“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels… And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.”
(Revelation 12:7-9)
The Christian life is a continual warfare, like a soldier going into continuous battle. And every believer, by virtue of our union with Christ, is enlisted under His banner against the world, the flesh, and the devil.
The vision John sees in Revelation 12 reminds us that Satan is no imaginary enemy; he is the great dragon, the ancient serpent, the deceiver of the whole world. He hates Christ, opposes His church, and labors continually to ensnare, discourage, accuse, tempt, and devour the saints.
Yet this same passage assures us that, though Satan is mighty, he is not almighty. He is active, but not sovereign. He is malicious, but not victorious. Christ has already conquered him. The devil is a defeated enemy, cast down by the triumph of the crucified and risen Redeemer. Consequently, we do not fight for victory, but from victory. We fight under a Captain who cannot lose.[1]
Still, though victory is certain, the battle is real. Satan remains dangerous. A chained enemy may still wound if approached carelessly. The devil is restrained, but he is not idle. He knows his time is short and therefore rages fiercely. This calls us to remain vigilant, prayerful, and armed with spiritual weapons.
We must pray for strength, watchfulness, courage, discernment, and perseverance because no man is sufficient for this warfare in his own strength. Peter’s confidence failed. David’s watchfulness lapsed. The strongest saints have stumbled when relying on themselves.
But the same Christ who cast down the dragon sustains His soldiers. He supplies armor for the battle, strength for the weak, grace for the weary, and victory for those who cleave to Him. His blood overcomes the accuser. His intercession preserves the tempted. And His Spirit strengthens the faint. So we pray for faithfulness in battle… to stand firm, fight well, resist temptation, and persevere to the end.
Contemplations:
- Watchfulness Against Spiritual Enemies. Lord, make me watchful in this spiritual warfare. Keep me from forgetfulness, carelessness, and fleshly ease. Let me never live as though I had no enemy. But teach me to be sober, vigilant, and alert, knowing that Satan seeks those he may devour.
- Courage Under Christ’s Banner. Father, give me the courage to fight faithfully under the banner of Christ. And don’t let me be intimidated by the rage of the enemy, the hatred of the world, or the strength of temptation. Instead, strengthen my heart to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
- Victory Through Christ’s Strength. Lord Jesus, I confess that I have no strength in myself to stand against so great an enemy. My wisdom is too small, my heart too weak, and my flesh too frail. Therefore I ask that You strengthen me with Your might and uphold me by Your grace.
- Perseverance Unto the End. Father, keep me faithful until my warfare is complete. Don’t let me grow weary, compromise with sin, or desert my post. Preserve me through every conflict, and bring me at last from battle into everlasting peace.
Prayer (Supplication)
Mighty and victorious God, I realize that the Christian life is warfare, and that I am called to fight beneath the banner of Jesus Christ. But I confess that I often forget the seriousness of this battle and live too carelessly in the midst of danger.
Forgive me for spiritual laziness, for prayerlessness, for presumption, and for acting as though I had no enemy to resist. Forgive me for the times I have underestimated temptation, neglected watchfulness, and trusted in my own strength.
And, Lord, make me vigilant. Open my eyes to the snares of Satan, the deceitfulness of sin, and the dangers of this present world. I do not want to be ignorant of the enemy’s devices. So give me spiritual discernment to recognize temptation before it overtakes me.
Strengthen me for battle. Clothe me with the whole armor of God. Gird me with truth, arm me with righteousness, establish me in the gospel of peace, and give me the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. And teach me to wield these weapons with diligence and faith.
Grant me courage under pressure. When temptation is strong, make me steadfast. When persecution comes, make me bold. When discouragement weighs heavily, make me enduring.
And above all, keep my eyes fixed upon Christ, my conquering Captain. Remind me that the dragon has been cast down, that Satan is a defeated foe, and that victory is secured through the blood of the Lamb so that I fight in confidence, in the triumph of my Redeemer.
Preserve me through every assault until the day my warfare is ended and I enter the everlasting peace of Your heavenly kingdom.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for Rev. 12:7-9:
Rev. 20:2; Luke 10:18; John 12:31; 2 Cor. 2:11
[1] Thomas Adams, The Soldiers Honour, (London: Adam Islip and Edward Blount, and are to be sold in Paul’s Churchyard at the sign of the Black Bear, 1617).
