Satan is DEFEATED!!!
Revelation 12
21 Fellowship, SBC
Dr. Simon Goncharenko
The Big Idea: As the ultimately defeated foe of all God’s people, Satan is and will be for a certain time, the force behind their persecution.
I. The turbulent history of Israel is partially of Satanic origin – vv. 1-6.
A. A woman in labor – Israel – vv. 1-2.
B. A huge red dragon with seven crowned heads and ten horns – Satan – v. 3.
i. Satanic intention – to devour the Messiah – v. 4.
C. The Messiah, who is to rule over all the nations, is preserved by God, while Israel is protected for 3.5 years – vv. 5-6.
II. One day soon the accuser of our brothers will be denied heavenly access – vv. 7-12.
A. Archangel Michael’s forces challenge and overpower the dragon’s forces ending decisively Satanic access to heaven – vv. 7-9.
B. Heavenly proclamation declares:
i. unequivocal rulership of God and His Messiah – v. 10.
ii. The cessation of incessant Satanic accusation – v. 10.
iii. The secret to overcoming Satanic accusation – v. 11.
iv. The joy in heaven yet terror on earth due to Satan’s realization of his increasing limitation – v. 12.
III. Though defeated, the ancient serpent will wage war against the chosen children of God – vv. 13-17.
A. Expelled from heaven, Satan goes after elect Jews with a new vengeance – v. 13
B. Rescued by God, Israel enjoys divine protection for 3.5 years – v. 14.
C. Satan makes an all-out effort to destroy Israel, which is again divinely protected – vv. 15-16.
D. The ancient serpent prepares to make one more final assault against the Godly remnant – v. 17.
