This post was last updated on July 6, 2026

Day 85 (Year 2)

Knowing the Enemy

“And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” (Revelation 12:9 NASB)

The “great dragon” and the “serpent of old” both refer to the leader of evil spirits who first tempted Adam and Eve at the beginning. The word “devil” comes from the Greek diabolos, meaning “slanderer, or false accuser.” This refers not only to the fallen angel but also to those who belong to it and are used by it (e.g., John 6:70). The word “Satan” comes from the Greek Satanas, meaning “adversary, in opposition to God in purpose and action, causing people to sin and depart from Him.” This also refers to the force that punishes those who abandon the faith (1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:20). It slanders God, falsely accuses believers, and deceives many into deviating and becoming lost in betraying, disobeying His truth, departing from and opposing God.

The word “deceive” comes from the Greek planao, meaning “to cause to wander, go astray, or deviate,” especially from God’s truth, leading people into error, heresy, sin, deception, or moral failure. Most of the time, Satan does not need to appear directly. As long as sinners persistently fail to know and obey God and His truth, it is satisfied. This is his indirect deception. Less frequently, Satan and his angels will directly appear to people, thereby deceiving and controlling them. In any case, those under Satan’s power who wish to break free need to know his schemes, expose his deceptions, and accurately know and obey God’s truth, relying on His help to overcome it.

The scripture preceding today’s verse states that after Jesus was born (5), the archangel Michael engaged the great dragon in battle in heaven (7), and the dragon was thrown down to the earth. Yet it continues to wage war against the saints. Thus, many believers go through intense spiritual warfare before overcoming Satan. Even after leaving Satan’s dominion, there are still some battles to fight. For many who are called to evangelize, intercede, or proclaim the truth, the battles with Satan will not end until they leave this earth. Anyway, we need to rest in God amid battle, not to worry or be anxious, nor to be on edge. After all, we whom God leads need only to be careful with every step and submit to His leading. In doing so, we have already entered into Jesus’ victory.

Reflection questions:

1) Do you fear being slandered or falsely accused? If so, do you believe that by God’s wisdom and strength, you can win over it?

2) Do you find it easy to rely on the Lord to discern deviations from the truth and avoid falling into deception? If not, where do you need to begin making progress?