Triumph of Christ: Victory in Spiritual Warfare
Summary
The sermon begins with a reading from Revelation 12:10-11, which speaks of the triumph over the accuser through the blood of the Lamb and the power of testimony. The speaker then transitions to church announcements, highlighting the importance of in-person attendance and the church's mission to worship God and develop disciples for Jesus. Upcoming events such as communion, a church introduction program, and post-service classes are mentioned.
The victory of Jesus over spiritual powers and the establishment of God's kingdom are emphasized, drawing a parallel between the joy of Christmas and the celebration of D-Day. The speaker compares Satan's fury and destructive actions to those of Hitler in the final days of World War II, assuring that God provides protection for His people.
Believers are encouraged to remember Jesus' victory and to stand firm in it, focusing on the spiritual battle of making disciples rather than worldly conflicts. The speaker stresses that this battle is won through suffering, dying, and loving enemies, imitating Jesus. The sermon concludes with the hope of a final day when all wrongs will be made right.
The importance of not relying on one's own strength but trusting deeply in Jesus is highlighted. The speaker concludes with a prayer, praising Christ as the King and the source of living water that satisfies our thirst.
The speaker shares a personal story from their time in a missional house church in Wisconsin and expresses longing for Jesus' return. The significance of the Incarnation and God's faithfulness in fulfilling promises are discussed, introducing Advent as a time of spiritual warfare.
An analogy from "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" is used to illustrate redemption through Jesus. The speaker explains that Jesus' sacrifice covers our sins, and by holding fast to the testimony of Jesus, believers are safe from Satan's accusations.
Updates on the church's ministry, including the completion of basketball courts and a youth retreat, are shared with gratitude for the congregation's support. The impact of prayers and the positive response from the youth are acknowledged.
The birth of Jesus is discussed as the fulfillment of God's promise, marking the end of genealogies and the appointment of Jesus as king over all nations. The ongoing battle between God's plan and Satan's plan is highlighted, with references to King Herod's attempt to kill Jesus.
Revelation 12 is examined, describing a vision of a woman in heaven, an enormous red dragon, and the birth of a son who is snatched up to God's throne. The passage reveals the spiritual reality behind worldly conflicts and the triumph of Jesus over Satan.
The speaker discusses church membership expectations, recognizing new members, and the importance of giving an account of one's salvation. The sermon transitions to the topic of prayer and offering.
The concept of saving faith as believing loyalty is explored, with biblical examples of Daniel and his friends. The speaker invites listeners to trust in Jesus and reminds them that they have triumphed over Satan through their faith and willingness to suffer.
The symbolism of eagle wings is related to God's protection and deliverance from Satan's attacks. The sermon encourages believers to trust in Jesus for strength and to triumph over Satan by the blood of the Lamb and their testimony.
The spiritual battle present in the Christmas story is discussed, with King Herod depicted as an agent of Satan. The sermon emphasizes Jesus' victory over Satan through his birth, life, death, and resurrection.
Two spiritual realities are presented: Jesus' defeat of Satan and the ongoing spiritual war. The sermon describes a sign in the heavens pointing to Jesus' birth and the symbolic language of Revelation representing the spiritual reality of Jesus' arrival.
Finally, church announcements are made, including deacon nominations, children's Christmas song practice, a men's breakfast, and a Christmas service. New members are welcomed, having met the church's requirements and understanding its beliefs and values.
Key Takeaways:
- The triumph over Satan is not through human strength but through the blood of the Lamb and the power of testimony, emphasizing the importance of faith and witness in spiritual victory. This victory is not just a future hope but a present reality that empowers believers to live confidently and courageously in the face of spiritual opposition. [35:02]
- The joy of Christmas is likened to the celebration of a decisive victory in war, reminding believers that Jesus' birth signifies the turning point in the spiritual battle against evil. This perspective encourages Christians to approach the Advent season with a sense of triumph and gratitude for the ultimate victory that Jesus has secured. [01:04:14]
- The spiritual battle that Christians are called to fight involves making disciples and living out the sacrificial love of Jesus. This battle is characterized by a willingness to suffer and bless those who persecute, demonstrating to the world the worthiness of following Jesus. [01:16:01]
- The protection and deliverance of believers from Satan's attacks are symbolized by eagle wings, illustrating God's sovereign power to safeguard His people. This imagery reassures Christians that no matter the intensity of the spiritual warfare, God's provision and care are certain. [01:07:19]
- The Christmas story is framed within the context of a cosmic battle between God and Satan, with Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection marking the ultimate defeat of evil. This narrative provides a profound understanding of the significance of Jesus' arrival and the hope it brings to a world embroiled in spiritual conflict. [01:01:44]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Revelation 12:10-11
- Psalm 2:7-9
- Colossians 2:13-15
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Revelation 12:10-11, how do believers triumph over the accuser? What are the two key elements mentioned? [35:02]
2. In Psalm 2:7-9, what is promised to the Son by God? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about Jesus' kingship?
3. Colossians 2:13-15 speaks about the cancellation of our debts. How does this passage describe Jesus' victory over spiritual powers?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to triumph over Satan "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" as mentioned in Revelation 12:11? How does this apply to the daily life of a believer? [35:02]
2. The sermon compares the joy of Christmas to the celebration of a decisive victory in war. How does this perspective change the way we view the Advent season? [01:04:14]
3. The speaker mentions that the spiritual battle involves making disciples and living out sacrificial love. How does this align with Jesus' teachings in the Gospels? [01:16:01]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the statement that believers triumph over Satan not through human strength but through the blood of the Lamb and the power of testimony. How can you incorporate this truth into your daily spiritual practices? [35:02]
2. The sermon encourages believers to approach the Advent season with a sense of triumph and gratitude. What specific actions can you take this Advent to celebrate Jesus' victory over evil? [01:04:14]
3. The speaker emphasizes the importance of making disciples and living out sacrificial love. Identify one person in your life whom you can disciple or show sacrificial love to this week. How will you do it? [01:16:01]
4. The sermon discusses the protection and deliverance of believers symbolized by eagle wings. In what ways have you experienced God's protection in your life? How can this imagery strengthen your faith during difficult times? [01:07:19]
5. The Christmas story is framed within the context of a cosmic battle. How does understanding this spiritual reality impact your view of Christmas and your role in the ongoing spiritual war? [01:01:44]
6. The speaker invites listeners to trust in Jesus and reminds them of their triumph over Satan through faith and willingness to suffer. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate your trust in Jesus this week, especially in the face of challenges? [01:09:16]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of not relying on one's own strength but trusting deeply in Jesus. Identify a specific area in your life where you tend to rely on your own strength. How can you shift your reliance to Jesus in that area? [01:17:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Victory Through the Lamb's Blood
The triumph over Satan is achieved not by human might but through the sacrificial blood of Jesus and the boldness of our witness. This divine victory grants believers the strength to live with confidence and courage, even amidst spiritual warfare. Faith and testimony become the bedrock of spiritual conquest. [35:02]
Hebrews 9:14 - "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!"
Reflection: How does the knowledge of Jesus' victory over Satan influence the way you confront spiritual challenges in your life?
Day 2: Christmas as Spiritual Triumph
The joy of Christmas is akin to a wartime victory celebration, marking the pivotal moment in the cosmic struggle against evil. The birth of Jesus is a reminder that the spiritual battle has been decisively turned in favor of righteousness, instilling a sense of triumph and thankfulness in the hearts of believers. [01:04:14]
Colossians 2:15 - "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."
Reflection: In what ways can you celebrate the true victory of Christmas, beyond the cultural festivities, to honor Jesus' birth?
Day 3: Discipleship as Spiritual Warfare
The call to spiritual battle is a call to disciple-making and living out the self-sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus. This warfare is marked by a readiness to endure hardship and to bless those who oppose us, showcasing the transformative power of following Christ. [01:16:01]
1 Peter 2:21 - "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."
Reflection: How can you embody the sacrificial love of Jesus in your relationships, especially with those who may not treat you kindly?
Day 4: Divine Protection Symbolized by Eagles
Believers are assured of God's protection and deliverance from the enemy's onslaught, symbolized by the wings of an eagle. This powerful imagery reinforces the certainty of God's providential care, even in the midst of intense spiritual battles. [01:07:19]
Exodus 19:4 - "You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you experienced God's protection in a tangible way? How did it strengthen your faith?
Day 5: The Cosmic Battle in the Christmas Story
The narrative of Jesus' birth is set against the backdrop of an epic cosmic conflict between God and Satan. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection signify the ultimate defeat of evil, offering profound insight into the significance of His coming and the hope it brings amidst spiritual strife. [01:01:44]
Galatians 4:4-5 - "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship."
Reflection: How does understanding the Christmas story as part of a larger spiritual battle affect your perspective on the holiday season and your role as a believer?
Quotes
"The real battle is fought by making disciples who trust in Jesus and follow him, not with strength or seeking our own rights, but by imitating our King Jesus who won by suffering, dying, and loving his enemies." [01:16:36] (Download)
"What communicates more to the watching world that Jesus is a King worth following than people who are willing to follow him even when it costs them, rather than those who fight for their own rights?" [01:17:17] (Download)
"Let's remember to stand in the victory Jesus has won, trusting in Him and holding fast to him even in the midst of suffering, because in the end, we'll experience the day when every tear is wiped away and all will be made right." [01:17:57] (Download)
"Through our own strength, God, but through a deep deep trust in Jesus, holding fast to the message of the Gospel, enduring because we know that for all those who endure with you, we will also reign with you." [01:19:48] (Download)
"The kingdom has come because the King has come, the rightful King, and Satan is getting the boot. I just want you to pause there for a minute and think about this... cultivate that Joy. Satan has been defeated, Jesus is reigning and ruling right now as king." [01:04:51] (Download)
"God watches over his people; he gives the woman two wings of a great Eagle to fly away... it recalls this image from The Exodus that every time they reference back to the Exodus, God's people said we were rescued from Egypt." [01:06:46] (Download)
"The blood of the Lamb is how we Triumph Satan because when Satan comes and says hey you've sinned I just got you to sin again you know it, you're able to say yeah but guess what Satan Jesus died for that sin and he's standing right now before God and God looks at me and he sees Jesus so you got nothing on me." [01:11:47] (Download)
"Those who by the word of their testimony hold to that lamb are safe and when we hear the word testimony we often think of like your personal story right that's not what the word means in Revelation... it's the word of what Jesus did so it's like saying I'm holding fast to the gospel." [01:12:23] (Download)
"We triumph over him by trusting and suffering. So this morning, I've really been praying that all of us would lean into trusting Jesus." [01:13:40] (Download)
"Don't you remember how good the end is? If we're getting closer to the end, we're getting closer to the ultimate victory. You don't need to be afraid; you've already triumphed over him as you trust in Jesus." [01:15:28] (Download)
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