Lesson 8 - Conflict with the Confuser Revelation 12:1-17

Dragons symbolize all that is terrifying, evil and loathsome. In Rev. 12 Satan appears as an enormous red dragon, full of fury and rage. Knowing that his time is short, he unleashes his fury as never before. During such dark moments of history, it seems as though God is absent and Satan is victorious. Yet in this passage John describes a heavenly vision that puts all earthly tribulation in proper perspective.

1. In what ways have you experienced the reality of spiritual warfare?

2. Read Rev. 12. Three of the characters in this chapter are the woman (perhaps the Lord's people or the Holy Spirit), the red dragon (Satan) and the male child (the Lord Jesus). What conflict does John observe among them (Rev. 12:1-6)?

3. Why would the dragon seek to devour the child (Rev. 12:4)?

4. In Rev. 12:7-9 John describes a war in heaven. What does the war reveal about the dragon?

5. What does the dragon's defeat mean in heaven (Rev. 12:10, 12) and on earth (Rev. 12:12-17)?

6. Why would Satan be so intent on accusing believers before God day and night (Rev. 12:10)?

7. What does it mean to overcome Satan's accusations by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev. 12:11)?

8. How can we help a fellow Christian who is no longer under God's condemnation but who still feels condemned and defeated?

9. In what other ways do we experience Satan's attacks?

10. How can the victory of Christ help us face these battles and struggles of the Christian life?