Revelation, Part 21 Series

Revelation Part 21

Revelation 12:10-17

Introduction

Last week we talked about laboring for the Lord, and tomorrow being Labor Day I want you to think about your labors for the Lord this morning. Ask yourself what have you done over the past year to labor for God, and where could you do more?

This week, we continue in Revelation and finish up Chapter 12. If you have your bibles, go with me to Chapter 12 and let’s read starting in verse 10 through 17.

Read Revelation 12:10-17

Pray

Point 1 - Rejoice! (v10-12)

The accuser of the brethren is Satan himself! Today, Satan spends his time pleading to God about how we have sinned and deserve death. This accuser of the brethren could only accuse us of wrong-doing if he had access to the throne! Otherwise, his insults and his comments would go unheard!

This verse shows that there is more to God and Satan’s relationship than someone who merely does evil - but he is the one who constantly seeks to remind God of our sins and of the things we have done wrong in life. Thankfully, we have assurance in Psalm 103:12 which says, “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

Good news - whatever the accuser says, means nothing if God has actually forgiven our sins! This is the cause for rejoice in heaven! Not only that Satan has been thrown out (finally), but that no matter what he says means nothing to God!

1 John 2:1 finalizes the deal that in Jesus Christ, we have protection before the father, “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

Because Satan has been cast to the Earth, he is on a rampage - his focus is on destroying whomever claims to love Jesus, and he will stop at nothing to take out his revenge. Verse 12b says “fury” - which is enhanced rage -- more than mad, but out of control with anger.

We have eternal victory over sin, death, hell, and the grave through Jesus Christ! This voice that John hears offers us a glimpse of the key to eternal life, and this is what we need more of!

1. The Blood of the Lamb, the first key is understanding our position in Heaven. Satan power is removed because of the blood of Christ - this is our license to succeed!

2. Word of their testimony, to live the life an overcomer, means to operate in God’s power. The saints who are victorious in the tribulation, will proclaim the Gospel to Satanic world. (2 Tim. 1:7-8) In order to claim this, you have to tell your testimony!

You should be able to give your testimony in 30 seconds by answering these few questions: What, When, How, Where, and Why? It does not have to be elaborate, but straight to the point and give the Gospel to others.

3. Not Love their lives, The third secret we learn for victorious Christian living, is to not fall in love with what this world offers. Those who claim victory are those who chose Jesus Christ over the things of this world!

This is the HARD part! Giving your life to Jesus, and not living for yourself!! John 3:30 becomes an honest reality!

If you want victory in your life -- these principles must be followed! No victory today? How are you living? Do you live for God or for yourself?

Point 2 - The Persecution (v13-16)

This is a very important point in understanding why Satan targets Israel so intently. Because Satan understands God’s word (he knows what the Bible says), he understands if there is no Israel (God’s chosen people), they cannot as a nation turn and accept Jesus Christ as Messiah (which is the completion of the promise).

Satan attempts to exterminate the Jewish race, and thereby prevent them from accepting Jesus Christ as Messiah. This annihilation begins in Israel, and Satan is convinced that by destroying Israel, he can take over the world.

Jesus made the promise that he would not return before Israel acknowledged Him as the Messiah. In order for this to happen, the events of Revelation must unfold to a point that Israel’s eyes can be opened, and the Gentiles have been saved and removed from the world -- those that would accept Jesus.

Matthew 23:37-39 confirms this promise that Jesus made, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again UNTIL you say, ’Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”