Your Testimony Is Your Victory

Intro

Text - Revelation 12.7-12

Revelation 12:7–12 NKJV

7 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

Title - Your Testimony Is Your Victory

Background

The war in heaven

this is not a past event, but a future one which will take place in the middle of the week

this war marks the end of Satan’s access to the heavenly realm

he and his horde will be defeated in this battle

tey will be cast down to the earth

3 groups of Overcomers in the last days

There 3 groups of overcomers in the last days

the tribulation saints

the Jewish believers

the Gentile Bride

the Jewish overcomers

Revelation 6:9–11 (NKJV)

9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.

10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”

11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.

the golden altar is a place set before the throne of God

the tribulation saints

Revelation 15:1–3 (NKJV)

1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.

2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.

3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!

Revelation 7:14 (NKJV)

14 And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

the sea of glass is a special place before the throne of God

the Gentile overcomers

Revelation 3:4–5 (NKJV)

4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.

5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

the Gentile overcomers are placed beside Jesus

Revelation 3:21 (NKJV)

21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Revelation 19:7–8 (NKJV)

7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”

8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

the fine linen are THE righteous acts of the saints!

All three have things in common

they are in heaven/glory

they are given robes or garments

they have a testimony in their lives

Satan is the Accuser of the Brethren

Satan is a real, formidable enemy in the last days

Satan has many “devices” - his ammunitions

Lies - to deceive, to make the mind blind from the truth

Pain and suffering - to cultivate fear; make people fear death

Temptations - to defile the mind and the body

Pride - to make people independent of God’s will

Accusations - to impart guilt and condemn God’s people using God’s will

Satan is identified by his own name

he is the father of lies

he is the tempter

he has the power of death

he was the first to rebel against Gods will

but by the name Satan - he is what his name says he is

Satan

Hebrew, ‘SATAN’; adversary, accuser, opposer

Greek, ‘DIABOLOS’; false accuser, slanderer,

Accuser - grk. KATEGOROS, someone who puts blame or guilt to another

Why “accuse the brethren”?

Deception doesn’t work against true believers

Revelation 12:9 NKJV

9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

he can only deceive the “world”

2 Corinthians 4:3–6 NKJV

3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

deception works only to those who are “unbelieving”

those who have been truly “enlightened” can not be deceived anymore

Where deception don’t work, Satan uses “accusations”

Revelation 12:10 NKJV

10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

he accuses the believers before God

he accuses the believers on earth

Purpose of satan’s accusations

to destroy reputation

Genesis 3:1 NKJV

1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

he wanted to destroy God’s reputation by questioning God’s own words

Luke 6:6–11 NKJV

6 Now it happened on another Sabbath, also, that He entered the synagogue and taught. And a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him. 8 But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, “Arise and stand here.” And he arose and stood. 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?” 10 And when He had looked around at them all, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored as whole as the other. 11 But they were filled with rage, and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.

the scribes and Pharisees were waiitng for an opportunity to destroy Christ’s reputation in the eyes of His followers

Satan will throw accusations on your life to destroy your reputation -

as a servant of God

as a father, an elder a deacon a respected brother in the church

as agodly woman

To question one’s intent or purpose

Job 1:8–10 NKJV

8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” 9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.

did Job feared God only because he received protection?

Luke 23:1–2 NKJV

1 Then the whole multitude of them arose and led Him to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.”

false witnesses were paid to accuse Jesus of inciting rebellion against Rome

Satan will throw accusations against you to question your motives -

in your service, ministry, sacrifices

in your faithfulness to God

to question one ’s faithfulness

Job 2:3–5 NKJV

3 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.” 4 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”

to oppose appointment, promotion or progress

Zechariah 3:1–5 NKJV

1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” 3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. 4 Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” 5 And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.

Joshua (in the time of Ezra) was either being appointed as High Priest, or he was receiving accusations that may disqualify him from the position

Satan will throw accusations against you to hold you back -

from moving up in the ministry

from continuing in your ministry

from even taking your first steps in the ministry

Your Testimony - proof of the power of the blood of Christ

We have 2 powerful weapons in our arsenal -

Revelation 12:11 NKJV

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

they - refers to the tribulation saints

if the tribulation saints can overcome Satan the Accuser - why not the Birde of Jesus Christ?

We already have the weapons they will use against the Accuser -

the Blood of the Lamb

the Word of their Testimony

the believer’s testimony is connected with the blood of Christ

it declares you have been redeemed - paid in full at set free!

1 Peter 1:17–19 NKJV

17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Revelation 1:5 NKJV

5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,

it declares your conscience has been cleansed from dead works!

Hebrews 9:13–14 NKJV

13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

True Overcomers are not “hiding” under the blood of Christ

the blood of animals is for HIDING (O.T. worshipers)

the blood of Jesus is for CLEANSING!

the old sins are cleansed

the sinner is made righteous

the blood of Jesus is for SANCTIFYING

Your testimony - the message that your life speaks to the world

by your testimony you will be condemned

by your testimony you will be justified

Your testimony speaks of -

who you are - a child of God…

what you are - a godly man/woman, a servant of God, etc.

where you stand - on God’s side, or on the enemy’s

where you are going - glory or lake of fire

2 Corinthians 1:12 NKJV

12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

the testimony of the ministers of God

1 Timothy 3:7 NKJV

7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

the testimony of a good church elder

WARNING - your testimony can get you killed!

2 types of people who hide

bashers - fake or false accusers

eyewitnesses - to avoid being harrassed by government, they hide under witness protection program

Jesus was crucified for bearing witness to the truth

the tribulation saints will die in the hand of the antichrist

Why are so many Christians “coward” when it comes to speaking the truth?

they believe in the blood of the lamb (really?)

they do not have a good testimony!

TRUE OVERCOMERS ARE WILLING TO LAY DOWN THEIR LIVES FOR THR TESTIMONY

Rev 12.11 - they did not love their loves to the death

How your testimony defeats the enemy -

blameless, harmless, without fault

Philippians 2:12–15 NKJV

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

Titus 2:1–8 NKJV

1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. 6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

honorable - obedient to earthly ordinances and authorities

1 Peter 2:11–17 NKJV

11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

without covetousness

Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

boldness (unafraid);

1 Peter 3:13–17 NKJV

13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Conclusion - How to build a good testimony

A good testimony is not easy to produce.

It is a product of your whole lifetime!

It is produced in the hardest times, toughest circumstances, and through painful experiences.

Hebrews 11:1–2 (NKJV)

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

Live by faith

Hebrews 11:4 (NKJV)

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.

Hebrews 11:5 (NKJV)

5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Live a life led by the Spirit of God

Galatians 5:16–23 (NKJV)

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

The toughest parts of our spiritual warfare are the final laps, the last rounds.

the warriors/soldiers are wounded

the warriors/soldiers are tired and weary

the tactics and ideas have been exhausted

Take Care of your Testimony!

Your testimony will not only defeat your accusers

You testimony will earn you a place beside the Lord Jesus Christ

Your testimony will be your victory!

SONGS -

Thank you Jesus for the Blood Applied

I’LL OVERCOMER