Weekly Sermons

We Shall Overcome!

If you had to pick one chapter in the Bible to summarize the entire Bible, it may be today’s passage, Revelation chapter twelve!

It is intriguing that Revelation chapter twelve occurs at the exact midpoint of The Book of Revelation.  There are 194 verses before chapter twelve and 193 verses after chapter twelve. 

Read Revelation 12           We Shall Overcome           Let’s Pray!

The Woman represents Israel                                                               V. 1-2

This is the first of seven times the word sign is used from here until the end of the Revelation (12:1, 3; 13:13-14; 15:1; 16:14; 19:19).

This particular woman reminds us of Eve, and because she gives birth in verse five to Jesus, she reminds us of Mary. But in the context she represents Israel.

The Child is Jesus!                                                                                     V. 5

The Red Dragon is Satan                                                                                     V. 3-4

The “seven heads” are the seven Roman kings from whom the antichrist comes; the “ten horns” are the ten kings at the end of time.  -Victorinus of Petovium, ACC 177         Died in 304, 1^st year of Diocletian’s reign

Verse three is telling us that Satan is the leader of a revived Roman Empire at the end of time.  More on that in the weeks to come!

Verse four tells us of two events in Satan’s past; his rebellion with a third of Heaven’s angels and his attempt to destroy Jesus at birth. 

Revelation chapter twelve tells us several things about Satan.

First, we read of three things Satan hates:

Israel, Jesus, and those who have the testimony about Jesus

Second, Satan’s true character is made known:

Sin takes you further than you wanted to go,

Sin keeps you longer than you wanted to stay, and

Sin costs you more than you ever thought you’d have to pay!

The thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance. I am the Good Shepherd.  -Jn. 10:10-11a

Third, we learn that Satan himself is deceived!

Fourth, we learn that Satan is going down, down, down! 

In pride Satan said, “I will be like the Most High.” Satan rebelled against God.  Because Satan and the demons knew full well what they did, their actions are forever inexcusable, and he continues to be judged.

Then he (the Antichrist) will confirm a covenant with many for one week (initiating the 7 year tribulation). But in the middle of the week (3.5 years in), He will bring an end to sacrifice and offering (at the Temple). And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate (Matthew 24:15), even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate (Rev. 19).                                                                                                                  -Daniel 9:27 

The history of Satan is his continual spiral down from the highest heaven to the lowest hell, the Lake of Fire. 

How we conquer Satan                                                                                       V. 11

Now remember that John was in Patmos with other persecuted believers when he received The Revelation. They had friends who had died for their faith.  This must have meant so much to them as they faced their trials. And it has continued to bless Christians as they have faced trouble or persecution, for these 2,000 years. 

“You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world!”              -John 16:33

Dying for the faith is probably the worst thing that could happen as a believer. But the Bible makes clear that if that happens to you, God will be with you, and there is a reward waiting for you in Heaven that only martyrs get!

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”  -Revelation 2:10

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.                    -Galatians 2:20