Conflict Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back Revelation 12:7 (NIV)

The Church is called to warfare. We travel in a battleship, not a cruiser. Not a conflict we have made, but one we choose to enter. Waged in the heavenly realm, but involving us on earth. “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” John 15:20

Satan seeks the downfall of Christians. Marginalisation Discrimination False accusation Persecution Imprisonment Martyrdom Secular humanism Legislation / regulation Religious ideologies

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

2. Combatants Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down – that ancient snake called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. Revelation 12:7-9 (NIV)

Satan the implacable enemy of Christ: The slaughter of the innocents The temptations in the desert The seeming victory of the crucifixion … But in the resurrection, Satan was defeated. “Where, O death, is your victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)

The battle continues until Satan is cast into the fiery lake (Revelation 20:10). Michael, on behalf of the people of God, fights against Satan.

Satan, the implacable enemy of Christians: The accuser The slanderer The deceiver The destroyer Perverting the good to capture and use the willing Causing calamity and evil The people of God face persecution and hatred simply because they are followers of Christ.

3. Conquest Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Revelation 12:10-11 (NIV)

The victory won by Christ Jesus: “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” Revelation 12:11

By enduring persecution, the Church turns the tables on Satan. The victim becomes victorious, through: the power, protection and saving efficacy of the blood of Jesus the faithful testimony of Christians their willingness to give up their lives for Christ

Jesus establishes a new Kingdom: the Kingdom of God on earth, a Kingdom of peace and love under the authority of the Messiah who rules people, nations, even Satan

4. Conclusion Therefore rejoice, you heavens     and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea,     because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury,     because he knows that his time is short.’ Revelation 12:12 (NIV)

Satan cast down to earth to wage war on Christians He seeks to extend his power. His rage stems from frustration and defeat. He creates havoc on earth. But his time is short. The victory of Christ and His Church is assured.

The heavens rejoice (Revelation 7:11-17) Among the multitude before the throne of God day and night, are those in white robes, washed in the blood of the Lamb. They have been through the tribulation. They will hunger and thirst no more. The Lamb will guide them to springs of the water of life. God will wipe every tear from their eyes.

“The strife is o’er, the battle done The victory of life is won; The song of triumph has begun. Alleluia!” Words: Symphonia Sirenum Selectarum, 1695; trans. Francis Pott (1832-1909)

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