Series Rev’d Up - Part 13
Thesis: Revelation chapters 12 and 13 reveal the cosmic spiritual battle which has been raging through time, it’s the war between God the Father and Satan the Dragon, the scene here portrayed is a behind the scenes glimpse of the spiritual powers influencing world history and current history. It reminds us how this spiritual war will also rage into the future and tells us our battle is not with flesh and blood but with principalities and powers of the age. But victory in this war comes to those whose name is written in the Lambs Book of Life and they who overcome by the blood of the slain Lamb and by the word of their testimony – this by the way is when they share with others their story of connection with God.
Introduction:
These few chapters read like something out of a sci-fi novel. They are filled with weird looking beasts and dragons. Let’s read our two chapters and then let’s learn what John saw in this part of the vision which reveals Jesus who was, is and will be.
Scripture Text:
Revelation 12
1 A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads. 4 His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born. 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. 6 The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.
7 And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.
11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”
13 When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14 The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the desert, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach. 15 Then from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent. 16 But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring—those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
Revelation 13
1 And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. 2 The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. 3 One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was astonished and followed the beast. 4 Men worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?”
The Beast out of the Sea
5 The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty–two months. 6 He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. 7 He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. 8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.
9 He who has an ear, let him hear.
10 If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.
The Beast out of the Earth
11 Then I saw another beast, coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon. 12 He exercised all the authority of the first beast on his behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. 13 And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men. 14 Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. 16 He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, 17 so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.
18 This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666.
Introduction:
Summary of our 2 Chapters: No this is not some sci- fiction make believe story this is what John saw in his vision from Jesus. So, let’s take a moment to unpack this revelation.
Revelation 12 reveals the spiritual battle for the redemption or restoration of mankind to God. This chapter covers the birth of Christ and the reaction of the dragon Satan to His mission and restoration of mankind to God. It reveals how the Dragon fought against Jesus but failed. It reveals how he even today seeks to destroy the church and any of its offspring. The Dragon attacks Churches had Christians even today. We need to know that Satan will raise up evil people, evil beasts, deceptive false prophets in our time and in the end time – he hates Christians – he hates churches and He wages war on against them.
This vision from John is going to happen as the Bible foresees it.
This chapter though also looks back into history and shares a summary of the struggle and the battles between the lamb which was slain and the dragon. This vision from John helps connect some of the dots of biblical prophecy, it gives insight into the future battle between Jesus and Satan yes, at the end of time. But these chapters also reveal this great cosmic battle between God and Satan from the past and links it to Jesus birth – it eludes to His mission and His ascension to Heaven - it skips through Jesus life and ministry right to His ascension and position in Heaven with God the Father on the throne. It highlights His victory over Satan see Col. 2:15; Heb. 2:14. But then the chapter goes back and forth in history further explaining why there is a battle between the Lamb and Satan. The chapter shifts time frames again speaking of the previous battle in Heaven between God and Satan and how he was cast out of Heaven with 1/3 of Heavens angels now called “demons.” See Daniel 12, John 12:31 and Jude 9. It speaks of Satans fall and his being expelled from Heaven to the earth. It reveals why we have the issues we face on this earth today it is because of Satan’s influence in the earth – it speaks of what he has done and is doing in this world we live in – the accusing of the people of God – the spreading of lies and deception- he is controlling people, manipulate empires and destroys people. He knows his time is short so he is out to do maximum damage to Christ, to His church and to Christianity.
It speaks of the present situation of the church in Johns era and their persecution but then leaps forward in time again to describe how Satan is tormenting the earth and its inhabitants and waging war against the woman of God – the church- the bride of Christ and her offspring. It covers the spiritual war behind the scenes of world history and current history – the unseen but real spiritual cosmic battle between good and evil. It unveils the future end time battle and the characters involved in this great epic battle. It unveils the conditions and the signs of the times so that those with wisdom could see the signs of the time.
Revelation 13
In the end of time which is prior to Jesus 2nd Coming the dragon will rise up beasts to fight against and kill the people of God. They will also establish an evil empire. Those who are not written in the Lambs book of life will be deceived by Satan’s empire. Many will believe the Dragon is all powerful, and that no one can stand against him because of his great strength, ability to do miracles and demonstrated power.
The two beasts who are controlled and under The Dragons power will be deceiving and focused on attacking God, trashing His holy name, they will wage war on the saints and they will seek to destroy the reputation of Heaven and all who live in Heaven – the beast from the earth will look like the Lamb but will be a fake counterfeit of The slain Lamb of God – Jesus – he is also known as the false prophet. This false Christ will do miracles to deceive the people of the earth to follow the Beast and the DRAGON. This earthly beast will also institute the one world system where you have to have a mark to buy or sell anything. It will be either on your forehead or hand. This mark is called the mark of the beast and is reflected in the number 666.
People living in this era will need to have wisdom, patient endurance and perseverance, they will need to be faithful to the Lord through this trial and tribulation as the times will be horrendous for those Christians living in this time frame. It’s important to know that those who are written in the Lambs book of life will be saved but the Dragon through His beasts will target anyone who holds to God’s commandments and who testify of Jesus. So many Christians will suffer and even die for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
T.S. – As we read these two chapters today we need to ask ourself the questions, “What do we need to learn from this vision – what words of wisdom and revelation do we need to understand from this vision, so we know Christ better from these passages?”
1. We need to expect criticism, antagonism and persecution from the world.
a. We need to know that as a Christian there is a spiritual war raging in the back ground of history and in our life even today. So as a Christian in other words – one who is a faithful commandment following disciple of Jesus - will be attacked by the Red Dragon – Satan. It’s going to happen - he will attack us for our testimony of Jesus and try to stop us.
i. Jesus himself warned us that they persecuted Him and they will persecute us to as we testify about Him.
ii. John 15:20: Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.
iii. Matthew 5:10: Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
b. Satan is waging war on Christians he has since Jesus death! He has not stopped nor will he stop! He is on a revengeful mission to undermine God and His throne so as to exalt himself.
i. Historical moments:
1. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians: The persecution of Christians can be historically traced from the first century of the Christian era to the present day. Early Christians were persecuted for their faith at the hands of both Jews from whose religion Christianity arose and the Romans who controlled many of the lands across which early Christianity was spread. Early in the fourth century, a form of the religion was legalized by the Edict of Milan, and it eventually became the State church of the Roman Empire.
2. Christian missionaries as well as converts to Christianity have been the target of persecution ever since the emergence of Christianity, sometimes to the point of being martyred for their faith.
3. The schisms of the Middle Ages and especially the Protestant Reformation, sometimes provoked severe conflicts between Christian denominations to the point of persecuting each other.
4. In the 20th century, Christians have been persecuted by various groups, including the Islamic Ottoman Empire in the form of the Armenian Genocide, the Assyrian Genocide and the Greek Genocide, as well as atheistic states such as the Soviet Union and North Korea. During World War II members of some Christian churches were persecuted in Nazi Germany for resisting Nazi ideology. In more recent times, the Christian missionary organization Open Doors (UK) estimates that 100 million Christians face persecution, particularly in Middle Eastern countries such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
ii. Current Moments of anti-christian semitism.
1. Disney World this last week will not allow back the Christian performances of many Christian artists. This event was called “Night of Joy” after 30 plus years. No real reason given then they are changing to a different venue?
2. One of the hosts on “The View” recently said Vice President Mike Pence was showing signs of “mental illness” because he said that Jesus, the Son of God speaks to him. When presidential economic adviser designee, Larry Kudlow said that the future of his life was in God’s hands, commentators on major media said this made him unworthy of being appointed to public service. Another media commentator on these issues said people like Pence and Kudlow should keep their religious views “private”. These are just three examples from the recent news of media criticism and outright ridicule of people in public life expressing their Christian beliefs.
a. The concern is that these media famous personalities, who are viewed and respected by millions, are expressing views about other’s faith based upon their own lack of faith, ignorance regarding faith and, indeed, their disdain for people of faith.
3. The alt-right is anti-Christian group on the web. They are anti-Christian not by implication or insinuation, but by confession.
a. Its leading thinkers flaunt their rejection of Christianity and their desire to convert believers away from it.
b. Greg Johnson, an influential theorist with a doctorate in philosophy from Catholic University of America, argues that “Christianity is one of the main causes of white decline” and a “necessary condition of white racial suicide.” Johnson edits a website that publishes footnoted essays on topics that range from H. P. Lovecraft to Martin Heidegger, where a common feature is its subject’s criticisms of Christian doctrine. “Like acid, Christianity burns through ties of kinship and blood,” writes Gregory Hood, one of the website’s most talented essayists. It is “the essential religious step in paving the way for decadent modernity and its toxic creeds.”
4. The lack of reporting in the media when Christians are martyred for their faith or tortured in the world. We hear about Muslims but not about Christians. The silence is speaking loudly to the signs of the times of an anti-christian semitism.
5. Newsweek Jan 2018 Edition noted: The persecution and genocide of Christians across the world is worse today “than at any time in history,” and Western governments are failing to stop it, a report from a Catholic organization said. The study by Aid to the Church in Need said the treatment of Christians has worsened substantially in the past two years compared with the two years prior, and has grown more violent than any other period in modern times. “Not only are Christians more persecuted than any other faith group, but ever-increasing numbers are experiencing the very worst forms of persecution,” the report said.
a. The report examined the plight of Christians in China, Egypt, Eritrea, India, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria and Turkey over the period lasting from 2015 until 2017. The research showed that in that time, Christians suffered crimes against humanity, and some were hanged or crucified. The report found that Saudi Arabia was the only country where the situation for Christians did not get worse but was still bad.
2. We need to know what Scripture predicts in the end times as we look at this vision - one of major things is a great falling away from Jesus in the end times. In other word’s a rejection of Jesus, His Church and a assault of God’s Word.
a. One of the signs of the end times is a great apostasy in the church. A rejection of God’s Word, the Bible and a embracing of Satan’s designed lies and deceptions.
i. In these end times There is a rewriting of what is sin and what is not sin.
1. A redefinition of what is right and wrong. It is A adamant stand against God’s Word and truth which is a sign of the end times.
a. Isaiah 5:20: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”
b. Hazen G. Werner, who served as a United Methodist bishop in Ohio, Hong Kong and Taiwan, once said: “There is no more startling phenomenon in our day than the respectabilization of evil.” We accept in stride the false promises of politicians, the misrepresentations in advertising, the everyday dishonesties of Mr. and Mrs. John Doe, the cheating on exams, the usual exaggerations in conversation and the common immoralities of our times. We no longer blush, and we’re no longer shocked by the immorality that’s going on around about us. “Woe to those who call evil good!” The modern conscience has been twisted and distorted so badly that it is difficult to tell what is genuine and what is false.
c. This is Satan’s strategy today! It’s an end time strategy according to Revelation.
ii. People use to blush at what is on tv today but not today! Sin is embraced and celebrated. People are proud of their sin.
iii. Our world is getting to look more like an end times world. Would you agree with me?
3. The next thing we can gleam from our chapters is - The power of the testimony in defeating the Dragon.
a. The following points taken and gleamed from https://www.charismamag.com/spirit/revival/27567-3-ways-your-testimony-can-be-a-powerful-weapon:
i. The Bible reveals two mighty weapons in our arsenal against Satan's accusations: "the blood of the Lamb" and "the word of their testimony" (Rev. 12:11).
1. For those at all familiar with the Bible, the blood is pretty straightforward. It represents the sacrifice and extravagant bloodshed of Christ on the cross in order to remove our sins and cancel the records of wrongs that Satan uses to accuse us (Col. 2:14).
2. What isn't as obvious to many is how our "testimony" is used as a weapon. Yet, as we'll examine, it's extremely effective to silence Satan in your life and to introduce the power of God in the lives of others.
b. What Is a Testimony?
i. "Testimony" is translated from the Greek word martyria, which means "evidence." But not just any evidence. By looking at the word, you'll notice that the root is martyr. And so, in essence, testimony may be defined here as "the evidence of what nearly killed you." It's the evidence of how you made it through your toughest trial, how you overcame your past, or perhaps, how you're even still alive today. To put it simply, your testimony is your story, which includes the pain you've been through on the way to where you are today.
ii. It is in its purest form evangelism and it is the best tool we have to fulfill the Great Commission from Jesus in Matthew.
1. Matthew 28:16-20 New International Version (NIV) The Great Commission: 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
c. What is the power which lies within your testimony?
i. Sharing your testimony connects you with God.
1. When you speak of what God has down for you it rekindles your connection with God and the Holy Spirit.
2. It is actually a form of worship and praise to God!
3. When you are connected with God His presence is with you – with His presence comes His power.
ii. Sharing your testimony connects you with others.
1. When people identify with what I've gone through, they are much more interested to learn how I've gone through them.
2. People love hearing stories and your story will be used by the Holy Spirit to connect people with your story and Jesus.
3. Pastor Donald, “God didn't give you your story just for you he wrote your story for the world to read.”
iii. Sharing your testimony gives others hope and helps them see into the realm of faith.
1. Kyle Winkler states, “Each one of us was rescued and brought out of something for a reason: "so that you may declare the goodness of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Pet. 2:9, MEV). In these dark days, it's critical that people see the hope of resurrection. More than ever, people need confidence that God is real, that He loves them and that He can truly transform lives into something of value. As one who's experienced that transformation, your testimony has the power to release that hope. Perhaps your story will encourage the addict that freedom can be had. The sick that their symptoms are not the final answer. The depressed that there is a place of exceeding joy. The outcast that there is acceptance. The worried that God will provide. No matter how big or small, your story might be just the hope that someone needs to make it through whatever he or she faces today. Don't hold it back.
iv. Sharing your testimony brings benefits to you!
1. Atlanta, GA (Christian Reporters) notes – In the bible Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that there is great power in our words. With them, we can speak life or death to situations and also to the spirit of those around us. Your testimony, no matter who you are or what you have done or have not done, is powerful to those around you – but it must be shared. There are benefits in sharing your testimony, it’s not just for others, but for yourself as well. Each time we recount what God has done for us, how He’s been there for us, helped us and provided for us it;
a. Builds our faith.
b. We grow stronger in Him.
c. It is a reminder of all that God has done for us already.
d. It brings confidence in His word.
e. It could save someone’s life.
v. Sharing your testimony is a weapon we are to use to defeat Satan’s schemes and unveil his deceptions.
1. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb – which is Jesus sacrifice on the cross for us.
a. It’s His blood which cleanses us of the effects of sin and makes us white as snow.
2. But the second offensive weapon we have is telling others what God has done for us personally – Why - it destroys the lies of the enemy about God. It tells the power and love of God. It tells others that God will do this for you too!
Conclusion:
What do we need to learn from this message?
We need to know that we will face criticism, antagonism and even persecution for talking about Jesus in this world but we need to do it anyway.
We need to know that a time is coming when severe persecution and tribulation is coming to all who follow Jesus and speak of him. It will be a trying time to be a Christian.
What do we need to do in light of the message of these two chapters?
We need to be faithful to Jesus no matter what happens - even if we have to give our life for the truth! We need to seek His wisdom and revelation through the struggles, through the trials and know that there is hope – it is Jesus and the promise of Heaven we stand on - the key is to stay faithful so we win in the end.
The struggle for good and evil is a spiritual battle going on behind the scenes of history and even current events so we need to be praying and maintaining intimacy with Jesus everyday so we know what is true and what is lies.
We also need to be ready at any moment for Jesus Coming, we also need to be ready to say or do something for Jesus.
What will happen if we do what God has called of us to do?
More people will be saved and delivered from Evil.
Our testimonies will open peoples eyes to the truth of Jesus and the promises of the Bible. This will help deliver them from the lies of the Dragon – Satan.
