Child of Satan or Child of God (2)

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

See also Mt 5:10–12; Jn 16:2; Jn 17:14; 1 Pe 4:12–16; 1 Jn 3:13; Re 13:7 The beast may represent the world’s antichristian persecution.

The world has its own false teaching and religion

Colossians 2:8 ESV

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

See also 1 Ti 4:1; 2 Ti 4:3–4; 1 Jn 4:1; 2 Jn 7–11; Jud 3–4; Re 13:11; Re 19:20 This beast is thought to represent antichristian religion.

The world seeks to seduce Christians

1 John 2:16 ESV

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

See also Lk 12:15; Lk 12:19; 2 Ti 4:10; Tt 2:12; Heb 11:24–25; Re 17:1–5 Babylon may represent the world’s seduction.

Sinful human nature is an enemy

Ga 5:17; 1 Pe 2:11

See also Ro 6:12; Ro 7:14–23; Ro 8:13; Ga 5:24; Col 3:5; Heb 12:4; Jas 4:1

The devil is an enemy

1 Peter 5:8 ESV

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

See also Mt 13:39; Jn 17:15; 2 Th 3:3; Re 2:10; Re 12:17

He seeks to tempt Christians

1 Thessalonians 3:5 ESV

For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

He seeks to deceive

2 Co 11:3; Re 12:9

See also Ge 3:13; 2 Co 2:11; 2 Co 4:4; 2 Co 11:4; Re 20:3

He constantly seeks to accuse believers

Revelation 12:10 ESV

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.