Wednesday Sermon by Rev, DR. Willy Mutiso

THE GREAT DRAGON WAS CAST OUT OF HEAVEN.

SERIES: THE SCHOOL OF PROPHECY.

TEXT: REVELATION 12:7-17.

 

The 12th chapter of Revelation is a chapter of conflict. In verses 1-6 we see the conflict between Israel (pregnant woman) and the dragon (satan) in verses 7-17 we read of a war in heaven.

Our world had had a long history of bloody warfare. In the last 6,000 years of human history, there has been 14,531 wars. Many of history’s wars have been fought between two nations or two factions within a nation. But in the WWII, only 12 countries were not involved. In 2,000 there were 40 wars fought on the soil of 36 nations. Our world is a world of wars and conflicts.

When we read of war in heaven, we get surprised. The Lucifer who later became satan has one-third of the angels of heaven into rebellion against God. He was removed from the presence of God. Since that time, satan has had only limited access to heaven.

This chapter tells us about the final battle in this ages old world. In these battle, satan the great dragon is forever cast out of heaven. These verses are a blessing to the child of God. They tell us of a day when satan will forever be defeated and cast out of heaven and earth into the lake of fire. Let us study-THE DRAGON IS CAST OUT. Let us learn:-

THE REVEALING OF THE DRAGON.

  • There are several passages that talk about the devil, his origin and his activities-Isaiah 14:12-20; Ezekiel 28:12-19; 1st Peter 5:8.
  • Revelation 12:7-17 tells us more clearly than any other passage in the Bible about the devil. Let us learn:-

His name.

  • A quick look at the names of satan reveal more about him, than the devil wants to be known.
  1. Dragon-A winged, mythical creature that resembles a serpent with four legs.
    • Dragons are usually associated with fierceness, brutality, violence and destruction.
    • Fire-breathing pictures of the dragon are all over including the dragon of India, China and all Buddhist countries.
    • Satan is violent, brutal and destructive. He is responsible for countless wars and deaths.
  1. Old serpent-In Genesis 3:1 ff satan appeared to Eve in the garden of Eden in the form of a serpent and enticed her to commit sin.
  • Satan is deceitful and sly.
  1. Devil-The word devil comes from the word “Diabolos” a slanderer, a false accuser.
  • Devil-The devil stands before God to accuse the brethren-Job 1-2; Zechariah 3:1-10.
  • The devil is a slanderer, accuser, he accuses us and he accuses our Savior too.
  1. Satan-Satan means “adversary” or “one who stands opposed.”
  • He opposes everything to do with God.
  • He opposes everything GOD is trying to do.
  • He opposes the people of God, the house of God, the word of God and the plan of God.
  • Satan opposes everything that is right.
  • Satan is an adversary!!

5. His nature-Vs. 9.

6. He “deceives the whole earth.” He leads astray, he leads from the right way-Job 1:7; 2:2.

  • He seeks to devour-1st Peter 1:5. Satan is a deceiver-2nd 11:13-14.
  • He came to Eve “subtil” crafty and shrewd.

He is the “accuser of the brethren”-Vs. 10. Job 1:6; 2:1; Zachariah 3:1, he stands before God to accuse, to point out our sins and mistakes-1st John 2:1; Rom. 8:34; Hebrews 7:25.

  • However, Jesus Christ is our advocate-1st John 2:21.
  • Jesus Christ pleads our case before the judge (God).
  • He pleads the blood He shed on the cross as the perfect, eternal payment from all our sins.
  • Our Father God cries out “case dismissed” praise God!!

THE REMOVAL OF THE DRAGON.

He is defeated by a heavenly warrior-Vs. 7-11.

  • The angelic hosts of heaven are led in this conflict by an angel called MICHAEL.
  • The name Michael means “Who is like God?”
  • Michael is an “Arch-Angel”-Jude 1:9; Daniel 10:13-Michael is called “One of the chief princes.”
  • In Daniel 12:1 he is called “The great prince.”
  • Michael leads the heavenly angels in permanently ousting satan and his demonic army.
  • Satan was “cast out” into the earth. To “cast out” means “to let go of a thing without caring where it falls.”
  • Satan is forever driven from heaven!!

He is defeated by Holy witnesses-Vs. 10-11.

  • When satan is cast out of heaven, the glory spills out of the cup and outflows the saucer.
  • Heaven explodes in praise and thanksgiving. The tormentor, the accuser of the brethren, the arch enemy of God and the most feared and hated being in the universe has been forever expelled from heaven!!
  • The citizens of heaven praise God and the lamb for their power and glory in overcoming the devil!!
  • The martyrs who died for their faith are called overcomers. The first name for followers of Christ was “overcomers.”
  • These overcomers used three weapons to defeat the devil.
  • They used the blood of the lamb.
  • They did not fall for satan’s lies that religion would be enough.
  • They did not fall for the lie that they were good enough.
  • When they saw their condition they turned to Jesus Christ by faith and they were washed in the blood of the lamb.
  • They pleaded the blood of Jesus Christ in every area of life.
  • They covered themselves and their every moment by moment.
  • They acquired eternal victory through the blood of the lamb.
  • They used the word of their testimony.
  • They stuck to their guns!!
  • They refused to renounce their faith in Jesus.
  • The word “testimony” means “report.”
  • They claimed to be redeemed followers of Jesus and they never backed down from that claim.
  • They used their supreme love for Jesus. They did not love their lives.
  • Even when they were threatened with death, they would not back down.
  • They loved their redeemer more than they loved their own lives.
  • They would rather die for Him who died for them than deny Him.
  • They stood their ground and faced a martyr’s death.

THE RAMPAGE OF THE DRAGON-Vs. 12-17.

  • Satan did not like it to be cast from heaven.

12. The fury of the dragon’s attack.

    • “Woe to the inhibiters of the earth.”
    • Satan knows that He has only “limited time” before the eternal plan of God is finished.

13-17-The focus of the dragon’s attack.

  • The primary object of attack of satan’s wrath is the chosen people of God, the nation of Israel and the church-Vs. 1-6.
  • Satan hates Israel and does everything in his power to destroy that nation.
  • Satan persecuted the woman-pursued and chased her. Satan goes after Israel with vengeance.
  • 17-Teaches us that there will be a faithful remnant of Israel during the dark days of the great tribulation-Matt. 24:1-22.

CONCLUSION

  • The only sure way to defeat the devil is through the blood of Jesus.
  • The precious blood of Jesus Christ is sufficient to defeat the devil forever and put satan to eternal lake of fire.
  • Are you really saved? Are you totally in the blood of the lamb?
  • Are you overcoming daily in the blood of Jesus Christ?
The following two tabs change content below.

Rev, DR. Willy Mutiso

Rev, Dr. Willy Mutiso is the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Athiriver. He is widely known for his practical and dynamic teaching style which helps people apply the timeless truths of Scripture to their everyday lives.

Latest posts by Rev, DR. Willy Mutiso (see all)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *