Dr. Mac’s Minute: The Overcomer’s Toolbox, Part 2
Passage: Revelation 12:10-12
Focus: “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb.” (v. 11)
NOTE: This is the second in a four-part series on the tools God has given us to overcome the work of Satan in our lives. Part 3 will appear in the June newsletter. Part 4 will appear in the July newsletter.
Where we’ve been . . . Satan has three basic tools: “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life” (I John 2:16). He also tries to discourage by accusing us when we fail. He is, “the accuser of the brethren” (Rev. 12:10). God provides three tools to resist Satan: And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life, even when faced with death’” (Rev. 12:11).
Tool #1—“The blood of the Lamb”: This is our primary tool for resisting Satan. In fact, it makes the other two possible. Our relationship with Jesus is a free gift, but it came at a heavy price. Peter wrote, “You were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (I Pet. 1:18-19).
God is holy and must judge sin; but on the cross, Jesus took the full force of that divine wrath (I John 2:1-2). You can receive forgiveness and life through the blood of the Lamb by repenting of sin, declaring faith in Jesus, and surrendering to Him as Lord and Savior. Jesus’ payment for sin makes our relationship with the Father a reality. Had it not been for the death and subsequent resurrection, our sins could not be forgiven, and we would be eternally separated from God. But know this . . . Jesus is the ONLY sacrifice. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 1:12). Being good won’t do it. Joining a church won’t do it. Only the blood of the Lamb can save. When you “repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15) you receive His salvation, and nothing can ever separate you from His love (Rom. 8:38-39). The blood of the Lamb saves AND it secures.
Want one more piece of good news? The blood of the Lamb does more than save and secure you—it sustains you, especially when Satan is, “prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour” (I Pet. 5:8). The price Christ paid is a powerful tool in resisting temptation. Knowing that Jesus died for me motivates me to live for Him. It creates a thirst to honor and please Him with an obedient life (John 14:15).
And when I do stumble . . . the blood of Jesus draws me back to my Savior. Rather than destroying with guilt and fear, the accuser’s taunts point me to Jesus. They call me to run to the One who loved me enough to purchase me with His own blood.
Are you battling the enemy? Have you experienced his taunting jeers of condemnation? You don’t have to fight him alone (in fact, you can’t). Resist Satan with the blood of the Lamb that saved, secured, and at this very moment, sustains you.
Next month . . . we will look at Tool #2—“The word of their testimony.”