The Final Blow
Notes
Transcript
Victory
Victory
Have you ever heard the expression “actions speak louder than words” or “talk is cheap?” These aren’t just catchy phrases that people use to get us to do stuff. James 1:22 says“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”
Actions are greater than our words could ever be. This is coming from someone who likes to talk and loves words of encouragement. Talk is cheap.
How many of you have heard the word “testimony?” What comes to mind when you think of that word?
Usually when people think of their testimony they think of sharing what God has done in their lives. How He has saved them, redeemed a situation or restored a relationship. But I’m starting to think sharing our testimony is about more than the words we say.
Let’s read Rev12:7-12
Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.
Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,
“It has come at last—
salvation and power
and the Kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters
has been thrown down to earth—
the one who accuses them
before our God day and night.
And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
and by their testimony.
And they did not love their lives so much
that they were afraid to die.
Therefore, rejoice, O heavens!
And you who live in the heavens, rejoice!
But terror will come on the earth and the sea,
for the devil has come down to you in great anger,
knowing that he has little time.”
I had always heard this quoted, “by the word of their testimony.” But what I have realized as I read, this has nothing to do with words. At least, that’s not all. This has to do with actions. Their testimony played out through their lives for the world to see.
So why don’t we see this in life? Read that last part again..Rev 12:12
Therefore, rejoice, O heavens!
And you who live in the heavens, rejoice!
But terror will come on the earth and the sea,
for the devil has come down to you in great anger,
knowing that he has little time.”
The enemy knows that he has been defeated, and he wants to take everyone down with him. He knows his time is short. So he comes at us with his greatest weapons....lies and accusations. Let me share a couple common ones.
Who here has ever said, “I don’t know how to pray.”? That’s ridiculous, you see that right? Most of you don’t have a problem talking. What is prayer? Talking to God. It’s a lie of the enemy to keep you out of the fight.
How about this, “I don’t know how to read the Bible.” Do you hear what you are saying? Most, if not all, of you know how to read. Can you understand it? Maybe not but that why you have people around you to help you understand it. It’s a lie!
If Satan, the accuser, can keep us asleep and docile with Netflix and our Switch and social media then he has nothing to worry about. But, if we wake up to what Jesus has for us. If we start to live out our purpose, our passions..... The powers of darkness don’t stand a chance against the children of the Living God!
Jesus sacrifice. His blood paid off our debt. Satan cannot stand against Jesus. Couple Jesus sacrifice with a life living out His purpose and His plan???? There is not a scheme on earth or demon in hell that can stand against that.
The blood of Jesus, a life living out Jesus purpose and direction. That is how we claim victory. That’s what it looks like.