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The Scriptorium

Satan Bound

Bound, but still dangerous.

Week 9, Thursday: The Binder and the Bound
Chapter 20 is to the sixth facet what chapter 12 is to the fifth. It fills in more of the spiritual background against which the events of chapters 16-19 unfold. What’s happening in chapter 20 should be understood not as chronologically sequential to chapters 16-19, but intermingled through them all. We need to proceed slowly through this chapter. You may not agree with my understanding of the images and events described here, but I encourage you to keep an open mind.

Let’s take a closer look.

Read Revelation 20

Meditate on Revelation 20.1-3
1.      The word “angel” doesn’t always mean “angel.” It can simply mean “messenger” or even “pastor,” as we have seen. In Revelation 1.18 we met a “messenger” who was described in terms similar to Revelation 20.1. What’s the similarity, and who is this “messenger” John sees “coming down from heaven”?

2.      Meditate on Matthew 12.22-29. What does Jesus say He has already done to Satan? Is it possible that this occurred at Matthew 4.1-11? Explain.

3.      Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 Jn. 3.8). How did the “binding” of Satan in the gospels demonstrate that destroying the devil’s works had already begun? According to Paul in Colossians 2.13-15, what was the next phase of that work, and what did it accomplish? Can you see that Revelation 20.1-3 is serving to remind the reader of events already accomplished, in order to assure the reader that his faith is not in vain? Explain.

4.      The devil – bound, humiliated, and deprived of his powers – is “cast into the bottomless pit” but only for a season (cf. Rev. 9.1ff). Does the binding of Satan mean the absolute nullification of his powers? Compare 1 Peter 5.8, 9.

5.      The devil is “bound” and on a leash, so to speak. What is the effect of this on “the nations”? How can you see this is true, say, compared to the state of nations prior to the coming of Christ?

My Reflection
What does it mean for you to “resist” the devil? What are the consequences to not resisting him?

The Glory of God
Jesus has bound the “strong man.” What do we learn from this about the power of Christ, and how should this encourage us during our Kingdom-seeking, tribulation-enduring life on this earth?

Glory to Glory
The devil, though “on a leash”, still has power to tempt. How can we tell when we are being tempted by the devil? How should we respond?

Memorize
Recite Revelation 20.6. What is the relationship, in your understanding, between “blessed” and “holy” in the life of faith?

Closing Prayer
LORD, how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
Many are they who say of me,
There is no help for him in God.” Selah
But You, O LORD, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
I cried to the LORD with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah
I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around.
Arise, O LORD;
Save me, O my God!
For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone;
You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
Salvation belongs to the LORD.
Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah

Psalm 3

T. M. Moore

Download the studies for week 9, and all previous weeks, by clicking here.

The book of Revelation is the culminating episode in the story of God’s covenant. To learn more about that covenant, and to discover the way it integrates all of Scripture into the Gospel of Jesus Christ, order a copy of T. M.’s book, I Will Be Your God, by clicking here.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
Books by T. M. Moore

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