Understanding Our Spiritual Battle and Mission
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. As we gather today, let's take a moment to greet one another and prepare our hearts for the Word of God. Open your Bibles to Revelation chapter 12. Over the past year, God has placed it on my heart to take us through this book, and today we are halfway through. Initially, I thought this study was to prepare us for His return, but now I see it’s more about understanding our mission and the spiritual battle we are engaged in.
We began by reading Revelation 12, which introduces us to a series of seven visions. These visions frame our understanding of the spiritual battle that has been waging since the cross and continues today. The first vision in Revelation 12 depicts a woman, a child, and a dragon. The woman represents both Mary and the collective people of God, while the child is Jesus, and the dragon is Satan. This vision shows Satan's attempts to devour the child and his ongoing battle against God's people.
In Genesis 3:15, God promised enmity between the serpent and the woman, and this promise is fulfilled in Revelation 12. Despite Satan's efforts, Jesus was born, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose again, defeating Satan. This victory is the foundation for the rest of the visions.
The second vision in Revelation 13 shows a beast rising from the sea, symbolizing governments and nations that Satan uses to oppress the church. The original readers would have identified this beast with the Roman Empire, which mandated emperor worship. This vision reminds us that Satan works through worldly powers, but God is still in control.
The third vision introduces another beast rising from the earth, symbolizing false teachers and prophets who deceive people with false gospels. These false teachers look like lambs but speak like dragons, leading people away from God. This deception is a significant part of Satan's strategy.
The fourth vision in Revelation 14 shows Jesus standing with 144,000 redeemed people, representing the church. These people follow the Lamb wherever He goes and sing a new song that only they know. This vision contrasts the fate of the redeemed with those who follow the beast, who will face God's wrath.
The fifth vision features three angels proclaiming the eternal gospel and warning of God's judgment. They call people to fear God and give Him glory, contrasting the eternal torment of those who worship the beast with the eternal rest of the saints.
The sixth vision shows God's inevitable and intense judgment. Those who die in the Lord are blessed and will rest from their labors, while those who reject Him will face eternal torment.
The seventh and final vision in Revelation 15 depicts the saints singing the song of Moses and the Lamb, praising God's righteous acts. This vision reminds us that despite the ongoing battle, the victory has already been won through Jesus.
As we close, let's remember that we are engaged in a spiritual battle. We must not be content with the luxuries of this world but be active in our mission to share the gospel. We are called to see the world through God's eyes, to weep over lost souls, and to speak truth into their lives. Let us be motivated, encouraged, and emboldened to be His hands and feet.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Spiritual Battle is Real and Ongoing: From the beginning of time, there has been a spiritual battle between good and evil. Satan's attempts to thwart God's plan have been ongoing, but Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection have secured the victory. We must recognize that our daily struggles are part of this larger cosmic battle and engage in it with the power of the Holy Spirit. [34:45]
2. God is Sovereign Over All: Despite the chaos and oppression we may face from worldly powers, God remains in control. He permits certain events to unfold, but His ultimate authority is never compromised. This should encourage us to hold fast to our faith, knowing that God is orchestrating everything according to His divine plan. [50:52]
3. Beware of Deception: Satan uses false teachers and prophets to lead people away from the truth. These deceivers may appear righteous but speak lies that lead to spiritual destruction. We must be vigilant, discerning, and rooted in the truth of God's Word to avoid falling into these traps. [54:33]
4. The Cost of Discipleship is High, but the Reward is Greater: Following Jesus may lead to suffering, persecution, and even death, but the eternal reward far outweighs these temporary afflictions. We are called to endure, remain faithful, and proclaim the gospel, knowing that our ultimate satisfaction and rest are found in Christ alone. [01:03:09]
5. Engage in the Mission with Urgency: The visions in Revelation remind us of the urgency of our mission. We must not be complacent but actively engage in sharing the gospel and making disciples. The eternal destinies of those around us are at stake, and we have been entrusted with the truth that can save them. [01:09:10]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [02:06] - Congregational Reading and Worship
3. [13:50] - Introduction to Revelation 12
4. [18:12] - Greeting and Bible Opening
5. [25:14] - Convictions and Purpose of Revelation Study
6. [29:58] - Seven Visions Overview
7. [33:35] - Prayer and Praise
8. [34:45] - First Vision: The Woman, Child, and Dragon
9. [42:32] - The Spiritual Battle and Its Implications
10. [47:25] - Second Vision: The Beast from the Sea
11. [50:52] - God's Sovereignty in Chaos
12. [54:33] - Third Vision: The Beast from the Earth
13. [01:02:18] - Fourth Vision: The 144,000 Redeemed
14. [01:03:09] - The Cost and Reward of Discipleship
15. [01:06:14] - Fifth Vision: Three Angels Proclaiming
16. [01:07:24] - Sixth Vision: God's Judgment
17. [01:09:10] - Seventh Vision: The Song of Moses and the Lamb
18. [01:11:16] - Call to Salvation
19. [01:12:51] - Prayer and Worship
20. [01:18:28] - Closing Prayer and Mission Reminder
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 12:1-17
2. Genesis 3:15
3. Revelation 15:3-4
### Observation Questions
1. In Revelation 12, who are the main characters in the first vision, and what do they represent? ([34:45])
2. According to Genesis 3:15, what enmity did God promise, and how is this fulfilled in Revelation 12? ([35:41])
3. What is the significance of the 144,000 people standing with Jesus in Revelation 14? ([01:01:44])
4. How does Revelation 15:3-4 describe the song of Moses and the Lamb, and what does it signify about God's deeds? ([13:50])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the vision of the woman, child, and dragon in Revelation 12 help us understand the ongoing spiritual battle? ([34:45])
2. What does the beast rising from the sea in Revelation 13 symbolize, and how might this have been understood by the original readers? ([47:25])
3. How does the vision of the 144,000 in Revelation 14 contrast with those who follow the beast, and what does this teach us about the fate of the redeemed? ([01:01:44])
4. What is the significance of the song of Moses and the Lamb in Revelation 15, and how does it relate to the overall message of victory in the book of Revelation? ([13:50])
### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized that we are engaged in a spiritual battle. How can you become more aware of this battle in your daily life, and what steps can you take to engage in it more actively? ([29:58])
2. Reflecting on the sovereignty of God, how can you find comfort and strength in knowing that God is in control, even when facing chaos and oppression? ([50:52])
3. The sermon warned about the dangers of deception by false teachers. How can you stay rooted in the truth of God's Word to avoid falling into these traps? ([54:33])
4. Considering the high cost of discipleship, what sacrifices might you need to make to follow Jesus more faithfully, and how can you find encouragement in the eternal reward that awaits? ([01:03:09])
5. The urgency of our mission to share the gospel was highlighted in the sermon. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. What specific steps can you take this week to share the truth with them? ([01:09:10])
6. The sermon called us to see the world through God's eyes and to weep over lost souls. How can you cultivate a heart of compassion for the lost, and what practical actions can you take to reach out to them? ([01:09:10])
7. Reflect on the vision of the saints singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. How can you incorporate more praise and worship into your daily routine to remind yourself of God's righteous acts and victory? ([13:50])
Devotional
Day 1: The Spiritual Battle is Real and Ongoing
The spiritual battle between good and evil has been present since the beginning of time. Satan has continually tried to thwart God's plan, but Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection have secured the ultimate victory. This battle is not just a historical event but an ongoing reality that affects our daily lives. We must recognize that our struggles are part of this larger cosmic conflict and engage in it with the power of the Holy Spirit. Understanding this helps us to see our challenges in a new light and encourages us to rely on God's strength.
In Revelation 12, we see a vivid depiction of this battle. The woman, representing both Mary and the collective people of God, gives birth to a child, Jesus, while the dragon, Satan, attempts to devour Him. Despite Satan's efforts, Jesus' victory on the cross and His resurrection have defeated Satan. This victory is the foundation for our faith and the assurance that, despite ongoing battles, the war has already been won. We are called to stand firm, knowing that we fight from a place of victory. [34:45]
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think about a current struggle in your life. How can recognizing it as part of a larger spiritual battle change your approach to it today?
Day 2: God is Sovereign Over All
Despite the chaos and oppression we may face from worldly powers, God remains in control. He permits certain events to unfold, but His ultimate authority is never compromised. This truth should encourage us to hold fast to our faith, knowing that God is orchestrating everything according to His divine plan. The vision of the beast rising from the sea in Revelation 13 symbolizes governments and nations that Satan uses to oppress the church. The original readers would have identified this beast with the Roman Empire, which mandated emperor worship.
This vision reminds us that Satan works through worldly powers, but God is still in control. Even when it seems like evil is prevailing, we can trust that God is sovereign and His purposes will ultimately be fulfilled. This understanding helps us to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of persecution and trials. We are called to trust in God's sovereignty and to find peace in knowing that He is in control. [50:52]
Isaiah 46:10 (ESV): "Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you feel powerless. How can trusting in God's sovereignty give you peace and strength in this situation today?
Day 3: Beware of Deception
Satan uses false teachers and prophets to lead people away from the truth. These deceivers may appear righteous but speak lies that lead to spiritual destruction. We must be vigilant, discerning, and rooted in the truth of God's Word to avoid falling into these traps. The vision of the beast rising from the earth in Revelation 13 symbolizes false teachers and prophets who deceive people with false gospels. These false teachers look like lambs but speak like dragons, leading people away from God.
This deception is a significant part of Satan's strategy. As believers, we must be grounded in the truth of God's Word and be discerning of the teachings we encounter. We are called to test everything against Scripture and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning truth from falsehood. By doing so, we can protect ourselves and others from being led astray. [54:33]
2 Peter 2:1 (ESV): "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
Reflection: Think about the sources of spiritual teaching you rely on. How can you ensure that they align with the truth of God's Word today?
Day 4: The Cost of Discipleship is High, but the Reward is Greater
Following Jesus may lead to suffering, persecution, and even death, but the eternal reward far outweighs these temporary afflictions. We are called to endure, remain faithful, and proclaim the gospel, knowing that our ultimate satisfaction and rest are found in Christ alone. The vision of the 144,000 redeemed in Revelation 14 represents the church, those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These people sing a new song that only they know, contrasting the fate of the redeemed with those who follow the beast.
This vision reminds us that the cost of discipleship is high, but the reward is far greater. We are called to endure hardships and remain faithful, knowing that our ultimate reward is eternal life with Christ. This perspective helps us to persevere through trials and to remain focused on our mission to share the gospel. [01:03:09]
2 Timothy 2:12 (ESV): "If we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us."
Reflection: Consider a recent challenge you faced because of your faith. How can focusing on the eternal reward help you to endure and remain faithful today?
Day 5: Engage in the Mission with Urgency
The visions in Revelation remind us of the urgency of our mission. We must not be complacent but actively engage in sharing the gospel and making disciples. The eternal destinies of those around us are at stake, and we have been entrusted with the truth that can save them. The final vision in Revelation 15 depicts the saints singing the song of Moses and the Lamb, praising God's righteous acts. This vision reminds us that despite the ongoing battle, the victory has already been won through Jesus.
As believers, we are called to see the world through God's eyes, to weep over lost souls, and to speak truth into their lives. We must be motivated, encouraged, and emboldened to be His hands and feet. The urgency of our mission should drive us to actively engage in sharing the gospel and making disciples, knowing that the eternal destinies of those around us are at stake. [01:09:10]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who does not know Christ. How can you take a step today to share the gospel with them or show them the love of Christ?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Listen, if you're here this morning and you don't know Christ, these passages, they can't be any clearer. You're being deceived. I know you think you have it all figured out. I know you think you're in control of everything. And listen, I know this world seems pleasing. The things of this world seem pleasing. But if you're honest, you're sitting there, you felt the hurt of this world. You're fearful of the future. You're never really satisfied no matter how much you obtain, no matter how much you do. You know what I'm talking about. You're always chasing after the next thing. That's the deceit that this book has been talking about. That's the deceit that these passages are talking about. That's the deceit of Satan to keep you from the presence of God who intends the very best for you, to keep you from restoration, from feeling a real sense of satisfaction and joy." [01:11:16]
2. "God loved us so much that he sent his son, Jesus. He became man and this God-man, although he experienced a lot of temptation, he lived a perfect life. He was completely, entirely righteous and the only man to walk the face of this earth sinless because of his righteousness and because he was equally God and man. He was able to go to the cross as man. He was able to pay for our sins as man, but he was able to completely satisfy his own wrath as God, completely overcoming the consequences of sin, completely conquering the serpent. He died there on that cross, proving his humanity, but he rose three days later, conquering death, proving his deity." [01:12:51]
3. "We close out this service. We are so grateful to know that the victory's been won. There's nothing that we have to fear. There's nothing that we have to worry about because we know that in the end, this world can burn up our body, but yet we will raise from the dead and we will spend all eternity with you in your presence. We will rest in your presence. And we will sing praises to you forever, walking with you in a creation that's been restored." [01:18:28]
4. "Listen, as believers here this morning, revelation, it's meant to be an encouragement and not an encouragement like, oh yeah, I'm supposed to leave and feel good about myself. No, that's not the encouragement that I mean here. It's an encouragement that all is right, that you're secure. No matter what happens to you, Jesus has won the battle. It's encouraging us to be engaged in this fight. It's reminding us about the things we already know. On one hand, Jesus desires us. He loves us. I mean, he went through great lengths to purchase us, but guys on the other, he is a just and holy God." [01:07:24]
5. "The message here, turn away from the enticing pleasures of the world. It will only lead to the everlasting wrath of God. Revelation 14, 12 says, here is a call for the endurance of the saints. Here it's as if John is saying to the people of the church, wake up, what are you doing? Don't compromise with the ways of the world. You know better. Those things lead to everlasting wrath. Turn from that." [01:05:37]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Listen, over the past several weeks, we've seen things like the seven churches, the seven seals, the seven trumpets. And this week, we're going to look at seven different visions. And these visions, they're going to kind of frame our time together and help us understand and walk through each of the sermon points that we have. But if you've been taking notes to this study over the past couple of weeks, you might want to underline some of these transitional statements in our text." [29:58]
2. "Satan attempts to conquer from a place of weakness while believers suffer from a place of power. I know that's a long point. It's on the screen. It'll be there for a little while. We're going to focus more on the first vision and then we'll move quickly through the next six visions. And so this first vision, I believe what God does is he gives John this vision of the past with the purposes of pointing us to the future. Also, that we can be reminded in the present of who he is and be properly engaged in this battle today." [34:45]
3. "God allows, he permits, he gives authority to this beast to lead people into blasphemy, to curse his name, to crush his people, to control the nations. He's allowing it to happen. This is much like Romans one. If you're familiar with that letter that Paul wrote, when God gives sinful people over to themselves, it's a frightening thing when God begins to give people over to their sin. These are the effects that John's writing about when God does that." [50:52]
4. "I think it's clear that Satan's deceptions through false teachers and leaders. They're evident today, even within the so-called church. There are men, there are pastors who preach false gospels, who teach people to find worth in the things of the world, right? I mean, again, I know I talk about the prosperity gospel a lot, but what do they preach? They preach about being rich. They preach about being healthy. None of that stuff matters. We're all going to die to begin with, and all that stuff is going to be burned up. So why do I want that stuff? I want Jesus. I want more of Jesus." [56:00]
5. "Listen, as I read about this first century church, as I hear about stories of Christians in our world today, like these pastors in India, I realize and I'm speaking about me, right? I am not engaged in the battle that God has called me to as a Christian. I'm not. I mean, each and every one of us as believers, we're here today waiting for our union with Jesus because we have been tasked with a mission. That's why we're here waiting. We've been tasked with a purpose." [26:33]
6. "The passage says there's a big contrast here to what we just read about. Of course, I believe this vision is reminding the original readers. It's reminding us that we've been redeemed. We've been purchased by the blood of the lamb. It's encouraging us. We follow him wherever he goes to leave behind the idolatry, the immorality of this world. That's why John said what he said in Revelation 13 nine. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. Listen to what I'm saying, be exhorted. He's writing this to believers. Remember who you are, John, saying it is and it will it will be costly to follow Jesus in this world. But don't compromise." [01:02:18]
7. "He doesn't sugarcoat that for us. The cost is great, but believing that the reward is so much greater. I think about some of these pastors that are that I'm going to meet in the coming weeks that are willing to give their life for the gospel. Why do they do it? Because they truly believe the reward is so much greater. That changes me because I'm not reading about this. These are real people that believe the reward is so much greater." [34:45]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?