Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels also fought, but he could not prevail, and there was no place in heaven for them any longer. So the great dragon was thrown out-the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the one who deceives the whole world. He was thrown to earth, and his angels with him. Revelation 12:7-9 HCSB
Michael is an archangel. What does this mean? There are two archangels whose names we may be familiar with, Gabriel and Michael. These are chief angels. Gabriel is a messenger while Michael is a commander in God’s army of angels. There are several Scripture passages where Michael is in conflict with the devil.
In Jude verse 9, we are told that Michael and the devil are in conflict over the body of Moses. Michael calls on God for help by saying, “The Lord rebuke you!” Even as commander of God’s heavenly hosts, Michael relies on God’s strength and power, he doesn’t go it alone.
This should speak volumes to us. We should never attempt to go against the devil alone either. If we truly want to defeat the devil, we are going to need God’s help. There are several Scripture passages that tell us what we need to do in Spiritual battle.
James 4:7 tells us to submit to God. This is the first step. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ. We are either for God or we or against God. We can’t have it both ways. If we don’t surrender to Christ, we leave ourselves wide open for the devil’s attacks. Then James tells us to resist the devil and he will flee from us.
The devil is quick to anger. He wants to get his way. When we stand against him using the strength and power of God, He will flee. When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus quoted Scripture and resisted the devil. After a few tries the devil went away.
Never underestimate the devil, he is cunning and wise. He will deceive you. This is why we need God’s strength and power to resist him and cause him to flee. Don’t fall for his lies. The only way we can truly resist him is to draw near to God and rely on God’s strength. If Michael has to do this, what makes us think we can do it any other way.
In Ephesians 6:10-18 we are told we must put on all the armor of God to stand firm against the devil. This armor includes truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation. This is armor provided by God to protect our vital organs like a belt around our waist and a breastplate to protect our hearts. Peace helps us to stand firm. Faith shields us and salvation protects our heads or our minds.
The only offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit. When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus quoted Scripture. This was easy for Him to do because we are told in John chapter one that Jesus is the word of God. For us to quote Scripture, we must regularly study our Bibles. We must know His word and understand it in proper context. We must be able to rightly divide it meaning we have a good understanding of it and can share it with others.
We must fear God meaning to have a reverential awe of Him, His great strength, and His great power. We must pray continually and study His word which is how He speaks to us.
John 10:10 tells us the devil comes to kill, steal, and destroy and Jesus comes that we might have life and have it in abundance. It’s not if the devil comes against you, that is a given. It’s a matter of when he comes against you, will you be ready?
Put on God’s armor, surrender to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. That’s how we, as mere mortals, defeat the devil.
Have a great day!