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In Revelation, there is a lot of figurative language and many difficult symbols. Because of that we often avoid reading the book. But in it are some great Bible helps. One of them is found in chapter 12, where we learn how Christians are to overcome the world.
To preface what is going on, in verses 7-10 we read about war breaking out in heaven, and Michael and his angels fighting with the dragon and his followers. We see that the dragon did not prevail and he was cast out of heaven. Because of this, Satan (the dragon) roamed the earth persecuting and tempting God’s people. Then, in verse 11, we read what the Christians possessed to overcome Satan and his worldly ways: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” In this passage are the three keys to overcoming the world. Let’s examine them in a little more detail.
The Blood of the Lamb. We need to always remember what Jesus did to make salvation possible. It is only because of His sacrifice upon the cross that we have the opportunity of salvation in the first place. Too many times we do not trust enough of our lives to Jesus. The first key to overcoming the world is giving Jesus all of our lives and trusting in Him and the power of His blood, come what may. This begins with our baptism into Him and continues through a life of faithfulness.
The Word of Their Testimony. Not only did the early Christians trust Jesus, but they knew and lived His word. The word of our testimony is the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. We must love it, learn it, live it, and laud it. By doing so, we gain the knowledge and encouragement necessary to overcome the world and its sinful ways. We can only gain this through serious Bible study.
They Did Not Love Their Lives to the Death. The final key we must examine is that of separating oneself from the world. Christians may live in the world, but they are not to be of the world. Nothing on this earth is to be so precious to us that we are not willing to give it up for the cause of Christ (our lives included), and we show it in our attitudes and actions.
Are you having trouble overcoming the world or the temptations of the world? Maybe it’s because you have not put enough trust in Jesus. Maybe it’s because you do not read and live His word enough. Maybe it’s because you do not separate yourself enough from the lost world and worldly ways. That’s how the first century Christians did it – and if we are to overcome, that is how we will do it also.
Edd Sterchi
Broadway church of Christ
Campbellsville, KY