The Word of God and Prayer

Revelation 12:1 - 15:4     George Badeaux

Two things stand out as I read Revelation 12:7-12.  First, the throwing of Satan (and a third of the angels with him) out of heaven has major impact on the earth.  And second the term “they overcame.”

Remember in chapters 2 and 3 how blessings were foretold over and over for “he who overcomes.”  Here in verse 11 we learn, "they overcame (Satan) because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony.” 

Without the blood of the Lamb we have no power over Satan and his demons.  But with the blood of the Lamb we do have power over them.  Yet it is not our own.  It is power imparted from the Father, by His Spirit, because of Jesus.  We participate with God as He expresses HIS power in us.

The word of our testimony likely includes two main types of testimony.  First is the testimony about God Himself: His goodness, His greatness, power, holiness, love, etc.  And part of this includes recounting stories of His action in the world.  The second kind of testimony is our own personal testimony.  This includes our faith and trust of God, our story of salvation, and the results of God changing us from the inside out.

These two things, the blood of the Lamb and our testimony, are foundational in spiritual warfare.  Also foundational are the Word of God (the sword or the Spirit) and prayer (Eph.6:10-20).  And these 4 things are not only foundational, they are also the big guns.

Satan has been thrown to earth.  Spiritual war is underway.  We cannot choose to sit out.  We are in the battle, whether we want to be or not.  Let us battle effectively.  Let us first turn to God through prayer, trusting Him to act.  Let us trust completely that the power of the blood of Christ works in us and is sufficient.  And let us speak.  Let us speak the Word of God and speak our testimony.  The power of the truth of God’s Word and the truth of changed lives can tear down strongholds of lies that hold people captive.  The battlefield is primarily in the mind.  How will they know if we do not speak?

One final thought.  We have been given authority on earth, but not in heaven.  Fear not to speak the truth, in humility, into a battle here.  But avoid trying to battle spirits in the heavenlies.  That battle is not ours.  And never battle in pride.  It is not your strength.  It is God’s.

Let us be those who overcome!