Victory in Christ: Understanding Our Spiritual Battle
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound spiritual battle that Christians face, drawing from the imagery and teachings found in Revelation 12. The central theme is the recognition of our true adversary, Satan, and the assurance of victory through Christ. Understanding that our foe is not the people around us but the spiritual forces at work helps us to love others, even when they act as instruments of the enemy. This perspective shifts our focus from earthly conflicts to the spiritual realm, where the real battle is fought.
Revelation 12 presents a vivid depiction of the cosmic struggle between good and evil, symbolized by the woman, the dragon, and the male child. The woman represents the faithful church, both Old and New Testament believers, who give birth to the Messiah. The dragon, identified as Satan, seeks to destroy the Messiah and persecute the church. Despite his efforts, the victory is assured through Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension, which have already defeated Satan.
The narrative reminds us that while Satan has been cast out of heaven and his accusations silenced, he continues to wage war on earth against the followers of Christ. This ongoing battle calls for vigilance, prayer, and unity among believers. We are encouraged to stand firm in our faith, knowing that God provides for and protects His people, even in times of persecution.
The message concludes with a call to action: to remain steadfast in our testimony and to bring the good news to those around us, despite resistance. We are reminded that the ultimate victory belongs to God, and our role is to faithfully carry out His mission, trusting in His strength and provision.
Key Takeaways:
1. Understanding Our True Adversary: Recognizing that our real enemy is not the people around us but the spiritual forces led by Satan helps us to love others and see beyond their actions. This perspective allows us to focus on the spiritual battle and not get entangled in earthly conflicts. [01:51]
2. The Assurance of Victory in Christ: Revelation 12 assures us that Christ has already won the victory over Satan through His death and resurrection. This victory is not just a future hope but a present reality that empowers us to live confidently in our faith. [11:14]
3. The Ongoing Spiritual Battle: Although Satan has been defeated, he continues to wage war against believers on earth. This calls for vigilance, prayer, and unity among Christians as we face persecution and spiritual attacks. [20:38]
4. God's Provision and Protection: In the midst of trials, God provides for and protects His people, just as He did for the Israelites in the wilderness. We can trust in His care and provision as we navigate the challenges of life. [27:26]
5. Our Role in the Spiritual Battle: We are called to remain steadfast in our testimony and to bring the good news to others, even in the face of resistance. Our faithfulness in following God's commandments and holding to the testimony of Jesus is crucial in the spiritual battle. [31:56]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:51] - Identifying Our True Foe
[04:00] - Revelation 12: The Woman and the Dragon
[05:59] - The Faithful Church and the Messiah
[07:31] - The Red Dragon's Intentions
[09:45] - Satan's Nature and Deception
[11:14] - God's Guaranteed Victory
[17:26] - God's Provision in the Wilderness
[20:38] - The Heavenly Battle and Satan's Defeat
[22:55] - No More Accusations in Heaven
[24:22] - The Earthly Battle and Our Role
[27:26] - God's Protection and the Wilderness
[29:33] - Holding to God's Commandments
[31:56] - The War Against Believers
[34:30] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[36:23] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Revelation 12:1-17
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the key symbols presented in Revelation 12, and what do they represent according to the sermon? [04:00]
2. How does the sermon describe the nature and intentions of the dragon, identified as Satan, in Revelation 12? [07:31]
3. What is the significance of the woman fleeing into the wilderness, and how does the sermon explain God's provision during this time? [17:26]
4. According to the sermon, what is the outcome of the war in heaven, and how does it affect believers on earth? [20:38]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding that our true adversary is spiritual, rather than the people around us, change the way we interact with others? [01:51]
2. In what ways does the assurance of victory in Christ, as described in Revelation 12, empower believers to live confidently in their faith today? [11:14]
3. The sermon mentions that Satan continues to wage war against believers. How should this awareness influence the way Christians approach their spiritual lives and community? [24:22]
4. What role does the testimony of believers play in the spiritual battle, and how does it contribute to overcoming the enemy? [31:56]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent conflict or difficult relationship in your life. How might viewing it as part of a spiritual battle change your approach to it? [01:51]
2. The sermon emphasizes the assurance of victory in Christ. How can you remind yourself of this truth in moments of doubt or fear? [11:14]
3. In what practical ways can you increase your vigilance and prayer life to stand firm against spiritual attacks? [20:38]
4. Consider a time when you felt God's provision and protection during a challenging period. How can this experience encourage you to trust Him in future trials? [27:26]
5. How can you actively participate in bringing the good news to those around you, even when facing resistance or indifference? [31:56]
6. Identify one area in your life where you feel called to remain steadfast in your testimony. What steps can you take to strengthen your resolve in this area? [31:56]
7. Think about a person in your life who may be acting as an instrument of the enemy. How can you show them love and grace while recognizing the spiritual forces at play? [01:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing the True Enemy
Understanding our true adversary is crucial in the spiritual journey. The real enemy is not the people around us but the spiritual forces led by Satan. This perspective allows believers to love others and see beyond their actions, focusing on the spiritual battle rather than getting entangled in earthly conflicts. By identifying Satan as the true foe, Christians can redirect their energy towards prayer and spiritual warfare, rather than harboring resentment or anger towards others. This understanding fosters a spirit of forgiveness and compassion, enabling believers to act as instruments of peace and love in a world often filled with division and strife. [01:51]
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 of a recent conflict with someone. How can you shift your perspective to see the spiritual forces at play and respond with love and understanding?
Day 2: Living in the Victory of Christ
Revelation 12 assures believers that Christ has already won the victory over Satan through His death and resurrection. This victory is not just a future hope but a present reality that empowers Christians to live confidently in their faith. Understanding this victory allows believers to face life's challenges with courage and assurance, knowing that the ultimate battle has already been won. It encourages a life of faithfulness and obedience, as believers are called to live out the implications of this victory in their daily lives, trusting in the power and presence of Christ to guide and sustain them. [11:14]
1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV): "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to embrace the victory of Christ more fully? How can this change your approach to daily challenges?
Day 3: Engaging in the Ongoing Spiritual Battle
Although Satan has been defeated, he continues to wage war against believers on earth. This ongoing battle calls for vigilance, prayer, and unity among Christians as they face persecution and spiritual attacks. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, knowing that God provides for and protects His people, even in times of trial. This awareness of the spiritual battle fosters a sense of community and solidarity among believers, as they support and encourage one another in their shared journey of faith. It also emphasizes the importance of spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and scripture reading, as essential tools in the fight against the enemy. [20:38]
1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
Reflection: How can you strengthen your spiritual defenses today? Consider specific practices or habits that can help you remain vigilant and firm in your faith.
Day 4: Trusting in God's Provision and Protection
In the midst of trials, God provides for and protects His people, just as He did for the Israelites in the wilderness. Believers can trust in His care and provision as they navigate the challenges of life. This trust in God's provision fosters a sense of peace and security, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity. It encourages believers to rely on God's strength and wisdom, rather than their own, and to seek His guidance in all aspects of life. By trusting in God's provision, believers can experience the fullness of His blessings and live with confidence and hope, knowing that He is always with them. [27:26]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God's provision more? How can you actively seek His guidance and support in this area today?
Day 5: Our Role in the Spiritual Battle
Believers are called to remain steadfast in their testimony and to bring the good news to others, even in the face of resistance. Faithfulness in following God's commandments and holding to the testimony of Jesus is crucial in the spiritual battle. This call to action emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith in tangible ways, through acts of love, service, and evangelism. It challenges believers to be bold and courageous in sharing the gospel, trusting in God's strength and provision to overcome any obstacles they may face. By fulfilling their role in the spiritual battle, believers can make a significant impact in the world, bringing hope and light to those around them. [31:56]
2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that needs to hear the good news of Jesus? How can you take a step today to share your faith with them, despite any fears or resistance you may face?
Quotes
"And I think one of the biggest things, I'm going to kind of jump to this right away, one of the main points, is that if you understand that your foe is of spiritual nature, it helps you love those that maybe are doing that spiritual force's will. You can love that person, understanding that they are actually following their leader, which is the devil or Satan." [00:01:22]
" everything. Satan is the one who's behind everything. So you know that that's your foe. It's not the person next to you. It's not the person that may be doing something mean. It's the fact that they have turned their heart over to the enemy that is causing these things. And then we need to understand, why is it that Satan hates us so much? Why is it that the devil wants to get people in the church? Why is it, you know, it's not paranoid when they really are out to get you? I've heard that before. And it's true that the enemy is out to get you. The enemy is prowling and looking for opportunities to take advantage of you, looking for weaknesses, looking, slinging arrows at you. It talks about putting on the armor of God. There is an enemy, and it's real. And again, this is something we in a Western world, we don't like to talk about as much in the spiritual realm. But there's a spiritual realm, and in that realm, there is warfare going on against the devil. And against the church, and against individuals in the church. So what's going to happen in the book of Revelation?" [00:01:51]
"And it talks about this conflict that has taken place between Satan and God. And the fact that Satan has been defeated, but he continues to struggle on. And it kind of is like the heart of the book. book theologically. And that Christ has conquered, but we, because we are followers of Christ, the enemy looks at us and says, you're one of them. I see Christ in you. I'm going to come after you." [00:03:29]
"And so she's pregnant, and she's crying out in pains about to deliver. Basically, she cries out. The true Israel is in the pre -messianic agony because all throughout the time they're crying out, when are we going to be delivered? And trust me, I've gone through three pregnancies with my wife. When you get into the birth pain thing, the woman is saying, when is this going to be done? When is this child going to come? I'm not saying I was the one who did it, but I'm just saying, even with women, when they get to a certain stage, they're like, okay, any day now, let's make this end. I know I'm not wrong on this. And so she is crying out in agony because she is suffering, but she is about to give birth to the answer. And it says," [00:07:36]
"i have a mug okay and then i could get a shirt that says world's greatest pastor and then you say well i have a mug and a shirt and i have a poster on my wall that says world's greatest pastor and you say well that's not how it works you don't get to say you're the world's greatest pastor that's something you have to be given this is the word for diadem right here is basically he is saying that he is a big deal but he's not if you really study and i'm not going to break down the greek but you get into it it's him putting these on his head and acting like he's an archangel acting like he's a big shot but in reality these are not the wreaths of victory these are a imposter these aren't real this is him holding the mug up and saying look i'm powerful look at me i'm strong as god but he's not and that i think is important aspect that we need to understand just to stop right here there is no and this is something that is carried through into our culture there is no satan and god at the same level that is not true at all satan and god are not the same level it is god and then burrow down underground and that's satan now satan is powerful satan has power but he is not equal to god even though he acts like he is equal to god he is not and sometimes we either give too much credit to him or too little credit to him realize that he can cause damage but realize that he can cause damage but realize that he can cause damage but realize that he can that god is always greater there's never a time that god has taken a side there's never a chance he's going to lose well like i said the whole sermon series is god wins guaranteed i cannot tell you who's going to win the football games this afternoon i cannot guarantee you that but i can guarantee you this god always wins there's nothing that's going to change that and that's something that we need to hold on to" [00:11:14]
"accuser of our brothers has been thrown down who accuses them day and night before our God and they have conquered him by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony for they love not their lives even unto death therefore rejoice oh heavens and you who dwell in them but woe to you oh earth and sea for the devil has come down to you in great wrath because he knows that his time is short so what we see here is a fight that goes on in heaven a fight between Michael and the angels and this is the understanding of what Jesus saw in a vision in John chapter 12 when he says now is the judgment of the world now will the ruler of this world be cast out we need to understand something Satan had a place in heaven we don't have to we don't understand that in fact a lot of our theology comes from paradise lost or other things like that and I can tell you all that we know in the book of Job Satan is in heaven he's going and and God looks at him and says look at my servant Job and Satan goes yeah you do everything for him he's going to follow after you and he accuses and he accuses in the book of Zechariah he's going to be an accuser it says he accuses us day and night and he's up there going well you've got nothing to say you know these people aren't that great God you're just so he's basically trying to point out all of our flaws but here's the exciting part Jesus when he died on the cross started this war and this war took place with Michael and his angels and this is basically the in the final struggle Daniel 12 1 talks about Daniel is the guardian of Israel and will deliver us from tribulation and he is the one who fights and he claims the rank of and he fights and he is the one who fights and he claims the rank of Satan" [00:18:46]
"who thinks that he's strong. Remember, he's holding the mug going, I'm as strong as God. And God's like, no, you're not. I'm going to send some angels and kick you out of heaven. But he was defeated. And there was no place for him in heaven. There is no one in heaven accusing you today. You need to understand this. This is the place. God has said, by the fact that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you, no one is accusing you in heaven anymore." [00:20:38]
"God just said, you know what? My son died on the cross. He's sent into heaven. You've got no more access here. You're done. You're done. No more authority. No more anything. You're kicked out. He was thrown down. And who is this? The ancient serpent. Remember, he's been at us since the ancient serpent. He was the snake. Who tried, who successfully tempted Adam and Eve. Who is called the devil and Satan. Devil means slanderer. It means that he makes things up about us. He doesn't, he goes beyond accusing us. He makes things up about us. He slanders us." [00:21:45]
"And it says, it talks about the salvation, power and kingdom, all with Christ. He used to accuse us day and night. He can still accuse you, but you know who's not listening? God. God's like, I'm sorry, I can't hear you. Were you talking? Because you've been kicked out because my people have been saved. My people. And this is something we should rejoice about today and understand this. Understand this. And we helped. And you say, how did we help? And we conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. They loved their lives, not even unto the death. By following after Christ, we are forgiven of our sin and we reign and rule with Christ and we're part of what happened that we now are the church that kicked..." [00:23:29]
"Many of them are going to die. Die for their faith. And he's going to say, no matter what the enemy throws against you, God is with you. And God will make sure his church makes it. He will be nourished. And then the dragon became furious because he says he went off to make war on the rest of her offspring. And so he goes after us, those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus." [00:29:03]
"very close friend of mine in fact she was one of the first girls that ever talked to me there's there she's got a claim to fame there i was a pretty shy guy and uh so she was one of the first girls she's always been a close friend of mine and but i've been reading through her caring bridge and she talks about i'm ready i'm ready and we need to understand this what is that that's the worst case scenario but god will take care of us and until that point our job is to keep the commandments give the testimony and bring the good news to people that don't want to hear it it's like we're going to people that get out of my face get out of my face but so many of us especially like people that are saved later in life said i'm so thankful that people didn't listen to me that they didn't stop telling me about jesus even though i told them get out of my face they said i'm so glad that somebody did that i'm so glad realizing that there's going to be resistance realizing that people that are enslaved to sin are going to be resistant to us realize that we will be called out in our society and there's a war but we need to hold to this knowing that that war is happening so today god is preparing his church god is preparing us through this vision we can see when your neighbors maybe give you harsh words when they look at you and they call you names like i've been called many times as a christian or they say you think you're better than me or i that's a common one you think you're better than me because you live this way you think this or they'll do all this understand where that's coming from it's coming from who they serve look past that understand john wants you to see behind the curtain here and understand that the war that is against you is by satan" [00:31:56]
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