Scripture Focus (Daniel 10:10-14, 20-21) – ”And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. [11] And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. [12] Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. [13] The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, [14] and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come… [20] Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. [21] But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince.”
I. How An Angel Described the Enemy (Daniel 10:10-14, 20-21)
A. A holy angel on assignment (Daniel 10:10-12) – “And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. [11] And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you. [12] Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.”
B. Unholy angels on assignment (Daniel 10:13, 20-21) – “The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twentyone days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia… [20] Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. [21] But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince.”
II. How Jesus Described the Enemy
A. Operating in power (John 12:31) – “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.”
B. Active and intentional (John 14:30) – “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on Me…”
C. Judged and defeated (John 16:11) – “…the ruler of this world is judged.”
III. How Paul Described the Enemy
A. Worshipped and strategic (2 Corinthians 4:4) – “…the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
B. Spiritually engaged from the upper atmospheres (Ephesians 2:1-2) – “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins [2] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience…”
C. Organized and proactive (2 Corinthians 2:11) – “…so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.”
IV. How We Defeat the Enemy
Ephesians 6:11-13 – “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
A. Our armor (Ephesians 6:11) – “Put on the whole armor of God…”
B. Our awareness (Ephesians 6:12) – “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
C. Our advance (Ephesians 6:13) – “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
Mark 5:9-10 – “Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” [10] And he begged Him earnestly not to send them out of the country.”