:12 Roaring Lion seeking to devour 1 Peter 5:8 Adversary 1 Peter 5:8 God of this world 2 Corinthians 4:4 Angel of light 2 Corinthians 11:14 Satan is active in Revelation, persecuting and corrupting the church with false doctrine and lies (Revelation 2:9, 10, 13, 24; 3:9). Satan s persecution of Israel will intensify during the Tribulation, particularly after archangel Michael and his angels defeat satan and his demons in heaven, restricting satan s wrath and activities to earth for the final half of the Tribulation (Revelation 12). Satan will control the world through the activities of the antichrist and false prophet [counterfeit trinity] from his capital city Babylon (Revelation 13, 16-18). continued on next page... 55
Satan attacks believers today by promoting deception and lies (Genesis 3:1-7; Matthew 4:1-11; Acts 5:3), by accusing believers (Zechariah 3; Revelation 12:9-10), by causing physical suffering (Job 1-2; Luke 22:31-32; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10), by promoting spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:11-18), by promoting immorality (1 Corinthians 7:5) pride and independence from God (1 Chronicles 21), and by sowing tares among believers (Matthew 13:38-39; Revelation 2:10). Satan attacks unbelievers as well by blinding their minds (2 Corinthians 4:4), by snatching the Word from their hearts (Luke 8:12), by using unbelievers to oppose God (Revelation 2:13), and by promoting idolatry and the occult in order to receive worship (Deuteronomy 18; 1 Corinthians 10:20-21). Satan s final appearance in the Bible is in Revelation 20, being cast into the lake of fire for eternity. * Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7, NASB 56
day one There is an old saying, The next time satan comes along and begins to remind you of your past, remind him of his future. Mark Hitchcock, The End 1. Describe the sequence of events after satan is released from his thousand-year imprisonment. 2. Why do you think God will release satan from the abyss? 3. Describe life in the Millennium according to Isaiah 65:18-25. a. Verse 18 b. Verse 19 c. Verse 20 d. Verse 21 e. Verse 22 f. Verse 23 g. Verse 24 h. Verse 25 4. Sharing: Meditate on Isaiah 65:18-25. Share your thoughts and feelings with your group. 57
day two Only the believers who survive the Tribulation will enter the Millennium (Revelation 19:19-21). Satan will be bound, and living conditions will be perfect. 1. What does mankind s rebellion, despite living in perfect conditions, imply about our depravity? 2. Compare to the perfect life of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). What differences or similarities do you observe? 3. Why do you think people will rebel against God? Why do people rebel against God today? 4. What is the extent of the rebellion, according to Revelation 20:8? 5. Sharing: Have you ever asked unbelievers why they reject God s free gift of salvation? What did they say? Memory Verse: And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:10, NASB 58
day three 1. Read through the word box on satan. How does knowing the enemy prepare you in spiritual battles? 2. How does satan deceive the nations today? In what ways could he deceive the nations when he is freed at the close of the Millennium? 3. Describe the war at the end of the Millennium. a. How many nations will be involved? b. Where will it take place? c. What will be the duration of the war? d. Who will win the war and how? 4. Sharing: What insights from this passage can you apply to your life? Digging Deeper: Compare the war of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38-39 to the campaign of Armageddon in Revelation 16-19 and thefinal war described in. Gog and Magog Ezekiel 38-39 Armageddon Revelation 16-19 Final War Memory Verse: And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:10, NASB 59
days four and five 1. Where is satan s final destination? 2. According to Revelation 19:20, how long do the antichrist and his prophet remain in the lake of fire before satan joins them? What do you think this proves? 3. Sharing: Does knowing satan s eternal destiny give you courage to face troubles today? Explain how. 4. What attributes of God do you see in this passage? personal response to God Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29, NIV Praise God for the attributes that you wrote down on question four above. Thank Him for the insights that you have gained from studying His Word. Come quickly, Lord Jesus! 60