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\n\u201c<\/strong>His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth.\u201d
\u2014 Revelation 12:4, ESV<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nShalom! This is yet another day that the Lord has given us. Welcome as we study the Scriptures together. Today, we shall learn one of the strategies Satan uses to bring people down.<\/p>\n
As many of us know, the history of Satan is long\u2014it began in heaven. The Bible reveals that he was once a glorious angel, a cherub who covered (Ezekiel 28:14\u201315). He was created perfect in beauty and was entrusted with worship. But pride was found in him. He desired to exalt himself above God, saying:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.\u201d
\u2014 Isaiah 14:14<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nBecause of this rebellion, he lost his position and his throne. Some angels were deceived and followed him, just as people today are often deceived into worshiping other humans. But another company of angels, led by Michael the archangel, opposed him. The host of God that stood with Michael was greater, and this resulted in a war in heaven. One-third of the angels joined Lucifer and were defeated, while the two-thirds who stood with Michael overcame (Revelation 12:7\u20139).<\/p>\n
It is important to note that God Himself did not directly fight Satan; He does not contend with His creatures. Instead, He empowers His righteous servants to prevail. Just as He was with David when he faced the armies of the Philistines (1 Samuel 17:45\u201347), so in heaven He stood on the side of Michael and his angels.<\/p>\n
Today, however, we will not dwell deeply on the war in heaven, but rather focus on one method Lucifer used to deceive and overthrow the angels who followed him.<\/p>\n
The Book of Revelation says:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThen another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth.\u201d
\u2014 Revelation 12:3\u20134<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nLet us pause and reflect on verse 4. Notice, it does not say his hands<\/em> or his face<\/em> or his horns<\/em>, but his tail swept down a third of the stars. This reveals a mystery: the power of Satan\u2019s influence lies not in his face or horns, but in his tail.<\/p>\n
When Satan wants to bring a person down, he never comes appearing ugly, with horns or hooves. Instead, he presents himself with a beautiful face, with promises of good things, hope, and encouragement. But hidden behind him is his tail, sweeping people into destruction.<\/p>\n
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- He shows opportunities to steal or commit corruption, but behind it lie fire and judgment (Proverbs 16:25).<\/li>\n
- He preaches a comfortable message that excuses sin: \u201cDrunkenness is not really a sin\u2026 God will never judge sinners, for He is always merciful.\u201d<\/em> But this is deception, for the Word of God warns:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\u201cDo not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards\u2026 will inherit the kingdom of God.\u201d
\u2014 1 Corinthians 6:9\u201310<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
- He encourages immodesty, saying that wearing revealing clothes is harmless, and even justifies it with twisted interpretations of Scripture. Yet Jesus warned:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\u201cWhoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.\u201d
\u2014 Matthew 18:6<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThis is how Satan deceived his angels in heaven. He did not lead them with threats or brutality, but with beauty, charm, and enticing promises. And in the end, they found themselves cast down.<\/p>\n
So it is today. Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). What looks pleasing to the eye\u2014worldly pleasures, fashions, entertainments, and many amusements\u2014are often his snares. Not everything that looks attractive or pleasurable comes from God.<\/p>\n
The Bible warns:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cFor all that is in the world\u2014the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and pride of life\u2014is not from the Father but is from the world.\u201d
\u2014 1 John 2:16<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nTherefore, let us be watchful and discerning. May the Lord give us eyes to see beyond the glitter of the world and recognize the schemes of the enemy (2 Corinthians 2:11).<\/p>\n
Stay blessed in Christ\u2014and please, share this message with others.<\/p>\n
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