In this sermon, Shawna Boren proclaims our hope in the midst of trials and tribulations. She announces the fact that Christ has already defeated the enemy and is stronger than our struggles. And she gives us concrete action steps to stand in the midst of Christ’s victory.
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The Chase Is On!
• Shawna Boren
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In this passage, the dragon (Satan) has been hurled down to the earth and the woman fled from the dragon. Even though she escaped, the dragon did not give up. From his mouth poured a river of water to sweep her away, but again the woman was provided a way of escape. This further enrages the dragon. The woman is given wings as a way of escape, an image of God’s protection. But the river of water is an image of tribulation. The flooding signifies the war that is waged against God’s people.
Even though the dragon has been defeated, he can still cause great harm. Satan’s defeat in heaven does not yet mean an end to physical suffering on earth. He knows that he is defeated and rages all the more because of this fact. God has won the victory, and though the trials may increase, this is not a sign of the triumph of evil. It is actually a final push to cause as much destruction as possible.
We are stuck between D-Day and V-Day, between the Emancipation Proclamation and Juneteenth. The victory has come, but it has not been fully realized. During this in-between time, Satan spreads all kinds of slander and lies. But we are not merely waiting until the end. We can stand in victory now. To help us understand how to stand, Shawna turns to 1 Peter 5:8-11. This passage provides practical guidance in how we fight back and push away the darkness. We are to be clearheaded because the enemy wants us confused and muddled. We are to keep alert because we so easily forget that there is war at hand. We are to listen the truth because the enemy is a roaring lion who screams lies into our faces. We are to remain close to those who love us because the enemy wants to isolate us and attack when we are alone. We are to resist because God has empowered us to speak his truth in the midst of lies. We are to stand firm because Christ has already overcome.
Our call is to actively participate in the coming of God’s Kingdom, to live our lives now for what will be true in eternity. The powers of evil will do all they can to suppress the witness of the church, but we are not to withdraw, we are not to hide. The time of trial is not the final word. We can overcome.
Hide Extended SummaryTopics: Hope, Kingdom of God, Spiritual Warfare
Sermon Series: The Unveiling, Dragon Slayers
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The MuseCast: November 4
Focus Scripture:
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Revelation 12:13-17
Therefore, rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them. But oh! The horror for the earth and sea! The devil has come down to you with great rage, for he knows that he only has a short time. When the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he chased the woman who had given birth to the male child. But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she could fly to her place in the desert. There she would be taken care of—out of the snake’s reach—for a time and times and half a time. Then from his mouth the snake poured a river of water after the woman so that the river would sweep her away. But the earth helped the woman. The earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon poured out of his mouth. So the dragon was furious with the woman, and he went off to make war on the rest of her children, on those who keep God’s commandments and hold firmly to the witness of Jesus.
