WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.359 and talk with me. We're going to read Revelation chapter 12 this morning, chapter 12, 1, 17. 00:00:20.300 --> 00:00:26.719 The title we've given this talk this morning is The Dragon Slayer, so I hope all that becomes 00:00:26.719 --> 00:00:34.019 clear as we read. Revelation chapter 12, starting at verse 1. 00:00:36.259 --> 00:00:44.420 A great sign appeared in heaven. A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, 00:00:45.179 --> 00:00:52.259 and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about 00:00:52.259 --> 00:01:00.459 to give birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven. An enormous red dragon with seven heads 00:01:00.459 --> 00:01:08.640 and ten horns and seven crowns on its head. Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky 00:01:08.640 --> 00:01:15.259 and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, 00:01:15.260 --> 00:01:24.460 so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. She gave birth to a son, a male child, 00:01:25.500 --> 00:01:34.060 who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up to God, 00:01:34.060 --> 00:01:41.160 to his throne. The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, 00:01:41.159 --> 00:01:52.379 where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days. Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels 00:01:52.379 --> 00:02:00.280 fought against the dragon, and the dragon against his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, 00:02:01.039 --> 00:02:09.219 and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down. That ancient snake called the devil, 00:02:09.219 --> 00:02:17.120 or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. 00:02:18.520 --> 00:02:20.939 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say, 00:02:21.439 --> 00:02:28.000 Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. 00:02:29.079 --> 00:02:35.680 For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before God day and night, 00:02:35.680 --> 00:02:44.460 has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony. 00:02:45.560 --> 00:02:49.640 They did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. 00:02:51.240 --> 00:02:56.379 Therefore, rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them. 00:02:56.379 --> 00:03:01.599 But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you. 00:03:01.900 --> 00:03:07.460 He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short. 00:03:09.620 --> 00:03:12.840 When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to the earth, 00:03:13.560 --> 00:03:17.099 he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 00:03:17.099 --> 00:03:21.199 The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, 00:03:22.019 --> 00:03:25.900 so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, 00:03:26.740 --> 00:03:32.180 where she would be taken care of for a time, times, and half a time, 00:03:32.819 --> 00:03:34.479 out of the snake's reach. 00:03:36.060 --> 00:03:39.759 Then from his mouth the snake spewed water like a river, 00:03:40.419 --> 00:03:44.419 to overtake the woman, sweep her away from the torrent. 00:03:44.419 --> 00:03:48.259 But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth 00:03:48.259 --> 00:03:52.459 and swallowing the river that the dragon spewed out of its mouth. 00:03:54.019 --> 00:03:57.259 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman 00:03:57.259 --> 00:04:00.560 and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring, 00:04:01.759 --> 00:04:03.979 those who keep God's commands 00:04:03.979 --> 00:04:08.379 and hold fast their testimony about Jesus. 00:04:12.159 --> 00:04:13.619 Well, let's pray. 00:04:14.419 --> 00:04:24.479 Father God, we come here today 00:04:24.479 --> 00:04:29.819 as those who seek to keep God's commands 00:04:29.819 --> 00:04:33.939 and who seek to hold fast 00:04:33.939 --> 00:04:37.219 our testimony about Jesus. 00:04:37.220 --> 00:04:42.840 and yet we recognise that doing so 00:04:42.840 --> 00:04:45.680 is going to be hard 00:04:45.680 --> 00:04:49.620 for we have an enemy. 00:04:51.980 --> 00:04:54.800 We need your help, Father, to know 00:04:54.800 --> 00:05:00.620 that the victory has been won by the Lord Jesus. 00:05:00.620 --> 00:05:05.780 help us to stand strong in his strength 00:05:05.780 --> 00:05:08.160 and in his power 00:05:08.160 --> 00:05:12.240 so that we too might overcome. 00:05:14.319 --> 00:05:15.600 Father, please, 00:05:16.259 --> 00:05:17.959 may not one of us fall, 00:05:19.100 --> 00:05:21.240 but may each one of us 00:05:21.240 --> 00:05:23.639 walk closely with you. 00:05:23.639 --> 00:05:28.699 may your word do its work in our lives today. 00:05:29.159 --> 00:05:30.399 In Jesus' name. 00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:31.659 Amen. 00:05:31.660 --> 00:05:39.160 Well, it's like something out of Lord of the Rings, isn't it? 00:05:39.160 --> 00:05:41.560 Or a novel by J.K. Rowling. 00:05:41.560 --> 00:05:46.220 The three main characters in chapter 12, 00:05:46.379 --> 00:05:47.500 we've got a woman, 00:05:48.699 --> 00:05:49.439 a son, 00:05:49.980 --> 00:05:51.480 and a dragon. 00:05:52.620 --> 00:05:54.259 The woman, verse 2, 00:05:55.259 --> 00:05:57.040 was pregnant 00:05:57.040 --> 00:05:59.220 and cried out in pain 00:05:59.220 --> 00:06:01.500 as she was about to give birth. 00:06:02.700 --> 00:06:05.160 Well, giving birth is always painful, 00:06:05.340 --> 00:06:08.060 but this is much more than just physical pain. 00:06:08.220 --> 00:06:10.500 Something dark and sinister 00:06:10.500 --> 00:06:12.980 is prowling around in the shadows. 00:06:14.220 --> 00:06:15.620 Look at the middle of verse 4. 00:06:16.740 --> 00:06:19.100 The dragon stood in front of the woman 00:06:19.100 --> 00:06:20.900 who was about to give birth 00:06:20.900 --> 00:06:23.680 so that it might devour her child 00:06:23.680 --> 00:06:26.040 the moment he was born. 00:06:27.040 --> 00:06:29.560 What should be a moment of joy 00:06:29.560 --> 00:06:32.920 is turning out to be filled with dread. 00:06:34.020 --> 00:06:36.819 Before this baby is born 00:06:36.819 --> 00:06:38.560 and has time to draw breath, 00:06:38.960 --> 00:06:41.680 he's going to be devoured by the dragon. 00:06:43.180 --> 00:06:44.660 The woman is in fear. 00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:47.300 The child is helpless. 00:06:48.820 --> 00:06:51.700 And when all seems hopelessly lost, 00:06:52.840 --> 00:06:54.700 look at the end of verse 5. 00:06:54.699 --> 00:06:58.459 Her child was snatched up to God 00:06:58.459 --> 00:07:00.620 and to his throne. 00:07:01.839 --> 00:07:04.319 We can all breathe a sigh of relief. 00:07:05.259 --> 00:07:06.699 That was a close one. 00:07:08.659 --> 00:07:10.379 Now as we read that, 00:07:11.439 --> 00:07:13.240 there's something very familiar 00:07:13.240 --> 00:07:14.719 about the vision, isn't there? 00:07:14.759 --> 00:07:16.919 In our minds we can't help 00:07:16.920 --> 00:07:19.840 but think about these three characters, 00:07:20.140 --> 00:07:24.180 the woman, the son, and this dragon 00:07:24.180 --> 00:07:27.120 and we begin to interpret, don't we? 00:07:28.080 --> 00:07:29.300 We can't help but think, 00:07:29.939 --> 00:07:32.200 Johnny, is that Mary? 00:07:32.379 --> 00:07:33.540 And is this Jesus? 00:07:33.800 --> 00:07:35.220 And is this Satan? 00:07:35.220 --> 00:07:40.260 Well, while the characters in John's vision 00:07:40.260 --> 00:07:41.380 are not real, 00:07:42.160 --> 00:07:44.560 they do convey a literal truth. 00:07:45.500 --> 00:07:47.560 It's not that there is a real woman 00:07:47.560 --> 00:07:49.080 clothed with the sun 00:07:49.080 --> 00:07:53.360 and a dragon with seven heads 00:07:53.360 --> 00:07:54.840 wandering around the place. 00:07:54.980 --> 00:07:56.940 No, John is using symbolism 00:07:56.940 --> 00:07:59.780 to communicate a literal truth. 00:07:59.779 --> 00:08:01.459 This isn't fantasy. 00:08:02.599 --> 00:08:03.799 This is real. 00:08:05.000 --> 00:08:06.459 This vision of a woman, 00:08:06.619 --> 00:08:08.259 a son, and a dragon 00:08:08.259 --> 00:08:10.959 retell the true story 00:08:10.959 --> 00:08:12.719 of the whole Bible. 00:08:13.579 --> 00:08:15.279 It's the epic battle 00:08:15.279 --> 00:08:17.859 between God and Satan. 00:08:19.059 --> 00:08:20.899 And we know Satan's objective 00:08:20.899 --> 00:08:22.279 is crystal clear 00:08:22.279 --> 00:08:24.099 to oppose Christ 00:08:24.099 --> 00:08:26.979 and destroy the church. 00:08:26.980 --> 00:08:29.720 Well, chapter 12 00:08:29.720 --> 00:08:30.620 has been written 00:08:30.620 --> 00:08:32.159 to remind us 00:08:32.159 --> 00:08:34.000 in no uncertain terms 00:08:34.000 --> 00:08:38.039 that God has the final victory 00:08:38.039 --> 00:08:39.580 over Satan 00:08:39.580 --> 00:08:42.039 and we can have assurance 00:08:42.039 --> 00:08:43.420 that this victory 00:08:43.420 --> 00:08:45.379 is ours too. 00:08:46.480 --> 00:08:48.700 God has the final victory 00:08:48.700 --> 00:08:49.580 over Satan 00:08:49.580 --> 00:08:51.720 and we can have assurance 00:08:51.720 --> 00:08:52.960 that this victory 00:08:52.960 --> 00:08:54.700 is ours too. 00:08:54.700 --> 00:08:56.740 So we're going to look 00:08:56.740 --> 00:08:57.540 at three things. 00:08:57.700 --> 00:09:00.480 There's three main scenes here 00:09:00.480 --> 00:09:02.400 as we look at these characters. 00:09:02.620 --> 00:09:03.180 We're going to see 00:09:03.180 --> 00:09:04.820 Satan's promised defeat, 00:09:05.920 --> 00:09:07.900 Jesus' triumphant victory, 00:09:08.820 --> 00:09:12.379 and the church's guaranteed protection. 00:09:13.400 --> 00:09:15.520 So first, scene one, 00:09:16.400 --> 00:09:19.280 Satan's promised defeat. 00:09:19.279 --> 00:09:21.740 Now to begin, 00:09:21.879 --> 00:09:22.819 we need to go back 00:09:22.819 --> 00:09:24.879 to an earlier true story. 00:09:25.620 --> 00:09:26.439 Let's go back 00:09:26.439 --> 00:09:28.220 to the beginning of the Bible, 00:09:28.379 --> 00:09:30.600 to Genesis chapter 3. 00:09:30.899 --> 00:09:32.559 So find your way back. 00:09:32.659 --> 00:09:34.059 It's the first book in the Bible, 00:09:34.259 --> 00:09:36.360 Genesis chapter 3. 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:38.079 And here we see 00:09:38.079 --> 00:09:39.419 God's promise 00:09:39.419 --> 00:09:42.259 to defeat Satan. 00:09:42.259 --> 00:09:46.299 God had made a good 00:09:46.299 --> 00:09:47.939 and beautiful world. 00:09:49.240 --> 00:09:49.919 Adam and Eve 00:09:49.919 --> 00:09:50.960 were the first man 00:09:50.960 --> 00:09:51.840 and first woman, 00:09:52.039 --> 00:09:53.799 God's image bearers 00:09:53.799 --> 00:09:54.919 who were representing 00:09:54.919 --> 00:09:55.899 God's rule 00:09:55.899 --> 00:09:57.980 over the entire earth. 00:09:59.419 --> 00:10:00.319 But as we go 00:10:00.319 --> 00:10:01.539 to the Garden of Eden, 00:10:02.080 --> 00:10:03.299 lurking in the shadows 00:10:03.299 --> 00:10:04.179 was none other 00:10:04.179 --> 00:10:05.639 than that snake, 00:10:06.840 --> 00:10:07.259 Satan. 00:10:08.319 --> 00:10:09.980 And with an enticing lie, 00:10:09.980 --> 00:10:12.539 he proposed to Adam and Eve, 00:10:12.980 --> 00:10:15.879 you can be like God. 00:10:16.480 --> 00:10:18.940 You can rule your own life. 00:10:20.139 --> 00:10:21.519 And with cunning deceit, 00:10:21.580 --> 00:10:22.279 he promised, 00:10:23.220 --> 00:10:24.840 you won't die. 00:10:26.700 --> 00:10:28.779 The desire for self-rule 00:10:28.779 --> 00:10:29.680 was too great 00:10:29.680 --> 00:10:30.500 and Adam and Eve 00:10:30.500 --> 00:10:32.340 disobeyed their loving creator 00:10:32.340 --> 00:10:33.399 which unleashed 00:10:33.399 --> 00:10:35.560 God's judgment on the world, 00:10:35.960 --> 00:10:37.139 the curse of death. 00:10:37.139 --> 00:10:40.019 But that wasn't the end, 00:10:40.120 --> 00:10:40.580 was it? 00:10:41.460 --> 00:10:42.779 God made a promise 00:10:42.779 --> 00:10:44.340 to undo the curse 00:10:44.340 --> 00:10:46.340 and put things right. 00:10:47.100 --> 00:10:48.299 And we can read about 00:10:48.299 --> 00:10:49.319 that promise here. 00:10:49.460 --> 00:10:50.679 Genesis chapter 3, 00:10:50.779 --> 00:10:51.639 verse 14. 00:10:53.139 --> 00:10:54.720 So after these events, 00:10:54.860 --> 00:10:56.620 the Lord God said to the snake, 00:10:57.879 --> 00:10:59.439 because you have done this, 00:10:59.559 --> 00:11:01.220 because you have deceived 00:11:01.220 --> 00:11:02.860 the man and woman, 00:11:03.740 --> 00:11:05.600 cursed are you above all livestock 00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:07.340 and all wild animals. 00:11:07.700 --> 00:11:09.440 You will crawl on your belly 00:11:09.440 --> 00:11:10.620 and you will eat dust 00:11:10.620 --> 00:11:12.279 all the days of your life. 00:11:13.560 --> 00:11:15.220 And I will put enmity 00:11:15.220 --> 00:11:16.200 between you, 00:11:16.440 --> 00:11:16.700 Satan, 00:11:16.899 --> 00:11:17.840 and the woman, 00:11:18.920 --> 00:11:20.560 between your offspring 00:11:20.560 --> 00:11:23.019 and her offspring. 00:11:24.019 --> 00:11:27.220 And he will crush your head 00:11:27.220 --> 00:11:31.160 and you will strike his heel. 00:11:31.159 --> 00:11:34.360 God promised that a seed 00:11:34.360 --> 00:11:35.219 from the woman, 00:11:35.819 --> 00:11:37.439 one of her offspring, 00:11:38.139 --> 00:11:39.980 a son would come 00:11:39.980 --> 00:11:41.279 who would crush 00:11:41.279 --> 00:11:42.740 the head of Satan. 00:11:43.699 --> 00:11:45.659 But Satan would strike out. 00:11:46.019 --> 00:11:47.299 Yes, he will be crushed, 00:11:48.299 --> 00:11:50.240 but not before he delivers 00:11:50.240 --> 00:11:51.600 a striking blow. 00:11:53.179 --> 00:11:54.379 That's the promise 00:11:54.379 --> 00:11:56.120 at the beginning of this Bible, 00:11:56.539 --> 00:11:57.779 the true story. 00:11:57.779 --> 00:11:59.100 And that promise 00:11:59.100 --> 00:12:00.120 will be worked out 00:12:00.120 --> 00:12:01.699 through every page, 00:12:02.259 --> 00:12:03.740 through God's people, 00:12:04.079 --> 00:12:04.500 Israel. 00:12:04.699 --> 00:12:06.439 From the line of Abraham, 00:12:06.799 --> 00:12:08.299 a child would be born 00:12:08.299 --> 00:12:09.439 who would come 00:12:09.439 --> 00:12:11.319 and crush Satan. 00:12:12.779 --> 00:12:14.699 Now as we follow the promise, 00:12:15.439 --> 00:12:17.819 we discover that this promised son 00:12:17.819 --> 00:12:21.019 would also be God's king. 00:12:21.620 --> 00:12:22.679 Have a look with me 00:12:22.679 --> 00:12:24.259 to Psalm 2. 00:12:24.879 --> 00:12:26.039 Psalm 2. 00:12:26.039 --> 00:12:29.379 We're making some big jumps 00:12:29.379 --> 00:12:32.519 as we follow the promise of God 00:12:32.519 --> 00:12:33.539 through the Bible. 00:12:33.799 --> 00:12:35.019 Psalm 2. 00:12:36.299 --> 00:12:38.860 Psalm 2 is all about the nations 00:12:38.860 --> 00:12:41.339 plotting the downfall 00:12:41.339 --> 00:12:42.379 and the destruction 00:12:42.379 --> 00:12:43.779 of God's promised king. 00:12:44.079 --> 00:12:46.159 Just as Satan had caused Adam 00:12:46.159 --> 00:12:47.779 to rebel against God's rule, 00:12:48.179 --> 00:12:50.299 so the conflict continues. 00:12:52.159 --> 00:12:54.019 We can imagine Satan 00:12:54.019 --> 00:12:56.039 still lurking in the background. 00:12:56.639 --> 00:12:58.279 Psalm 2, verse 1. 00:12:58.279 --> 00:13:00.679 Why do the nations conspire 00:13:00.679 --> 00:13:02.319 and the peoples plot in vain? 00:13:03.039 --> 00:13:05.379 The kings of the earth rise up 00:13:05.379 --> 00:13:07.779 and the rulers band together 00:13:07.779 --> 00:13:08.620 against who? 00:13:09.620 --> 00:13:10.960 Against the Lord 00:13:10.960 --> 00:13:13.319 and against his anointed, 00:13:13.519 --> 00:13:13.779 saying, 00:13:14.179 --> 00:13:15.699 let us break their chains 00:13:15.699 --> 00:13:17.360 and throw off their shackles. 00:13:17.899 --> 00:13:19.259 We don't need God. 00:13:19.259 --> 00:13:21.220 Let us live as we please 00:13:21.220 --> 00:13:22.840 and be God's ourselves. 00:13:25.019 --> 00:13:26.899 But look at God's response, 00:13:27.059 --> 00:13:27.580 verse 4. 00:13:28.299 --> 00:13:29.779 The one enthroned in heaven 00:13:29.779 --> 00:13:30.340 laughs. 00:13:30.480 --> 00:13:32.080 The Lord scoffs at them. 00:13:32.600 --> 00:13:34.439 He rebukes them in his anger 00:13:34.439 --> 00:13:36.200 and he terrifies them 00:13:36.200 --> 00:13:36.899 in his wrath, 00:13:36.980 --> 00:13:37.259 saying, 00:13:37.659 --> 00:13:40.399 I have installed my king 00:13:40.399 --> 00:13:41.299 on Zion, 00:13:42.100 --> 00:13:43.559 my holy mountain. 00:13:43.559 --> 00:13:47.479 And look what God says 00:13:47.479 --> 00:13:48.719 the king will do 00:13:48.719 --> 00:13:50.939 to those who oppose him. 00:13:51.379 --> 00:13:52.759 Look at the end of verse 9. 00:13:54.619 --> 00:13:55.899 You will break them 00:13:55.899 --> 00:13:57.339 with a rod of iron 00:13:57.339 --> 00:13:59.839 and you will dash them 00:13:59.839 --> 00:14:02.119 to pieces like pottery. 00:14:03.399 --> 00:14:06.019 God's promised son 00:14:06.019 --> 00:14:08.419 would be a king 00:14:08.419 --> 00:14:10.919 who would crush his enemies 00:14:10.919 --> 00:14:13.079 and rule over all things 00:14:13.079 --> 00:14:13.939 and all peoples. 00:14:14.819 --> 00:14:16.699 Is God going to make good 00:14:16.699 --> 00:14:17.500 on his promise? 00:14:18.779 --> 00:14:20.179 Well, let's go back 00:14:20.179 --> 00:14:22.740 to Revelation chapter 12. 00:14:24.679 --> 00:14:25.419 You see, 00:14:25.519 --> 00:14:27.759 there is the promised son 00:14:27.759 --> 00:14:32.419 and there is the great defeat. 00:14:32.639 --> 00:14:34.000 The promise is fulfilled. 00:14:34.179 --> 00:14:34.439 You see, 00:14:34.519 --> 00:14:36.480 the vision of Revelation 12 00:14:36.480 --> 00:14:39.240 is the fulfillment 00:14:39.240 --> 00:14:41.600 of God's promise. 00:14:42.279 --> 00:14:43.620 The woman in the vision 00:14:43.620 --> 00:14:45.879 represents the people of God 00:14:45.879 --> 00:14:47.519 through whom the promised son 00:14:47.519 --> 00:14:48.100 would come. 00:14:48.440 --> 00:14:49.639 The dragon, of course, 00:14:49.759 --> 00:14:51.420 is none other than Satan. 00:14:52.420 --> 00:14:53.440 And the son 00:14:53.440 --> 00:14:55.960 is Jesus himself. 00:14:56.879 --> 00:14:58.080 Look at verse 5 00:14:58.080 --> 00:14:59.340 of Revelation 12. 00:15:01.120 --> 00:15:02.820 She will give birth 00:15:02.820 --> 00:15:03.720 to a son, 00:15:04.759 --> 00:15:06.019 a male child, 00:15:06.480 --> 00:15:08.139 who will rule 00:15:08.139 --> 00:15:09.460 all the nations 00:15:09.460 --> 00:15:11.259 with an iron scepter. 00:15:12.680 --> 00:15:13.740 That quote 00:15:13.740 --> 00:15:14.639 comes from 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:15.620 Psalm 2, 00:15:16.300 --> 00:15:17.879 which we just read. 00:15:18.820 --> 00:15:19.580 Jesus is 00:15:19.580 --> 00:15:21.100 the promised king, 00:15:21.519 --> 00:15:22.240 God's son 00:15:22.240 --> 00:15:22.840 who would come 00:15:22.840 --> 00:15:23.560 to crush 00:15:23.560 --> 00:15:24.500 Satan's head. 00:15:24.980 --> 00:15:25.680 Jesus came 00:15:25.680 --> 00:15:26.480 to slay 00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:27.159 the dragon 00:15:27.159 --> 00:15:28.220 and the way 00:15:28.220 --> 00:15:28.620 in which 00:15:28.620 --> 00:15:30.039 Satan will defeat 00:15:30.039 --> 00:15:31.639 or the way 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:32.000 in which 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:32.940 Satan will be 00:15:32.940 --> 00:15:33.560 defeated 00:15:33.560 --> 00:15:35.060 is through 00:15:35.060 --> 00:15:35.539 the work 00:15:35.539 --> 00:15:36.100 of Jesus. 00:15:36.480 --> 00:15:38.060 Look very closely 00:15:38.060 --> 00:15:39.139 at verse 5. 00:15:40.340 --> 00:15:41.860 It clearly speaks 00:15:41.860 --> 00:15:43.680 about the birth 00:15:43.680 --> 00:15:44.980 of a son. 00:15:45.420 --> 00:15:46.480 She will give birth 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:47.820 to a male child. 00:15:49.019 --> 00:15:50.120 It also speaks 00:15:50.120 --> 00:15:50.820 about the 00:15:50.820 --> 00:15:52.560 ascension of Jesus. 00:15:53.659 --> 00:15:54.320 Her child 00:15:54.320 --> 00:15:55.539 was snatched up 00:15:55.539 --> 00:15:56.100 to God 00:15:56.100 --> 00:15:57.779 and to his throne. 00:15:58.680 --> 00:15:59.000 Now, 00:15:59.220 --> 00:15:59.860 in between 00:15:59.860 --> 00:16:00.960 these two events, 00:16:01.080 --> 00:16:01.680 the birth 00:16:01.680 --> 00:16:02.320 of Jesus 00:16:02.320 --> 00:16:03.580 and the 00:16:03.580 --> 00:16:04.300 ascension 00:16:04.299 --> 00:16:04.979 of Jesus, 00:16:05.879 --> 00:16:06.639 we have the 00:16:06.639 --> 00:16:07.219 death 00:16:07.219 --> 00:16:07.779 and the 00:16:07.779 --> 00:16:08.339 resurrection 00:16:08.339 --> 00:16:09.039 of Jesus. 00:16:09.659 --> 00:16:09.899 Now, 00:16:09.959 --> 00:16:10.599 John doesn't 00:16:10.599 --> 00:16:11.199 mention them 00:16:11.199 --> 00:16:11.519 here, 00:16:11.599 --> 00:16:12.120 but he wants 00:16:12.120 --> 00:16:12.699 us to see 00:16:12.699 --> 00:16:13.599 in verse 5 00:16:13.599 --> 00:16:14.419 that the 00:16:14.419 --> 00:16:15.379 whole work 00:16:15.379 --> 00:16:16.699 and ministry 00:16:16.699 --> 00:16:17.479 of Jesus 00:16:17.479 --> 00:16:18.959 is in view. 00:16:19.959 --> 00:16:20.939 In other words, 00:16:21.519 --> 00:16:22.299 Satan is 00:16:22.299 --> 00:16:22.759 crushed, 00:16:23.419 --> 00:16:24.059 the dragon 00:16:24.059 --> 00:16:24.759 is slayed, 00:16:24.899 --> 00:16:25.339 the devil 00:16:25.339 --> 00:16:26.059 is defeated 00:16:26.059 --> 00:16:28.319 by the work 00:16:28.319 --> 00:16:28.919 of Jesus. 00:16:28.919 --> 00:16:29.740 He's coming 00:16:29.740 --> 00:16:30.599 into the world 00:16:30.599 --> 00:16:31.639 as the God-man, 00:16:31.639 --> 00:16:32.319 the one 00:16:32.319 --> 00:16:32.960 who lived 00:16:32.960 --> 00:16:33.639 the perfect 00:16:33.639 --> 00:16:34.080 life, 00:16:34.419 --> 00:16:34.899 who never 00:16:34.899 --> 00:16:35.539 failed 00:16:35.539 --> 00:16:37.080 under temptation, 00:16:37.379 --> 00:16:37.899 who never 00:16:37.899 --> 00:16:38.659 sinned. 00:16:40.439 --> 00:16:40.919 And when 00:16:40.919 --> 00:16:42.139 Jesus died, 00:16:42.699 --> 00:16:43.340 it seemed 00:16:43.340 --> 00:16:44.220 like Satan 00:16:44.220 --> 00:16:44.799 had won. 00:16:45.120 --> 00:16:45.759 As Jesus 00:16:45.759 --> 00:16:46.679 was crucified, 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:48.340 it looked 00:16:48.340 --> 00:16:48.980 like it was 00:16:48.980 --> 00:16:49.360 over, 00:16:50.019 --> 00:16:50.559 but it was 00:16:50.559 --> 00:16:51.179 just a 00:16:51.179 --> 00:16:51.819 strike 00:16:51.819 --> 00:16:52.740 to the 00:16:52.740 --> 00:16:53.080 heel. 00:16:53.500 --> 00:16:54.199 Because as 00:16:54.199 --> 00:16:55.059 Jesus rose 00:16:55.059 --> 00:16:55.460 from the 00:16:55.460 --> 00:16:55.679 dead, 00:16:55.980 --> 00:16:56.779 he proved 00:16:56.779 --> 00:16:57.399 his victory 00:16:57.399 --> 00:16:58.159 over Satan. 00:16:58.539 --> 00:16:59.559 He crushed 00:16:59.559 --> 00:17:01.059 Satan's 00:17:01.059 --> 00:17:01.480 head. 00:17:01.639 --> 00:17:03.199 So God 00:17:03.199 --> 00:17:03.819 promised 00:17:03.819 --> 00:17:05.279 the defeat 00:17:05.279 --> 00:17:05.879 of Satan. 00:17:06.839 --> 00:17:07.579 And God 00:17:07.579 --> 00:17:08.539 through Jesus 00:17:08.539 --> 00:17:09.619 has fulfilled 00:17:09.619 --> 00:17:11.259 that promise. 00:17:11.759 --> 00:17:12.519 Jesus is 00:17:12.519 --> 00:17:13.440 now reigning 00:17:13.440 --> 00:17:14.180 and ruling 00:17:14.180 --> 00:17:14.839 in heaven 00:17:14.839 --> 00:17:16.220 over all 00:17:16.220 --> 00:17:16.839 things 00:17:16.839 --> 00:17:17.940 and all 00:17:17.940 --> 00:17:18.420 people, 00:17:18.639 --> 00:17:19.119 even 00:17:19.119 --> 00:17:20.240 Satan 00:17:20.240 --> 00:17:20.940 himself. 00:17:22.599 --> 00:17:23.139 So 00:17:23.139 --> 00:17:24.000 Satan's 00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:24.940 promised 00:17:24.940 --> 00:17:26.240 defeat. 00:17:27.319 --> 00:17:28.079 The second 00:17:28.079 --> 00:17:28.579 theme 00:17:28.579 --> 00:17:30.139 is 00:17:30.139 --> 00:17:30.639 Jesus' 00:17:30.639 --> 00:17:31.819 triumphant 00:17:31.819 --> 00:17:33.059 victory. 00:17:34.179 --> 00:17:34.899 The death 00:17:34.899 --> 00:17:35.579 and resurrection 00:17:35.579 --> 00:17:36.359 of Jesus 00:17:36.359 --> 00:17:37.679 was decisive. 00:17:38.419 --> 00:17:39.220 It signalled 00:17:39.220 --> 00:17:39.919 the defeat 00:17:39.919 --> 00:17:40.419 and the 00:17:40.419 --> 00:17:41.099 undoing 00:17:41.099 --> 00:17:41.679 of Satan. 00:17:42.359 --> 00:17:42.819 And when 00:17:42.819 --> 00:17:43.639 these events 00:17:43.639 --> 00:17:44.099 happened, 00:17:44.179 --> 00:17:44.699 as Jesus 00:17:44.699 --> 00:17:45.379 died and 00:17:45.379 --> 00:17:45.759 as he 00:17:45.759 --> 00:17:46.299 rose, 00:17:47.220 --> 00:17:48.220 it unleashed 00:17:48.220 --> 00:17:48.699 at that 00:17:48.699 --> 00:17:49.619 very moment 00:17:49.619 --> 00:17:50.759 an almighty 00:17:50.759 --> 00:17:51.699 conflict 00:17:51.700 --> 00:17:53.039 in heaven. 00:17:53.259 --> 00:17:54.160 Look at 00:17:54.160 --> 00:17:54.759 verse 7. 00:17:55.900 --> 00:17:57.080 Then war 00:17:57.080 --> 00:17:58.140 broke out 00:17:58.140 --> 00:17:59.180 in heaven. 00:18:00.539 --> 00:18:01.120 Now, 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:02.160 as I read 00:18:02.160 --> 00:18:02.960 these verses, 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:06.140 I often 00:18:06.140 --> 00:18:06.660 thought, 00:18:07.039 --> 00:18:07.340 well, 00:18:07.680 --> 00:18:08.180 this is 00:18:08.180 --> 00:18:09.019 referring to 00:18:09.019 --> 00:18:09.680 Satan's 00:18:09.680 --> 00:18:10.279 initial 00:18:10.279 --> 00:18:10.840 rebellion 00:18:10.840 --> 00:18:11.720 against God, 00:18:11.819 --> 00:18:12.220 kind of 00:18:12.220 --> 00:18:13.319 somewhere way 00:18:13.319 --> 00:18:13.900 back at the 00:18:13.900 --> 00:18:14.460 beginning of 00:18:14.460 --> 00:18:15.120 the story. 00:18:16.600 --> 00:18:17.240 And maybe 00:18:17.240 --> 00:18:17.720 in some 00:18:17.720 --> 00:18:18.120 ways we 00:18:18.120 --> 00:18:18.819 can read 00:18:18.819 --> 00:18:19.180 it like 00:18:19.180 --> 00:18:19.539 this, 00:18:19.980 --> 00:18:20.579 but I 00:18:20.579 --> 00:18:21.039 think it's 00:18:21.039 --> 00:18:21.519 saying that 00:18:21.519 --> 00:18:22.140 when 00:18:22.140 --> 00:18:23.019 Jesus 00:18:23.019 --> 00:18:23.700 died 00:18:23.700 --> 00:18:24.720 and rose, 00:18:25.819 --> 00:18:26.620 verse 7, 00:18:27.360 --> 00:18:28.880 then war 00:18:28.880 --> 00:18:29.759 broke out 00:18:29.759 --> 00:18:30.279 in heaven. 00:18:30.819 --> 00:18:31.240 Michael 00:18:31.240 --> 00:18:31.819 and his 00:18:31.819 --> 00:18:32.240 angels 00:18:32.240 --> 00:18:32.779 fought 00:18:32.779 --> 00:18:33.200 against 00:18:33.200 --> 00:18:33.440 the 00:18:33.440 --> 00:18:33.799 dragon 00:18:33.799 --> 00:18:34.539 and the 00:18:34.539 --> 00:18:34.940 dragon 00:18:34.940 --> 00:18:35.359 and his 00:18:35.359 --> 00:18:35.700 angels 00:18:35.700 --> 00:18:36.019 fought 00:18:36.019 --> 00:18:36.400 back, 00:18:36.680 --> 00:18:37.019 but he 00:18:37.019 --> 00:18:37.380 wasn't 00:18:37.380 --> 00:18:37.859 strong 00:18:37.859 --> 00:18:38.160 enough 00:18:38.160 --> 00:18:38.480 and they 00:18:38.480 --> 00:18:38.839 lost 00:18:38.839 --> 00:18:39.120 their 00:18:39.120 --> 00:18:39.519 place 00:18:39.519 --> 00:18:40.000 in heaven. 00:18:40.420 --> 00:18:40.559 The 00:18:40.559 --> 00:18:40.960 great 00:18:40.960 --> 00:18:41.420 dragon 00:18:41.420 --> 00:18:41.720 was 00:18:41.720 --> 00:18:42.299 hurled 00:18:42.299 --> 00:18:42.859 down, 00:18:43.279 --> 00:18:43.519 that 00:18:43.519 --> 00:18:44.319 ancient 00:18:44.319 --> 00:18:45.000 snake 00:18:45.000 --> 00:18:45.480 called 00:18:45.480 --> 00:18:45.759 the 00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:46.200 devil 00:18:46.200 --> 00:18:46.539 or 00:18:46.539 --> 00:18:47.120 Satan 00:18:47.120 --> 00:18:47.960 who 00:18:47.960 --> 00:18:48.279 leads 00:18:48.279 --> 00:18:48.480 the 00:18:48.480 --> 00:18:48.819 whole 00:18:48.819 --> 00:18:49.180 world 00:18:49.180 --> 00:18:49.599 astray. 00:18:50.019 --> 00:18:50.140 He 00:18:50.140 --> 00:18:50.440 was 00:18:50.440 --> 00:18:51.039 hurled 00:18:51.039 --> 00:18:51.240 to 00:18:51.240 --> 00:18:51.420 the 00:18:51.420 --> 00:18:51.779 earth 00:18:51.779 --> 00:18:53.180 and 00:18:53.180 --> 00:18:53.420 his 00:18:53.420 --> 00:18:54.099 angels 00:18:54.099 --> 00:18:54.460 with 00:18:54.460 --> 00:18:54.680 him. 00:18:56.259 --> 00:18:56.779 So 00:18:56.779 --> 00:18:57.039 it 00:18:57.039 --> 00:18:57.700 seems 00:18:57.700 --> 00:18:58.980 that 00:18:58.980 --> 00:18:59.339 even 00:18:59.339 --> 00:18:59.700 though 00:18:59.700 --> 00:19:00.099 Satan 00:19:00.099 --> 00:19:00.559 is a 00:19:00.559 --> 00:19:00.880 fallen 00:19:00.880 --> 00:19:01.579 angel, 00:19:02.240 --> 00:19:03.019 he 00:19:03.019 --> 00:19:03.680 still 00:19:03.680 --> 00:19:04.019 had 00:19:04.019 --> 00:19:04.539 access 00:19:04.539 --> 00:19:04.940 to 00:19:04.940 --> 00:19:05.440 God 00:19:05.440 --> 00:19:06.019 and 00:19:06.019 --> 00:19:06.180 he 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:06.420 was 00:19:06.420 --> 00:19:07.079 still 00:19:07.079 --> 00:19:08.039 roaming 00:19:08.039 --> 00:19:08.640 around 00:19:08.640 --> 00:19:09.359 in 00:19:09.359 --> 00:19:09.759 heaven. 00:19:11.200 --> 00:19:11.880 That's 00:19:11.880 --> 00:19:12.359 what the 00:19:12.359 --> 00:19:12.940 text is 00:19:12.940 --> 00:19:13.539 telling us. 00:19:13.839 --> 00:19:14.420 Look at the 00:19:14.420 --> 00:19:15.220 end of 00:19:15.220 --> 00:19:16.400 verse 10 00:19:16.400 --> 00:19:19.420 and think of 00:19:19.420 --> 00:19:19.799 where he 00:19:19.799 --> 00:19:20.259 is. 00:19:21.200 --> 00:19:22.000 For the 00:19:22.000 --> 00:19:23.099 accuser of 00:19:23.099 --> 00:19:23.620 our brothers 00:19:23.620 --> 00:19:24.420 and sisters 00:19:24.420 --> 00:19:26.099 who accuses 00:19:26.099 --> 00:19:26.460 them 00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:27.900 before 00:19:27.900 --> 00:19:29.279 our God 00:19:29.279 --> 00:19:29.799 day and 00:19:29.799 --> 00:19:30.240 night 00:19:30.240 --> 00:19:31.640 has been 00:19:31.640 --> 00:19:32.200 hurled 00:19:32.200 --> 00:19:32.740 down. 00:19:33.860 --> 00:19:34.440 Satan 00:19:34.440 --> 00:19:35.039 is there 00:19:35.039 --> 00:19:35.720 in heaven 00:19:35.720 --> 00:19:36.740 accusing 00:19:36.740 --> 00:19:37.340 God's 00:19:37.340 --> 00:19:37.700 people 00:19:37.700 --> 00:19:38.900 but now 00:19:38.900 --> 00:19:39.720 because of 00:19:39.720 --> 00:19:40.039 Jesus' 00:19:40.319 --> 00:19:40.720 victory 00:19:40.720 --> 00:19:41.840 he has 00:19:41.840 --> 00:19:42.180 been 00:19:42.180 --> 00:19:42.600 hurled 00:19:42.600 --> 00:19:42.980 down. 00:19:43.340 --> 00:19:43.460 He 00:19:43.460 --> 00:19:43.940 has 00:19:43.940 --> 00:19:44.259 been 00:19:44.259 --> 00:19:44.819 thrown 00:19:44.819 --> 00:19:45.860 out. 00:19:47.539 --> 00:19:48.319 Two 00:19:48.319 --> 00:19:48.900 things will 00:19:48.900 --> 00:19:49.420 help us 00:19:49.420 --> 00:19:49.880 to see 00:19:49.880 --> 00:19:50.319 this. 00:19:51.759 --> 00:19:52.559 First, 00:19:52.559 --> 00:19:54.359 Jesus' 00:19:54.700 --> 00:19:55.259 victory 00:19:55.259 --> 00:19:55.980 over 00:19:55.980 --> 00:19:56.679 Satan. 00:19:58.000 --> 00:19:58.339 As 00:19:58.339 --> 00:19:58.700 Satan 00:19:58.700 --> 00:19:59.000 was 00:19:59.000 --> 00:19:59.639 defeated 00:19:59.639 --> 00:20:01.059 and 00:20:01.059 --> 00:20:01.839 removed, 00:20:02.399 --> 00:20:02.859 look at 00:20:02.859 --> 00:20:03.440 verse 10, 00:20:04.500 --> 00:20:05.339 then I 00:20:05.339 --> 00:20:06.200 heard a 00:20:06.200 --> 00:20:06.899 voice in 00:20:06.899 --> 00:20:07.200 heaven 00:20:07.200 --> 00:20:07.740 say, 00:20:08.519 --> 00:20:09.240 now have 00:20:09.240 --> 00:20:09.740 come the 00:20:09.740 --> 00:20:10.319 salvation 00:20:10.319 --> 00:20:10.740 and the 00:20:10.740 --> 00:20:11.259 power and 00:20:11.259 --> 00:20:11.679 the kingdom 00:20:11.679 --> 00:20:12.059 of our 00:20:12.059 --> 00:20:13.099 God and 00:20:13.099 --> 00:20:13.980 the authority 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:15.079 of his 00:20:15.079 --> 00:20:15.599 Messiah. 00:20:16.460 --> 00:20:17.019 Victory 00:20:17.019 --> 00:20:17.879 has now 00:20:17.879 --> 00:20:18.659 been achieved. 00:20:18.819 --> 00:20:19.119 Why? 00:20:19.879 --> 00:20:20.379 For the 00:20:20.379 --> 00:20:21.359 accuser of 00:20:21.359 --> 00:20:21.899 our brothers 00:20:21.899 --> 00:20:22.519 and sisters 00:20:22.519 --> 00:20:23.500 who accuses 00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:24.059 them before 00:20:24.059 --> 00:20:24.559 our God 00:20:24.559 --> 00:20:24.960 day and 00:20:24.960 --> 00:20:25.299 night 00:20:25.299 --> 00:20:26.259 has been 00:20:26.259 --> 00:20:26.940 hurled 00:20:26.940 --> 00:20:27.480 down. 00:20:30.180 --> 00:20:30.720 I want 00:20:30.720 --> 00:20:31.079 us to 00:20:31.079 --> 00:20:31.680 picture for 00:20:31.680 --> 00:20:32.180 a moment 00:20:32.180 --> 00:20:32.799 heaven 00:20:32.799 --> 00:20:34.019 as a 00:20:34.019 --> 00:20:34.559 courtroom. 00:20:35.700 --> 00:20:36.000 Imagine 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:36.700 the scene. 00:20:37.639 --> 00:20:38.019 Seated 00:20:38.019 --> 00:20:38.440 in the 00:20:38.440 --> 00:20:38.859 dock, 00:20:40.299 --> 00:20:40.440 the 00:20:40.440 --> 00:20:41.400 defendants 00:20:41.400 --> 00:20:42.279 are 00:20:42.279 --> 00:20:42.839 God's 00:20:42.839 --> 00:20:43.259 people. 00:20:44.680 --> 00:20:45.139 And up 00:20:45.139 --> 00:20:45.900 stands the 00:20:45.900 --> 00:20:46.220 chief 00:20:46.220 --> 00:20:47.039 prosecutor, 00:20:47.680 --> 00:20:48.079 Satan. 00:20:49.139 --> 00:20:49.900 He 00:20:49.900 --> 00:20:50.639 begins to 00:20:50.639 --> 00:20:51.119 accuse 00:20:51.119 --> 00:20:51.740 God's 00:20:51.740 --> 00:20:52.180 people, 00:20:52.519 --> 00:20:53.180 before 00:20:53.180 --> 00:20:53.740 God, 00:20:55.500 --> 00:20:56.059 highlighting 00:20:56.059 --> 00:20:56.420 their 00:20:56.420 --> 00:20:56.799 sin, 00:20:57.839 --> 00:20:58.319 presenting 00:20:58.319 --> 00:20:58.720 their 00:20:58.720 --> 00:20:59.400 failures. 00:21:00.359 --> 00:21:01.240 Day and 00:21:01.240 --> 00:21:01.599 night, 00:21:01.759 --> 00:21:02.559 he never 00:21:02.559 --> 00:21:03.900 ever stops 00:21:03.900 --> 00:21:04.700 accusing, 00:21:05.420 --> 00:21:06.259 piling up 00:21:06.259 --> 00:21:06.839 all the 00:21:06.839 --> 00:21:07.599 evidence of 00:21:07.599 --> 00:21:08.660 disobedience. 00:21:10.240 --> 00:21:10.819 And then 00:21:10.819 --> 00:21:11.339 when all 00:21:11.339 --> 00:21:12.200 seems lost, 00:21:12.299 --> 00:21:13.000 when judgment 00:21:13.000 --> 00:21:13.819 is about to 00:21:13.819 --> 00:21:14.319 be announced, 00:21:14.720 --> 00:21:15.259 someone 00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:16.619 comes rushing 00:21:16.619 --> 00:21:17.259 into the 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:17.759 courtroom, 00:21:17.759 --> 00:21:17.960 them, 00:21:18.960 --> 00:21:19.700 now have 00:21:19.700 --> 00:21:20.180 come the 00:21:20.180 --> 00:21:21.119 salvation and 00:21:21.119 --> 00:21:21.900 the power of 00:21:21.900 --> 00:21:22.319 the kingdom 00:21:22.319 --> 00:21:22.759 of our 00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:23.680 God and 00:21:23.680 --> 00:21:24.519 the authority 00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:24.960 of his 00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:25.440 Messiah. 00:21:26.059 --> 00:21:27.000 Jesus has 00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:27.420 won. 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:30.480 Jesus has 00:21:30.480 --> 00:21:31.299 been judged 00:21:31.299 --> 00:21:31.799 for their 00:21:31.799 --> 00:21:32.240 sin. 00:21:32.940 --> 00:21:33.680 Jesus has 00:21:33.680 --> 00:21:34.339 been condemned 00:21:34.339 --> 00:21:35.099 for their 00:21:35.099 --> 00:21:35.599 failures. 00:21:36.160 --> 00:21:36.559 He has 00:21:36.559 --> 00:21:37.500 died their 00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:38.640 death and 00:21:38.640 --> 00:21:39.059 he has 00:21:39.059 --> 00:21:40.240 defeated sin's 00:21:40.240 --> 00:21:40.980 penalty by 00:21:40.980 --> 00:21:41.920 rising from 00:21:41.920 --> 00:21:42.559 the grave. 00:21:42.559 --> 00:21:42.679 death. 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:45.460 And at 00:21:45.460 --> 00:21:46.200 that very 00:21:46.200 --> 00:21:47.039 moment, 00:21:48.019 --> 00:21:48.859 Satan's 00:21:48.859 --> 00:21:49.599 accusations 00:21:49.599 --> 00:21:51.579 are torn 00:21:51.579 --> 00:21:52.639 in shreds. 00:21:53.200 --> 00:21:53.879 They no 00:21:53.879 --> 00:21:54.960 longer stand. 00:21:55.359 --> 00:21:55.940 They no 00:21:55.940 --> 00:21:56.799 longer count. 00:21:57.159 --> 00:21:58.159 He is hurled 00:21:58.159 --> 00:21:58.799 out of the 00:21:58.799 --> 00:21:59.279 courtroom 00:21:59.279 --> 00:22:00.079 forever. 00:22:00.659 --> 00:22:01.339 The chief 00:22:01.339 --> 00:22:02.339 prosecutor 00:22:02.339 --> 00:22:03.480 has been 00:22:03.480 --> 00:22:04.679 booted out 00:22:04.679 --> 00:22:06.659 and his 00:22:06.659 --> 00:22:07.700 powers have 00:22:07.700 --> 00:22:08.299 been taken 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:08.960 from him. 00:22:10.059 --> 00:22:10.899 Satan has 00:22:10.899 --> 00:22:11.440 been kicked 00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:12.259 out once 00:22:12.259 --> 00:22:12.640 and for 00:22:12.640 --> 00:22:13.660 all, never 00:22:13.660 --> 00:22:14.500 to return 00:22:14.500 --> 00:22:16.220 and never 00:22:16.220 --> 00:22:17.000 to accuse 00:22:17.000 --> 00:22:17.460 again. 00:22:19.099 --> 00:22:20.019 He has 00:22:20.019 --> 00:22:21.119 been hurled 00:22:21.119 --> 00:22:22.319 down. 00:22:23.680 --> 00:22:24.299 What a 00:22:24.299 --> 00:22:24.940 wonderful 00:22:24.940 --> 00:22:26.019 victory. 00:22:27.140 --> 00:22:27.599 And the 00:22:27.599 --> 00:22:28.119 good news 00:22:28.119 --> 00:22:28.940 is that 00:22:28.940 --> 00:22:30.759 victory can 00:22:30.759 --> 00:22:31.640 be ours 00:22:31.640 --> 00:22:32.180 too. 00:22:33.180 --> 00:22:33.839 The victory 00:22:33.839 --> 00:22:35.319 over Satan 00:22:35.319 --> 00:22:38.019 is our 00:22:38.019 --> 00:22:38.519 victory. 00:22:39.779 --> 00:22:40.299 Look at 00:22:40.299 --> 00:22:40.940 verse 11 00:22:40.940 --> 00:22:41.539 with me. 00:22:42.259 --> 00:22:44.680 they 00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:46.279 triumphed 00:22:46.279 --> 00:22:47.339 over him. 00:22:47.960 --> 00:22:48.339 Well, 00:22:48.519 --> 00:22:48.839 who's 00:22:48.839 --> 00:22:49.180 they? 00:22:49.339 --> 00:22:49.700 Who's 00:22:49.700 --> 00:22:50.539 triumphed? 00:22:51.000 --> 00:22:51.240 Well, 00:22:51.299 --> 00:22:51.720 look back 00:22:51.720 --> 00:22:52.099 at just 00:22:52.099 --> 00:22:52.539 at the 00:22:52.539 --> 00:22:53.059 end of 00:22:53.059 --> 00:22:54.299 verse 10 00:22:54.299 --> 00:22:54.759 where it 00:22:54.759 --> 00:22:55.319 talks about 00:22:55.319 --> 00:22:56.420 the accuser 00:22:56.420 --> 00:22:57.279 of our 00:22:57.279 --> 00:22:58.059 brothers and 00:22:58.059 --> 00:22:58.539 sisters. 00:22:59.279 --> 00:22:59.720 They 00:22:59.720 --> 00:23:01.400 have 00:23:01.400 --> 00:23:02.279 triumphed 00:23:02.279 --> 00:23:02.920 over 00:23:02.920 --> 00:23:03.379 Satan. 00:23:03.539 --> 00:23:04.299 The church, 00:23:04.859 --> 00:23:05.400 God's 00:23:05.400 --> 00:23:06.200 people have 00:23:06.200 --> 00:23:07.000 triumphed. 00:23:07.000 --> 00:23:07.519 How? 00:23:07.519 --> 00:23:09.579 By the 00:23:09.579 --> 00:23:10.279 blood of 00:23:10.279 --> 00:23:10.879 the Lamb 00:23:10.879 --> 00:23:12.279 and by 00:23:12.279 --> 00:23:12.960 the word 00:23:12.960 --> 00:23:13.940 of their 00:23:13.940 --> 00:23:14.579 testimony. 00:23:15.639 --> 00:23:16.139 You see, 00:23:16.259 --> 00:23:16.799 Jesus 00:23:16.799 --> 00:23:17.980 won the 00:23:17.980 --> 00:23:18.420 victory 00:23:18.420 --> 00:23:19.779 and that 00:23:19.779 --> 00:23:20.359 victory 00:23:20.359 --> 00:23:21.639 now becomes 00:23:21.639 --> 00:23:22.539 ours as 00:23:22.539 --> 00:23:23.619 we trust 00:23:23.619 --> 00:23:24.079 in the 00:23:24.079 --> 00:23:24.500 blood of 00:23:24.500 --> 00:23:24.940 the Lamb. 00:23:25.420 --> 00:23:26.079 As we 00:23:26.079 --> 00:23:26.639 look to 00:23:26.639 --> 00:23:27.079 Jesus, 00:23:27.440 --> 00:23:28.039 as we 00:23:28.039 --> 00:23:28.920 see him 00:23:28.920 --> 00:23:29.519 die on 00:23:29.519 --> 00:23:30.039 the cross, 00:23:30.420 --> 00:23:31.000 it's as if 00:23:31.000 --> 00:23:31.559 I am 00:23:31.559 --> 00:23:32.019 saying, 00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:33.279 Jesus is 00:23:33.279 --> 00:23:34.079 being judged 00:23:34.079 --> 00:23:34.659 for me. 00:23:35.199 --> 00:23:36.039 Jesus is 00:23:36.039 --> 00:23:36.879 being condemned 00:23:36.879 --> 00:23:37.679 for my 00:23:37.679 --> 00:23:38.259 failure. 00:23:39.539 --> 00:23:40.299 Jesus is 00:23:40.299 --> 00:23:41.019 accused in 00:23:41.019 --> 00:23:41.699 my place. 00:23:42.079 --> 00:23:42.500 He is 00:23:42.500 --> 00:23:43.519 treated as 00:23:43.519 --> 00:23:44.779 guilty for 00:23:44.779 --> 00:23:45.139 me. 00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:46.939 You see, 00:23:47.039 --> 00:23:47.899 as I trust 00:23:47.899 --> 00:23:48.639 in Jesus, 00:23:49.579 --> 00:23:50.579 as I claim 00:23:50.579 --> 00:23:51.199 his death 00:23:51.199 --> 00:23:51.639 for me, 00:23:51.939 --> 00:23:53.159 I am free 00:23:53.159 --> 00:23:54.439 from accusation 00:23:54.439 --> 00:23:54.859 forever. 00:23:55.319 --> 00:23:55.919 The battle 00:23:55.919 --> 00:23:56.779 has been won. 00:23:57.639 --> 00:23:58.519 The victory 00:23:58.519 --> 00:24:00.240 is ours. 00:24:01.799 --> 00:24:02.460 And this 00:24:02.460 --> 00:24:03.079 is something 00:24:03.079 --> 00:24:03.879 that God's 00:24:03.879 --> 00:24:04.480 people should 00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:05.099 celebrate, 00:24:05.259 --> 00:24:05.839 verse 12. 00:24:07.399 --> 00:24:07.879 Therefore, 00:24:08.980 --> 00:24:09.579 rejoice, 00:24:10.019 --> 00:24:10.579 you heavens, 00:24:11.439 --> 00:24:12.179 and you 00:24:12.179 --> 00:24:13.099 who dwell 00:24:13.099 --> 00:24:13.980 in them. 00:24:15.480 --> 00:24:15.939 It's as if 00:24:15.939 --> 00:24:16.319 we should 00:24:16.319 --> 00:24:17.240 stop right 00:24:17.240 --> 00:24:17.799 now and 00:24:17.799 --> 00:24:19.579 start singing 00:24:19.579 --> 00:24:20.359 songs of 00:24:20.359 --> 00:24:21.159 praise and 00:24:21.159 --> 00:24:22.220 celebration for 00:24:22.220 --> 00:24:22.859 the victory 00:24:22.859 --> 00:24:23.419 that's been 00:24:23.419 --> 00:24:24.199 achieved for 00:24:24.199 --> 00:24:24.720 you and 00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:25.240 for me. 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:28.960 But, 00:24:29.419 --> 00:24:31.659 Jesus has 00:24:31.659 --> 00:24:32.119 crushed 00:24:32.119 --> 00:24:32.819 Satan's 00:24:32.819 --> 00:24:33.179 head. 00:24:34.059 --> 00:24:34.679 The dragon 00:24:34.679 --> 00:24:35.359 has been 00:24:35.359 --> 00:24:36.079 slayed. 00:24:37.199 --> 00:24:37.679 But, 00:24:37.799 --> 00:24:38.299 look at the 00:24:38.299 --> 00:24:38.679 rest of 00:24:38.679 --> 00:24:39.339 verse 12. 00:24:40.399 --> 00:24:41.059 Woe to 00:24:41.059 --> 00:24:41.679 the earth 00:24:41.679 --> 00:24:42.699 and the 00:24:42.699 --> 00:24:43.299 sea because 00:24:43.299 --> 00:24:43.919 the devil 00:24:43.919 --> 00:24:44.459 has gone 00:24:44.459 --> 00:24:45.019 down to 00:24:45.019 --> 00:24:45.219 you. 00:24:45.579 --> 00:24:46.139 He is 00:24:46.139 --> 00:24:47.099 filled with 00:24:47.099 --> 00:24:48.859 fury because 00:24:48.859 --> 00:24:49.459 he knows 00:24:49.459 --> 00:24:49.839 that his 00:24:49.839 --> 00:24:50.519 time is 00:24:50.519 --> 00:24:50.959 short. 00:24:52.899 --> 00:24:53.539 Satan 00:24:53.539 --> 00:24:54.159 may be 00:24:54.159 --> 00:24:54.699 defeated, 00:24:54.699 --> 00:24:56.919 but he 00:24:56.919 --> 00:24:57.479 is not 00:24:57.479 --> 00:24:58.000 yet 00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:59.079 surrendered. 00:24:59.079 --> 00:25:00.980 he is 00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:01.240 still 00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:02.039 opposed to 00:25:02.039 --> 00:25:02.740 Christ and 00:25:02.740 --> 00:25:03.480 his church, 00:25:04.159 --> 00:25:05.039 but he 00:25:05.039 --> 00:25:05.799 hasn't waved 00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:06.299 the white 00:25:06.299 --> 00:25:06.839 flag. 00:25:07.559 --> 00:25:08.559 The conflict 00:25:08.559 --> 00:25:09.539 goes on, 00:25:10.579 --> 00:25:11.179 but hear 00:25:11.179 --> 00:25:11.699 this, 00:25:12.639 --> 00:25:13.220 God's 00:25:13.220 --> 00:25:13.659 people, 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:14.539 the church, 00:25:15.259 --> 00:25:16.159 are still 00:25:16.159 --> 00:25:17.319 protected. 00:25:18.319 --> 00:25:19.240 Which brings 00:25:19.240 --> 00:25:19.919 us to the 00:25:19.919 --> 00:25:20.839 third scene, 00:25:21.579 --> 00:25:22.419 the church's 00:25:22.419 --> 00:25:23.259 guaranteed 00:25:23.259 --> 00:25:24.559 protection. 00:25:24.559 --> 00:25:26.940 having been 00:25:26.940 --> 00:25:28.039 defeated by 00:25:28.039 --> 00:25:28.539 Jesus, 00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:29.399 Satan now 00:25:29.399 --> 00:25:30.319 moves his 00:25:30.319 --> 00:25:30.899 point of 00:25:30.899 --> 00:25:31.359 attack. 00:25:31.700 --> 00:25:32.079 Look at 00:25:32.079 --> 00:25:32.879 verse 13. 00:25:34.179 --> 00:25:34.879 When the 00:25:34.879 --> 00:25:35.779 dragon saw 00:25:35.779 --> 00:25:36.399 that he had 00:25:36.399 --> 00:25:37.099 been hurled 00:25:37.099 --> 00:25:37.480 to the 00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:37.859 earth, 00:25:38.679 --> 00:25:39.460 he pursued 00:25:39.460 --> 00:25:40.099 the woman 00:25:40.099 --> 00:25:40.659 who had 00:25:40.659 --> 00:25:41.359 given birth 00:25:41.359 --> 00:25:41.759 to the 00:25:41.759 --> 00:25:42.539 male child. 00:25:43.579 --> 00:25:44.339 The woman 00:25:44.339 --> 00:25:45.559 represents, 00:25:45.559 --> 00:25:46.000 as we've 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:46.440 been saying, 00:25:46.619 --> 00:25:47.139 all of 00:25:47.139 --> 00:25:47.659 God's 00:25:47.659 --> 00:25:48.059 people, 00:25:48.359 --> 00:25:49.200 the church. 00:25:50.240 --> 00:25:50.700 This is 00:25:50.700 --> 00:25:51.359 clear from 00:25:51.359 --> 00:25:53.000 verse 17. 00:25:53.779 --> 00:25:54.279 Look down 00:25:54.279 --> 00:25:54.879 with me to 00:25:54.879 --> 00:25:55.720 verse 17. 00:25:56.779 --> 00:25:57.579 Then the 00:25:57.579 --> 00:25:58.399 dragon was 00:25:58.399 --> 00:25:59.339 enraged at 00:25:59.339 --> 00:25:59.779 the woman 00:25:59.779 --> 00:26:01.279 and went 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:01.819 off to 00:26:01.819 --> 00:26:02.799 wage war 00:26:02.799 --> 00:26:03.960 against the 00:26:03.960 --> 00:26:04.519 rest of 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:05.240 her offspring. 00:26:06.480 --> 00:26:07.019 And who 00:26:07.019 --> 00:26:07.440 are her 00:26:07.440 --> 00:26:07.859 offspring? 00:26:09.619 --> 00:26:10.539 Those who 00:26:10.539 --> 00:26:11.440 keep God's 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:12.279 commands and 00:26:12.279 --> 00:26:13.180 hold fast to 00:26:13.180 --> 00:26:13.899 their testimony 00:26:13.899 --> 00:26:15.019 about Jesus. 00:26:16.539 --> 00:26:17.779 They're God's 00:26:17.779 --> 00:26:18.220 people, 00:26:18.660 --> 00:26:19.299 the church, 00:26:19.480 --> 00:26:20.160 people like 00:26:20.160 --> 00:26:20.619 you and 00:26:20.619 --> 00:26:20.899 me. 00:26:21.839 --> 00:26:22.599 And Satan 00:26:22.599 --> 00:26:23.899 is angry. 00:26:24.279 --> 00:26:24.839 He is 00:26:24.839 --> 00:26:25.359 mad. 00:26:25.460 --> 00:26:26.420 He hates 00:26:26.420 --> 00:26:27.379 Jesus and 00:26:27.379 --> 00:26:28.240 he hates 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:28.819 those who 00:26:28.819 --> 00:26:29.480 follow him. 00:26:29.819 --> 00:26:30.339 In fact, 00:26:30.500 --> 00:26:31.059 look back at 00:26:31.059 --> 00:26:31.559 the end of 00:26:31.559 --> 00:26:32.160 verse 12. 00:26:32.960 --> 00:26:33.799 He's filled 00:26:33.799 --> 00:26:35.019 with fury 00:26:35.019 --> 00:26:36.779 because he 00:26:36.779 --> 00:26:37.420 knows that 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:38.059 his time 00:26:38.059 --> 00:26:38.680 is short. 00:26:40.139 --> 00:26:41.099 He has 00:26:41.099 --> 00:26:41.899 been defeated. 00:26:42.660 --> 00:26:43.339 The battle 00:26:43.339 --> 00:26:44.079 has been won 00:26:44.079 --> 00:26:44.480 but he 00:26:44.480 --> 00:26:45.139 hasn't yet 00:26:45.139 --> 00:26:45.660 surrendered. 00:26:46.139 --> 00:26:46.420 And he 00:26:46.420 --> 00:26:47.019 knows that 00:26:47.019 --> 00:26:47.680 it's only a 00:26:47.680 --> 00:26:48.180 matter of 00:26:48.180 --> 00:26:48.899 time before 00:26:48.899 --> 00:26:49.639 he is thrown 00:26:49.639 --> 00:26:50.200 into the 00:26:50.200 --> 00:26:51.000 lake of fire 00:26:51.000 --> 00:26:51.779 to be 00:26:51.779 --> 00:26:52.400 tormented 00:26:52.400 --> 00:26:53.500 forever and 00:26:53.500 --> 00:26:53.799 ever. 00:26:54.279 --> 00:26:54.940 He knows 00:26:54.940 --> 00:26:55.579 his days 00:26:55.579 --> 00:26:56.200 are numbered 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:57.180 so he 00:26:57.180 --> 00:26:57.900 is hell 00:26:57.900 --> 00:26:58.859 bent on 00:26:58.859 --> 00:26:59.539 destroying 00:26:59.539 --> 00:27:00.420 the church. 00:27:05.420 --> 00:27:06.180 So we 00:27:06.180 --> 00:27:06.759 need to be 00:27:06.759 --> 00:27:09.039 aware of 00:27:09.039 --> 00:27:09.660 Satan's 00:27:09.660 --> 00:27:10.200 attack. 00:27:11.420 --> 00:27:12.339 Look at 00:27:12.339 --> 00:27:13.279 verse 17. 00:27:13.279 --> 00:27:16.399 It's 00:27:16.399 --> 00:27:16.779 clear, 00:27:16.779 --> 00:27:16.940 clear, 00:27:17.339 --> 00:27:17.759 isn't it? 00:27:17.899 --> 00:27:18.819 Satan is 00:27:18.819 --> 00:27:19.839 waging a 00:27:19.839 --> 00:27:21.579 war against 00:27:21.579 --> 00:27:22.099 God's 00:27:22.099 --> 00:27:22.500 people. 00:27:23.720 --> 00:27:24.139 He is 00:27:24.139 --> 00:27:24.980 at war 00:27:24.980 --> 00:27:26.279 with 00:27:26.279 --> 00:27:27.099 Carigoline 00:27:27.099 --> 00:27:27.619 Baptist 00:27:27.619 --> 00:27:28.660 Church right 00:27:28.660 --> 00:27:29.180 now. 00:27:30.480 --> 00:27:31.819 He hates 00:27:31.819 --> 00:27:32.240 you. 00:27:33.819 --> 00:27:34.440 But let 00:27:34.440 --> 00:27:34.899 us not 00:27:34.899 --> 00:27:35.480 remember, 00:27:35.700 --> 00:27:36.299 let us not 00:27:36.299 --> 00:27:36.899 forget that 00:27:36.899 --> 00:27:37.480 he's been 00:27:37.480 --> 00:27:38.240 defeated. 00:27:39.299 --> 00:27:40.019 The dragon 00:27:40.019 --> 00:27:40.680 has been 00:27:40.680 --> 00:27:41.420 slayed. 00:27:41.940 --> 00:27:42.720 Satan has 00:27:42.720 --> 00:27:43.039 been 00:27:43.039 --> 00:27:43.680 disarmed. 00:27:44.120 --> 00:27:44.900 He presents 00:27:44.900 --> 00:27:45.720 himself as 00:27:45.720 --> 00:27:46.339 threatening 00:27:46.339 --> 00:27:47.240 and dangerous 00:27:47.240 --> 00:27:49.460 but he 00:27:49.460 --> 00:27:50.100 has no 00:27:50.100 --> 00:27:50.600 weapons. 00:27:51.460 --> 00:27:52.000 He can 00:27:52.000 --> 00:27:52.839 snort and 00:27:52.839 --> 00:27:53.259 he can 00:27:53.259 --> 00:27:54.480 snarl but 00:27:54.480 --> 00:27:55.160 the smoke 00:27:55.160 --> 00:27:55.559 and the 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:56.220 fire have 00:27:56.220 --> 00:27:56.480 been 00:27:56.480 --> 00:27:57.539 extinguished. 00:27:58.220 --> 00:27:59.000 All he 00:27:59.000 --> 00:27:59.579 can do 00:27:59.579 --> 00:28:00.460 is lie, 00:28:01.480 --> 00:28:01.960 deceive 00:28:01.960 --> 00:28:03.740 and tempt. 00:28:04.700 --> 00:28:05.299 It may 00:28:05.299 --> 00:28:06.100 seem harmless, 00:28:06.600 --> 00:28:06.880 I mean, 00:28:06.940 --> 00:28:07.339 what's a 00:28:07.339 --> 00:28:07.579 lie? 00:28:07.700 --> 00:28:08.059 What's a 00:28:08.059 --> 00:28:08.600 temptation? 00:28:09.920 --> 00:28:10.400 But if 00:28:10.400 --> 00:28:10.980 we listen 00:28:10.980 --> 00:28:11.440 to his 00:28:11.440 --> 00:28:11.980 lies, 00:28:11.980 --> 00:28:13.200 we begin 00:28:13.200 --> 00:28:13.799 to doubt 00:28:13.799 --> 00:28:14.099 our 00:28:14.099 --> 00:28:14.599 salvation 00:28:14.599 --> 00:28:15.259 and question 00:28:15.259 --> 00:28:15.539 our 00:28:15.539 --> 00:28:16.079 security 00:28:16.079 --> 00:28:16.940 and we 00:28:16.940 --> 00:28:17.360 will live 00:28:17.360 --> 00:28:17.799 a life 00:28:17.799 --> 00:28:18.200 as if 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:18.579 we 00:28:18.579 --> 00:28:18.839 have 00:28:18.839 --> 00:28:19.120 been 00:28:19.120 --> 00:28:19.660 crushed. 00:28:24.120 --> 00:28:24.680 Look, 00:28:24.720 --> 00:28:25.200 when I 00:28:25.200 --> 00:28:25.579 sin, 00:28:27.120 --> 00:28:27.519 and I'm 00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:27.860 not the 00:28:27.860 --> 00:28:28.380 only one 00:28:28.380 --> 00:28:28.740 in this 00:28:28.740 --> 00:28:29.220 room who 00:28:29.220 --> 00:28:29.920 does that, 00:28:31.039 --> 00:28:32.360 I immediately 00:28:32.360 --> 00:28:33.160 feel the 00:28:33.160 --> 00:28:34.160 accusation of 00:28:34.160 --> 00:28:34.539 Satan. 00:28:35.420 --> 00:28:36.140 I become 00:28:36.140 --> 00:28:37.099 very conscious 00:28:37.099 --> 00:28:38.000 of his 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:38.459 judgment. 00:28:40.119 --> 00:28:40.659 He might 00:28:40.659 --> 00:28:41.500 not stand 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:42.519 before God 00:28:42.519 --> 00:28:43.240 any longer 00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:44.719 but he 00:28:44.719 --> 00:28:45.759 presents himself 00:28:45.759 --> 00:28:46.480 to me 00:28:46.480 --> 00:28:47.439 highlighting 00:28:47.439 --> 00:28:48.599 my sin 00:28:48.599 --> 00:28:50.679 and reminds 00:28:50.679 --> 00:28:51.399 me of 00:28:51.399 --> 00:28:52.459 my failure. 00:28:53.919 --> 00:28:54.959 He presents 00:28:54.959 --> 00:28:55.859 his case 00:28:55.859 --> 00:28:57.619 and ashamed 00:28:57.619 --> 00:28:58.299 to say it, 00:28:58.359 --> 00:28:59.039 the evidence 00:28:59.039 --> 00:29:00.399 piles up 00:29:00.399 --> 00:29:00.980 in front 00:29:00.980 --> 00:29:01.379 of me. 00:29:01.380 --> 00:29:03.660 Johnny, 00:29:03.760 --> 00:29:04.260 you call 00:29:04.260 --> 00:29:04.920 yourself a 00:29:04.920 --> 00:29:05.300 Christian? 00:29:06.680 --> 00:29:07.700 You think 00:29:07.700 --> 00:29:08.480 God loves 00:29:08.480 --> 00:29:08.720 you? 00:29:09.720 --> 00:29:10.560 You want 00:29:10.560 --> 00:29:11.160 to serve 00:29:11.160 --> 00:29:11.520 in the 00:29:11.520 --> 00:29:11.880 church? 00:29:12.300 --> 00:29:12.620 Johnny, 00:29:12.760 --> 00:29:13.280 you're a 00:29:13.280 --> 00:29:14.300 fake and 00:29:14.300 --> 00:29:14.800 you're a 00:29:14.800 --> 00:29:15.200 fraud. 00:29:16.200 --> 00:29:16.920 How can 00:29:16.920 --> 00:29:17.880 God forgive 00:29:17.880 --> 00:29:18.800 you again? 00:29:19.720 --> 00:29:20.240 You think 00:29:20.240 --> 00:29:20.720 he loves 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:20.940 you? 00:29:21.100 --> 00:29:21.800 He's given 00:29:21.800 --> 00:29:22.520 up on you 00:29:22.520 --> 00:29:23.260 and you 00:29:23.260 --> 00:29:23.780 might as 00:29:23.780 --> 00:29:24.300 well give 00:29:24.300 --> 00:29:24.640 up. 00:29:24.640 --> 00:29:27.840 we can 00:29:27.840 --> 00:29:28.560 feel quite 00:29:28.560 --> 00:29:29.240 small 00:29:29.240 --> 00:29:30.160 before a 00:29:30.160 --> 00:29:30.560 dragon. 00:29:31.759 --> 00:29:32.480 We can 00:29:32.480 --> 00:29:33.060 get weighed 00:29:33.060 --> 00:29:33.780 down by 00:29:33.780 --> 00:29:34.560 guilt and 00:29:34.560 --> 00:29:34.980 shame. 00:29:36.520 --> 00:29:36.920 And our 00:29:36.920 --> 00:29:37.780 response is 00:29:37.780 --> 00:29:39.200 to sneak 00:29:39.200 --> 00:29:40.000 off to the 00:29:40.000 --> 00:29:40.720 sides and 00:29:40.720 --> 00:29:41.720 hide in 00:29:41.720 --> 00:29:42.480 the shadows. 00:29:43.560 --> 00:29:44.300 Pull back 00:29:44.300 --> 00:29:44.860 and believe 00:29:44.860 --> 00:29:45.520 his lies and 00:29:45.520 --> 00:29:46.160 go, no, 00:29:46.220 --> 00:29:47.040 I can't 00:29:47.040 --> 00:29:47.580 serve in 00:29:47.580 --> 00:29:48.000 the church. 00:29:48.160 --> 00:29:48.900 I can't 00:29:48.900 --> 00:29:49.280 do that. 00:29:49.360 --> 00:29:49.620 Look at 00:29:49.620 --> 00:29:50.240 my life. 00:29:52.620 --> 00:29:53.120 And his 00:29:53.120 --> 00:29:53.860 accusations 00:29:53.860 --> 00:29:54.240 crushes. 00:29:54.640 --> 00:29:55.100 us. 00:29:56.160 --> 00:29:56.880 We don't 00:29:56.880 --> 00:29:57.420 open up 00:29:57.420 --> 00:29:57.940 our Bible 00:29:57.940 --> 00:29:58.540 because we 00:29:58.540 --> 00:29:59.020 think, yeah, 00:29:59.060 --> 00:29:59.560 I am a 00:29:59.560 --> 00:29:59.940 fraud. 00:30:01.860 --> 00:30:02.840 But it's 00:30:02.840 --> 00:30:04.040 all deception. 00:30:05.340 --> 00:30:06.140 It's all 00:30:06.140 --> 00:30:06.759 deception. 00:30:07.980 --> 00:30:09.320 Yes, I 00:30:09.320 --> 00:30:10.420 have sinned. 00:30:11.280 --> 00:30:11.880 But guess 00:30:11.880 --> 00:30:12.300 what? 00:30:13.140 --> 00:30:13.860 It's all 00:30:13.860 --> 00:30:14.360 forgiven 00:30:14.360 --> 00:30:14.880 sin. 00:30:15.759 --> 00:30:16.860 It's all 00:30:16.860 --> 00:30:17.940 paid for 00:30:17.940 --> 00:30:18.720 sin. 00:30:19.440 --> 00:30:20.180 In that 00:30:20.180 --> 00:30:20.980 moment and 00:30:20.980 --> 00:30:21.720 throughout our 00:30:21.720 --> 00:30:22.560 daily lives, 00:30:22.860 --> 00:30:23.680 we need to 00:30:23.680 --> 00:30:24.400 remember that 00:30:24.400 --> 00:30:25.700 Jesus has 00:30:25.700 --> 00:30:26.440 defeated 00:30:26.440 --> 00:30:27.080 Satan. 00:30:27.620 --> 00:30:28.500 His powers 00:30:28.500 --> 00:30:29.240 to accuse 00:30:29.240 --> 00:30:30.180 and condemn 00:30:30.180 --> 00:30:31.000 are broken. 00:30:31.440 --> 00:30:32.000 He has 00:30:32.000 --> 00:30:32.740 no weapon. 00:30:33.620 --> 00:30:34.259 He's been 00:30:34.259 --> 00:30:35.060 disarmed. 00:30:35.600 --> 00:30:36.060 He may 00:30:36.060 --> 00:30:36.960 snort and 00:30:36.960 --> 00:30:38.000 snarl at you, 00:30:38.320 --> 00:30:38.820 but the 00:30:38.820 --> 00:30:39.880 fire that he 00:30:39.880 --> 00:30:40.740 breathes out 00:30:40.740 --> 00:30:41.220 has been 00:30:41.220 --> 00:30:42.460 extinguished. 00:30:44.360 --> 00:30:45.360 Peter talks 00:30:45.360 --> 00:30:45.860 about him 00:30:45.860 --> 00:30:46.640 being like a 00:30:46.640 --> 00:30:47.860 prowling lion, 00:30:48.700 --> 00:30:49.440 looking for 00:30:49.440 --> 00:30:50.080 someone to 00:30:50.079 --> 00:30:51.779 devour. 00:30:53.039 --> 00:30:53.740 Well, it's 00:30:53.740 --> 00:30:54.179 as if 00:30:54.179 --> 00:30:55.259 the lion, 00:30:55.819 --> 00:30:56.699 his fangs 00:30:56.699 --> 00:30:57.159 have been 00:30:57.159 --> 00:30:57.919 taken out 00:30:57.919 --> 00:30:58.819 and all he 00:30:58.819 --> 00:30:59.419 can give you 00:30:59.419 --> 00:31:00.439 is a wet, 00:31:00.619 --> 00:31:01.240 slobbery 00:31:01.240 --> 00:31:01.859 munch. 00:31:03.199 --> 00:31:03.839 He cannot 00:31:03.839 --> 00:31:04.539 do anything 00:31:04.539 --> 00:31:05.159 to you. 00:31:05.539 --> 00:31:05.879 You see, 00:31:05.960 --> 00:31:06.419 when the 00:31:06.419 --> 00:31:07.559 attack comes, 00:31:08.220 --> 00:31:09.059 we need to 00:31:09.059 --> 00:31:10.539 remember our 00:31:10.539 --> 00:31:11.240 protection. 00:31:12.859 --> 00:31:13.619 Did you 00:31:13.619 --> 00:31:14.339 notice that 00:31:14.339 --> 00:31:14.799 when the 00:31:14.799 --> 00:31:15.759 attack comes, 00:31:16.759 --> 00:31:17.579 in Revelation 00:31:17.579 --> 00:31:18.139 12, 00:31:18.980 --> 00:31:19.399 there's 00:31:19.399 --> 00:31:20.199 always 00:31:20.199 --> 00:31:21.220 deliverance? 00:31:22.179 --> 00:31:22.579 Look at 00:31:22.579 --> 00:31:23.399 verse 13. 00:31:25.059 --> 00:31:25.779 When the 00:31:25.779 --> 00:31:26.559 dragon saw 00:31:26.559 --> 00:31:26.980 that he 00:31:26.980 --> 00:31:27.319 had been 00:31:27.319 --> 00:31:27.879 hurled to 00:31:27.879 --> 00:31:28.399 the earth, 00:31:29.259 --> 00:31:30.119 he pursued 00:31:30.119 --> 00:31:30.599 the woman 00:31:30.599 --> 00:31:30.960 who had 00:31:30.960 --> 00:31:31.519 given birth 00:31:31.519 --> 00:31:31.879 to the 00:31:31.879 --> 00:31:32.579 male child. 00:31:33.059 --> 00:31:33.619 The woman 00:31:33.619 --> 00:31:34.159 was given 00:31:34.159 --> 00:31:34.779 the wings 00:31:34.779 --> 00:31:35.159 of a 00:31:35.159 --> 00:31:36.099 great eagle 00:31:36.099 --> 00:31:37.579 so that 00:31:37.579 --> 00:31:38.159 she might 00:31:38.159 --> 00:31:39.199 fly to 00:31:39.199 --> 00:31:39.699 the place 00:31:39.699 --> 00:31:40.399 prepared for 00:31:40.399 --> 00:31:40.740 her in 00:31:40.740 --> 00:31:41.220 the wilderness 00:31:41.220 --> 00:31:42.179 where she 00:31:42.179 --> 00:31:42.740 would be 00:31:42.740 --> 00:31:44.439 taken care 00:31:44.439 --> 00:31:46.059 of for 00:31:46.059 --> 00:31:46.639 a time, 00:31:46.819 --> 00:31:47.220 times, 00:31:47.220 --> 00:31:47.720 and half 00:31:47.720 --> 00:31:48.120 a time, 00:31:48.620 --> 00:31:49.220 out of 00:31:49.220 --> 00:31:50.079 the snake's 00:31:50.079 --> 00:31:50.600 reach, 00:31:52.960 --> 00:31:53.559 the woman, 00:31:54.579 --> 00:31:55.140 God's 00:31:55.140 --> 00:31:55.539 people, 00:31:55.680 --> 00:31:56.400 the church, 00:31:57.220 --> 00:31:57.980 will be 00:31:57.980 --> 00:31:58.680 protected. 00:32:00.400 --> 00:32:00.759 Now, 00:32:00.839 --> 00:32:01.380 to help us 00:32:01.380 --> 00:32:02.180 grasp this 00:32:02.180 --> 00:32:02.620 and to 00:32:02.620 --> 00:32:03.400 get the 00:32:03.400 --> 00:32:03.960 most out 00:32:03.960 --> 00:32:04.180 of it, 00:32:04.240 --> 00:32:04.600 we need 00:32:04.600 --> 00:32:05.339 to understand 00:32:05.339 --> 00:32:06.299 the symbolism 00:32:06.299 --> 00:32:07.400 and the 00:32:07.400 --> 00:32:08.299 imagery here. 00:32:08.980 --> 00:32:09.460 First, 00:32:09.579 --> 00:32:10.120 look with me 00:32:10.120 --> 00:32:10.480 at the 00:32:10.480 --> 00:32:11.039 symbolism. 00:32:12.299 --> 00:32:12.880 We're told 00:32:12.880 --> 00:32:13.660 that the 00:32:13.660 --> 00:32:14.259 church will 00:32:14.259 --> 00:32:14.779 be taken 00:32:14.779 --> 00:32:15.400 care of 00:32:15.400 --> 00:32:16.360 for a 00:32:16.359 --> 00:32:16.779 time, 00:32:17.039 --> 00:32:17.559 times, 00:32:18.000 --> 00:32:18.319 and 00:32:18.319 --> 00:32:18.859 half a 00:32:18.859 --> 00:32:19.159 time. 00:32:20.419 --> 00:32:20.759 Well, 00:32:20.779 --> 00:32:21.059 what's 00:32:21.059 --> 00:32:21.399 all that 00:32:21.399 --> 00:32:21.779 about? 00:32:22.519 --> 00:32:22.799 Well, 00:32:22.839 --> 00:32:23.479 a time 00:32:23.479 --> 00:32:24.659 is 00:32:24.659 --> 00:32:25.139 considered 00:32:25.139 --> 00:32:25.659 to be 00:32:25.659 --> 00:32:26.219 a year, 00:32:26.359 --> 00:32:26.719 so a 00:32:26.719 --> 00:32:27.099 time, 00:32:27.259 --> 00:32:27.740 times, 00:32:27.740 --> 00:32:28.279 half a 00:32:28.279 --> 00:32:28.759 time is 00:32:28.759 --> 00:32:29.500 equal to 00:32:29.500 --> 00:32:30.919 three and 00:32:30.919 --> 00:32:31.359 a half 00:32:31.359 --> 00:32:31.979 years. 00:32:33.019 --> 00:32:33.479 It's the 00:32:33.479 --> 00:32:34.339 same length 00:32:34.339 --> 00:32:34.799 of time 00:32:34.799 --> 00:32:35.219 that was 00:32:35.219 --> 00:32:35.719 mentioned 00:32:35.719 --> 00:32:36.379 in verse 00:32:36.379 --> 00:32:36.979 six. 00:32:37.399 --> 00:32:37.959 Have a look 00:32:37.959 --> 00:32:38.339 back at 00:32:38.339 --> 00:32:39.000 verse six 00:32:39.000 --> 00:32:40.339 and again 00:32:40.339 --> 00:32:40.899 note the 00:32:40.899 --> 00:32:41.259 way in 00:32:41.259 --> 00:32:42.319 which they 00:32:42.319 --> 00:32:43.059 are delivered. 00:32:43.059 --> 00:32:44.720 the woman 00:32:44.720 --> 00:32:46.000 fled into 00:32:46.000 --> 00:32:46.619 the wilderness 00:32:46.619 --> 00:32:47.240 to a 00:32:47.240 --> 00:32:48.240 place prepared 00:32:48.240 --> 00:32:48.700 for her 00:32:48.700 --> 00:32:49.539 by God 00:32:49.539 --> 00:32:50.639 where she 00:32:50.639 --> 00:32:51.339 might be 00:32:51.339 --> 00:32:52.859 taken care 00:32:52.859 --> 00:32:54.000 of for 00:32:54.000 --> 00:32:56.019 1260 00:32:56.019 --> 00:32:56.700 days. 00:32:59.019 --> 00:32:59.779 Now, 00:32:59.879 --> 00:33:00.339 there are 00:33:00.339 --> 00:33:02.220 1260 00:33:02.220 --> 00:33:03.960 days in 00:33:03.960 --> 00:33:04.519 three and 00:33:04.519 --> 00:33:04.899 a half 00:33:04.899 --> 00:33:05.339 years, 00:33:05.519 --> 00:33:06.559 so these 00:33:06.559 --> 00:33:07.339 two numbers 00:33:07.339 --> 00:33:08.220 are talking 00:33:08.220 --> 00:33:08.839 about the 00:33:08.839 --> 00:33:10.259 same time 00:33:10.259 --> 00:33:10.679 frame. 00:33:10.680 --> 00:33:12.019 And I 00:33:12.019 --> 00:33:12.519 think here 00:33:12.519 --> 00:33:13.180 the time 00:33:13.180 --> 00:33:13.840 frame that 00:33:13.840 --> 00:33:14.420 it's 00:33:14.420 --> 00:33:15.140 representing 00:33:15.140 --> 00:33:16.259 or symbolising 00:33:16.259 --> 00:33:17.200 is from 00:33:17.200 --> 00:33:18.039 the resurrection 00:33:18.039 --> 00:33:19.039 of Jesus 00:33:19.039 --> 00:33:20.120 to the 00:33:20.120 --> 00:33:20.799 return of 00:33:20.799 --> 00:33:21.160 Jesus. 00:33:22.240 --> 00:33:22.900 So all 00:33:22.900 --> 00:33:23.700 people who 00:33:23.700 --> 00:33:24.240 live in 00:33:24.240 --> 00:33:24.900 that time, 00:33:25.320 --> 00:33:25.640 who have 00:33:25.640 --> 00:33:26.740 trusted in 00:33:26.740 --> 00:33:27.860 Jesus and 00:33:27.860 --> 00:33:28.200 who are 00:33:28.200 --> 00:33:29.060 waiting on 00:33:29.060 --> 00:33:29.880 his return 00:33:29.880 --> 00:33:31.120 will be 00:33:31.120 --> 00:33:32.360 protected by 00:33:32.360 --> 00:33:32.820 Jesus. 00:33:33.900 --> 00:33:34.580 We do 00:33:34.580 --> 00:33:35.279 not need 00:33:35.279 --> 00:33:36.180 to fear 00:33:36.180 --> 00:33:37.380 Satan. 00:33:38.640 --> 00:33:39.299 We will 00:33:39.299 --> 00:33:40.160 be protected. 00:33:40.680 --> 00:33:43.019 Now look 00:33:43.019 --> 00:33:43.299 at the 00:33:43.299 --> 00:33:43.759 imagery. 00:33:45.980 --> 00:33:46.299 In 00:33:46.299 --> 00:33:47.200 verse 6 00:33:47.200 --> 00:33:48.759 and in 00:33:48.759 --> 00:33:49.820 verse 14 00:33:49.820 --> 00:33:52.460 we're 00:33:52.460 --> 00:33:53.299 told that 00:33:53.299 --> 00:33:53.660 they were 00:33:53.660 --> 00:33:54.460 taken into 00:33:54.460 --> 00:33:55.420 the wilderness 00:33:55.420 --> 00:33:57.400 for protection. 00:33:58.880 --> 00:33:59.380 Now why 00:33:59.380 --> 00:33:59.960 would he say 00:33:59.960 --> 00:34:00.480 they're taken 00:34:00.480 --> 00:34:00.940 into the 00:34:00.940 --> 00:34:01.259 wilderness? 00:34:01.500 --> 00:34:02.100 It doesn't 00:34:02.100 --> 00:34:02.960 sound a very 00:34:02.960 --> 00:34:04.039 protective place, 00:34:04.120 --> 00:34:04.480 does it? 00:34:04.480 --> 00:34:05.259 A desert. 00:34:07.320 --> 00:34:07.860 Well, 00:34:07.960 --> 00:34:08.559 remember the 00:34:08.559 --> 00:34:09.159 account of 00:34:09.159 --> 00:34:09.780 the Exodus. 00:34:10.679 --> 00:34:12.019 God's 00:34:12.019 --> 00:34:12.419 people. 00:34:12.960 --> 00:34:13.460 Remember the 00:34:13.460 --> 00:34:13.879 account? 00:34:14.619 --> 00:34:15.299 They were in 00:34:15.299 --> 00:34:16.359 slavery under 00:34:16.359 --> 00:34:16.919 the cruel 00:34:16.919 --> 00:34:17.619 tyrant 00:34:17.619 --> 00:34:18.079 Pharaoh. 00:34:18.940 --> 00:34:19.619 And God 00:34:19.619 --> 00:34:20.219 heard their 00:34:20.219 --> 00:34:20.759 cry and 00:34:20.759 --> 00:34:21.319 rescued them. 00:34:21.619 --> 00:34:22.359 He delivered 00:34:22.359 --> 00:34:22.659 them. 00:34:22.960 --> 00:34:23.460 In fact, 00:34:23.599 --> 00:34:24.599 God defeated 00:34:24.599 --> 00:34:25.179 their enemy. 00:34:25.579 --> 00:34:26.440 He crushed 00:34:26.440 --> 00:34:27.279 Pharaoh and 00:34:27.279 --> 00:34:27.859 his enemies. 00:34:28.480 --> 00:34:29.379 God opened 00:34:29.379 --> 00:34:30.079 up the Red 00:34:30.079 --> 00:34:30.819 Sea to let 00:34:30.819 --> 00:34:31.339 his people 00:34:31.339 --> 00:34:31.919 cross. 00:34:32.299 --> 00:34:32.759 But when 00:34:32.759 --> 00:34:33.619 Pharaoh came 00:34:33.619 --> 00:34:34.460 chasing after 00:34:34.460 --> 00:34:34.879 with his 00:34:34.879 --> 00:34:35.259 armies, 00:34:36.259 --> 00:34:36.940 remember the 00:34:36.940 --> 00:34:38.039 sea came in 00:34:38.039 --> 00:34:38.739 on top of 00:34:38.739 --> 00:34:39.840 them and 00:34:39.840 --> 00:34:40.500 destroyed 00:34:40.500 --> 00:34:40.880 them. 00:34:42.199 --> 00:34:42.679 And as 00:34:42.679 --> 00:34:43.139 they went 00:34:43.139 --> 00:34:43.599 through the 00:34:43.599 --> 00:34:44.199 Red Sea, 00:34:44.619 --> 00:34:45.279 so they 00:34:45.279 --> 00:34:46.119 entered into 00:34:46.119 --> 00:34:46.820 the wilderness 00:34:46.820 --> 00:34:48.739 and they 00:34:48.739 --> 00:34:50.820 travelled and 00:34:50.820 --> 00:34:51.480 they made 00:34:51.480 --> 00:34:52.599 their way to 00:34:52.599 --> 00:34:53.559 the promised 00:34:53.559 --> 00:34:54.719 land. 00:34:55.659 --> 00:34:56.420 And as 00:34:56.420 --> 00:34:57.279 they travelled, 00:34:58.340 --> 00:34:59.400 God protected 00:34:59.400 --> 00:34:59.840 them and 00:34:59.840 --> 00:35:00.659 provided for 00:35:00.659 --> 00:35:00.800 them. 00:35:00.860 --> 00:35:01.259 He gave 00:35:01.259 --> 00:35:02.099 them food and 00:35:02.099 --> 00:35:02.519 water. 00:35:02.940 --> 00:35:03.400 He was a 00:35:03.400 --> 00:35:04.500 cloud by day 00:35:04.500 --> 00:35:05.099 from which they 00:35:05.099 --> 00:35:05.599 could follow, 00:35:05.920 --> 00:35:07.340 a fire by night. 00:35:08.039 --> 00:35:09.460 his presence 00:35:09.460 --> 00:35:10.259 amongst them. 00:35:12.860 --> 00:35:13.360 In fact, 00:35:13.480 --> 00:35:13.980 in Exodus, 00:35:14.840 --> 00:35:15.779 that whole 00:35:15.779 --> 00:35:17.480 event is 00:35:17.480 --> 00:35:18.460 summarised like 00:35:18.460 --> 00:35:20.099 this, as 00:35:20.099 --> 00:35:21.059 God spoke to 00:35:21.059 --> 00:35:21.699 his people. 00:35:22.920 --> 00:35:23.360 You 00:35:23.360 --> 00:35:24.500 yourselves have 00:35:24.500 --> 00:35:25.380 seen what I 00:35:25.380 --> 00:35:26.320 did to Egypt 00:35:26.320 --> 00:35:28.119 and how I 00:35:28.119 --> 00:35:29.139 carried you on 00:35:29.139 --> 00:35:30.079 eagles' wings 00:35:30.079 --> 00:35:31.820 and brought 00:35:31.820 --> 00:35:32.279 you to 00:35:32.279 --> 00:35:32.840 myself. 00:35:35.659 --> 00:35:36.519 Now, can 00:35:36.519 --> 00:35:37.199 you begin to 00:35:37.199 --> 00:35:37.659 see the 00:35:37.659 --> 00:35:38.000 imagery? 00:35:38.199 --> 00:35:38.679 Look again 00:35:38.679 --> 00:35:39.139 at verse 00:35:39.139 --> 00:35:39.859 14. 00:35:42.319 --> 00:35:43.279 The woman 00:35:43.279 --> 00:35:43.859 was given 00:35:43.859 --> 00:35:44.460 the two 00:35:44.460 --> 00:35:45.159 wings of 00:35:45.159 --> 00:35:46.739 a great 00:35:46.739 --> 00:35:48.480 eagle, so 00:35:48.480 --> 00:35:49.119 that she 00:35:49.119 --> 00:35:50.059 might fly 00:35:50.059 --> 00:35:50.519 to the 00:35:50.519 --> 00:35:51.519 place prepared 00:35:51.519 --> 00:35:52.159 for her 00:35:52.159 --> 00:35:53.460 in the 00:35:53.460 --> 00:35:53.859 wilderness. 00:35:55.299 --> 00:35:55.799 You see, 00:35:55.879 --> 00:35:56.420 as God's 00:35:56.420 --> 00:35:58.019 people, we 00:35:58.019 --> 00:35:58.659 have been 00:35:58.659 --> 00:35:59.599 rescued from 00:35:59.599 --> 00:36:00.239 a cruel 00:36:00.239 --> 00:36:01.059 tyrant, 00:36:01.699 --> 00:36:02.019 Satan 00:36:02.019 --> 00:36:02.659 himself. 00:36:03.519 --> 00:36:04.279 Our enemy 00:36:04.279 --> 00:36:04.859 has been 00:36:04.859 --> 00:36:05.639 crushed and 00:36:05.639 --> 00:36:06.059 defeated. 00:36:06.059 --> 00:36:07.279 the promised 00:36:07.279 --> 00:36:08.699 land awaits 00:36:08.699 --> 00:36:09.159 us. 00:36:09.860 --> 00:36:10.340 The new 00:36:10.340 --> 00:36:11.000 heavens and 00:36:11.000 --> 00:36:11.380 the new 00:36:11.380 --> 00:36:11.860 earth is 00:36:11.860 --> 00:36:12.820 coming, but 00:36:12.820 --> 00:36:13.579 right now 00:36:13.579 --> 00:36:15.299 today, we 00:36:15.299 --> 00:36:15.940 are walking 00:36:15.940 --> 00:36:16.500 through the 00:36:16.500 --> 00:36:16.940 wilderness. 00:36:18.440 --> 00:36:19.239 And as we 00:36:19.239 --> 00:36:20.500 travel, we 00:36:20.500 --> 00:36:21.299 are guaranteed 00:36:21.299 --> 00:36:22.639 God's protection 00:36:22.639 --> 00:36:23.179 and care. 00:36:23.599 --> 00:36:24.659 He will walk 00:36:24.659 --> 00:36:25.199 with us. 00:36:25.500 --> 00:36:26.059 He will 00:36:26.059 --> 00:36:27.440 provide for 00:36:27.440 --> 00:36:27.719 us. 00:36:27.980 --> 00:36:28.699 The dragon 00:36:28.699 --> 00:36:29.779 may confront 00:36:29.779 --> 00:36:30.179 us. 00:36:30.179 --> 00:36:30.820 He may 00:36:30.820 --> 00:36:31.799 frighten us 00:36:31.800 --> 00:36:32.480 and scare 00:36:32.480 --> 00:36:33.660 us, but 00:36:33.660 --> 00:36:34.019 we are 00:36:34.019 --> 00:36:34.900 safe and 00:36:34.900 --> 00:36:35.400 secure. 00:36:39.440 --> 00:36:40.240 Yes, 00:36:40.560 --> 00:36:41.460 opposition 00:36:41.460 --> 00:36:42.140 will come. 00:36:43.400 --> 00:36:43.780 Yes, 00:36:44.039 --> 00:36:44.480 persecution 00:36:44.480 --> 00:36:45.180 will be 00:36:45.180 --> 00:36:46.019 experienced. 00:36:47.200 --> 00:36:48.060 Yes, there 00:36:48.060 --> 00:36:48.440 will be 00:36:48.440 --> 00:36:49.140 suffering and 00:36:49.140 --> 00:36:49.519 struggles. 00:36:50.220 --> 00:36:51.019 Yes, we 00:36:51.019 --> 00:36:51.820 all will 00:36:51.820 --> 00:36:52.920 fail and 00:36:52.920 --> 00:36:53.380 fall. 00:36:54.660 --> 00:36:55.519 But as 00:36:55.519 --> 00:36:56.260 we walk 00:36:56.260 --> 00:36:56.840 through our 00:36:56.840 --> 00:36:57.280 wilderness 00:36:57.280 --> 00:37:00.460 years, God 00:37:00.460 --> 00:37:01.140 has us in 00:37:01.140 --> 00:37:01.800 his hands. 00:37:02.960 --> 00:37:03.240 Our 00:37:03.240 --> 00:37:04.160 salvation is 00:37:04.160 --> 00:37:04.640 secure. 00:37:05.740 --> 00:37:06.500 Our hope 00:37:06.500 --> 00:37:07.400 remains. 00:37:08.120 --> 00:37:08.300 The 00:37:08.300 --> 00:37:09.320 guarantees of 00:37:09.320 --> 00:37:09.760 the new 00:37:09.760 --> 00:37:10.340 heaven and 00:37:10.340 --> 00:37:10.880 new earth 00:37:10.880 --> 00:37:11.780 are kept 00:37:11.780 --> 00:37:12.780 for us. 00:37:13.220 --> 00:37:13.940 He will 00:37:13.940 --> 00:37:15.120 bring us 00:37:15.120 --> 00:37:15.480 through. 00:37:16.440 --> 00:37:17.280 He will 00:37:17.280 --> 00:37:18.600 carry you 00:37:18.600 --> 00:37:19.700 on eagle's 00:37:19.700 --> 00:37:20.280 wings 00:37:20.280 --> 00:37:23.080 wings and 00:37:23.080 --> 00:37:23.640 will carry 00:37:23.640 --> 00:37:24.340 you to 00:37:24.340 --> 00:37:24.920 himself. 00:37:26.920 --> 00:37:27.780 So in 00:37:27.780 --> 00:37:28.440 our journey, 00:37:29.720 --> 00:37:30.220 can I 00:37:30.220 --> 00:37:31.280 encourage us 00:37:31.280 --> 00:37:32.780 to remind 00:37:32.780 --> 00:37:33.560 each other 00:37:33.560 --> 00:37:34.100 as we 00:37:34.100 --> 00:37:35.060 walk along 00:37:35.060 --> 00:37:36.260 that we 00:37:36.260 --> 00:37:37.040 don't walk 00:37:37.040 --> 00:37:37.480 alone. 00:37:37.840 --> 00:37:38.540 We walk 00:37:38.540 --> 00:37:39.440 together as 00:37:39.440 --> 00:37:40.360 an army of 00:37:40.360 --> 00:37:41.160 God's people 00:37:41.160 --> 00:37:43.040 singing the 00:37:43.040 --> 00:37:43.700 song that 00:37:43.700 --> 00:37:44.600 Satan is 00:37:44.600 --> 00:37:45.100 defeated, 00:37:45.840 --> 00:37:46.920 Jesus is 00:37:46.920 --> 00:37:47.620 victorious, 00:37:48.740 --> 00:37:49.480 and the 00:37:49.480 --> 00:37:50.080 church 00:37:50.079 --> 00:37:51.340 is 00:37:51.340 --> 00:37:51.900 protected. 00:37:54.819 --> 00:37:55.719 Let's 00:37:55.719 --> 00:37:56.039 pray 00:37:56.039 --> 00:37:56.880 together.