Daniel 10:12-21
How Do the Angels and Demons Do Battle?
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Scripture: “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. 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, 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.”
When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and was mute. And behold, one in the likeness of the children of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, “O my lord, because of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength. How can my lord’s servant talk with my lord? For now, no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”
Again, one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. And he said, “O man greatly loved fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 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. 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” (Daniel 10:12–21).
Main Point: Scripture doesn’t reveal a great deal about heavenly warfare, but we have a choice between supporting the forces of good or the forces of evil.
Introduction: Have you surrendered your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? Are you supporting the forces of good or evil through your words and actions?
I. The forces of good and evil are waging a cosmic spiritual battle of which we are part. “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. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days…” (Daniel 10:12-13).
This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. (1 Timothy 1:18–19).
Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. (Ephesians 6:11–12).
II. The weapons of this spiritual warfare are not of this world. “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, and am to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come” (Daniel 12:13-14).
The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:4).
Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil…. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness… (Ephesians 6:11, 14).
III. Both the forces of good and evil can be withstood, resisted, disarmed, hindered, driven away, and even bound, but they cannot be killed. “The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days” (Daniel 10:13).
Disarmed – He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame by triumphing over them in him. (Colossians 2:15).
Resisted – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7–5:6).
Bound – And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years…. (Revelation 20:2).
Chained – And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— (Jude 6–8).
Overthrown – And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. (Revelation 12:9). Hindered – Because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. (1 Thessalonians 2:18–1 Pe 3:7).
IV. Our actions and words – obedience or disobedience – influence the course of this spiritual battle.
The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments, and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (Romans 16:20).
Conclusion: We must submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and support His heavenly host in defeating evil.
Challenge: Have you surrendered your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? Are you supporting the forces of good or evil through your words and actions?
Invitation: Confess your sins, profess your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and commit to fighting evil for the glory of God.