The spiritual battle between God and satan began when satan fell into sin and led a rebellion in heaven. Revelation 12:7 Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. 8 And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. 9 This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angel.[1]
The battle between God and satan would not stop when the fallen angels were thrown to earth. When God created Adam and Eve, satan led them into sin, but God had a plan to redeem humanity. There would be no redemption for fallen angels, but there would be for humanity. After the fall into sin, God gives us the first glimpse of our Savior, Jesus. Genesis 3:15 And I (God) will cause hostility between you (satan) and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” [2] Jesus would one day come through the line or offspring of Adam and Eve and save the world from its sin.
Satan Works Through People in the Spiritual Battle
As you listen to or read the news, you realize a spiritual battle is going on in the world, and the enemy works through people to accomplish his goals. Jesus comes to Jerusalem to die for our sins and encounters opposition as satan works through certain people. Throughout the Gospels, many of the religious leaders openly oppose Jesus and want to kill Him. Although they may be dressed in religious garb, it is only camouflage, for their hearts are against the Lord’s Messiah.
When Jesus overturned the tables of the corrupt money changers at the Temple, the religious leaders were upset. Mark 16:18 When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But they were afraid of him because the people were so amazed at his teaching.[3] The religious leaders were more concerned about extorting money from people than caring for the followers of the Lord. It is clear that many religious leaders knew about God but did not truly know the Lord in their hearts.
Jesus is Opposed Today
Jesus is still opposed today by the enemies and will be until He comes again, so don’t be surprised as a believer if you face opposition.1 John 5: 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. [4] We may be in the spiritual battle, but with faith in Jesus, we have the strength to be overcomers and fulfill all the Lord has for us. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-fig-tree-and-the-temple
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers