Every day, we face an enemy. One who seeks to devour us (1 Pet 5:8) – Satan.

The battle has been going on since the beginning of humanity, ever since Satan twisted the words of God, tempting Eve into eating of the forbidden fruit (Gen 3:3). Granted, his attacks are limited by God (Job 1:12; 2:6), but having power over the earth (1 John 5:19), Satan’s attacks can be powerful and precise. Each hit can cause us great pain and sorrow, and if we are not vigilant, we might be overcome by this enemy.

Losing to this enemy will cost us more than just an arm and a limb. It is our spiritual life that is at stake, our salvation from the lake of fire and brimstone!

So how can we overcome Satan and his attacks? How can we ensure that we emerge victorious from the battle and receive our heavenly reward?

In Revelations 12:7-12, we see a battle between Satan and the angels of God with the angels of God reigning victorious. How did they overcome him?

“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.” (Rev 12:11)

By the Blood of the Lamb

The blood of the Lamb is the blood of Jesus that cleanses us of our sins (Col 1:14, Heb 9:14).

We receive the washing by this blood at the point of baptism as we are baptised into His death and given a new life (Rom 6:3-4).

However, the significance of the blood of the Lamb does not stop at the point of baptism. It should carry on to our daily lives.

After our baptism, because of the weakness of the flesh, it is extremely unlikely that we will be able to resist temptations and completely abstain from all sin until the moment we pass away. The bible makes clear that those who are stained by sin cannot enter the kingdom of heaven (Rev 21:8).

Thus, to overcome Satan, we need to have the continual washing by the blood– done through constant reflection and repentance (1 John 1:9). That way, even if Satan stands to accuse us of our sins (Zec 3:1-4), his accusations will fall flat for our sins and debts have been paid for by Jesus’ blood (Rom 3:25).

By the Word of Their Testimony

What is the word in “the word of their testimony” refer to?

Looking at various passages in Revelations, the phrase “testimony of Jesus Christ” (Rev 1:2, 12:17, 19:10, 20:4) appears. From this we can conclude that the victors testified of Jesus and His gospel.

In what ways can we testify of Jesus?

Firstly, it is through our behaviour. When we truly believe in Jesus and lead a lifestyle glorifying Him, we will be able to testify of His gospel through our actions akin to a light shining in the darkness (Matt 5:16).

Secondly, it is through sharing the gospel as Jesus has commissioned His believers to do (Matt 28:18-20; Mark 16:15). Sharing the gospel is more than just winning an argument over doctrines. It is about sharing the salvation we have received with those who are walking on a path that leads to eternal condemnation.

Satan’s attacks can cause people to drift from God’s truth and grace. So we must be vigilant and hold fast to the gospel of Jesus. At the same time, let us strive to save those around us who do not have the light of Jesus to guide them to receiving salvation.

Did Not Love Their Lives to the Death

Lastly, these victors overcame as they did not love their lives to the death.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus warns us multiple times that we cannot love our lives on this earth. Our physical life is but a vapor that will one day pass away (Jam 4:14) so it is foolish to focus all our time and energy into ensuring we live a physically abundant lifestyle (Luke 12:15-20).

Jesus summarises it in a seemingly paradoxical statement.

“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” (Luke 9:24)

In order to save your life, you must lose it for Jesus’ sake.

This doesn’t mean we literally have to die for Jesus in order to receive salvation. Losing of life holds a metaphorical sense: to give up living a life led by our own desires, instead living life for Jesus’ sake.

Those who love their lives so much they are willing to die for it are easy targets for Satan. All he has to do is provide them with a comfortable and abundant life. And just as Job’s wife turned back to look at the burning city of Sodom (Gen 19:26), they too will turn back to their material lives and consequently lose their spiritual lives.

Are we able to lay down our ambitions, the praise and approval of others, and our comforts for Jesus’ sake? Or have we grown to love our lives so much that we are willing to give up eternal salvation and face the second death in the lake of fire and brimstone (Rev 21:8).

Conclusion

As we continue in this battle, be watchful and vigilant, reflecting in our daily lives as to whether we have repented of our sins, testified of Jesus, and not loved our lives to the death. Let us learn from the victors that we may not lose the battle, for the cost of defeat is great.