We are returning to the second half of Revelation after an 8 week break in Romans. Even though Romans and Revelation are very different kinds of literature, they are part of God’s same story. For both, the heart is the mystery of God, which is the gospel. This is the secret that God is revealing to His own throughout the ages. It is the secret the devil hates and fights against.
We are also headed into the holidays. And you know what? It works. For we need to make this time of year so centered on Christ, and on strengthening our inner life, that we are a light in the darkness with our family, our friends, and our community.
As we return to Revelation, we hit the heart of the book in chapter 12, so even if you have not been with us, you can step in, for I’ll keep summarizing. It will help you to get David Campbell’s commentary: Mystery Revealed.
Revelation is apocalytpic literature, meaning God communicates through signs and symbols, pictures that are puzzles. In Revelation 12 there is a picture of a woman about to give birth and a dragon who wants to swallow her child up. The woman and her child represent not only Mary and Jesus, whom the dragon tried to swallow up at Christ’s birth, but all of God’s people from the beginning of time, whom the dragon is still trying to swallow up.
The dragon is Satan and all the spiritual forces of darkness. He failed to kill Jesus at his birth, and thought he succeeded at His crucifixion
Do you remember Paige’s kindergarten “show and tell” story when she brought her tonsils in a jar? The teacher threw up. Paige said, at the resurrection of Christ, Satan threw up.
This is basically where we at Revelation 12. It summarizes the battle, and at the close, after Satan’s huge failure (the resurrection) “…the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.” (Rev. 12:17)
Though there are many interpretative views of Revelation, they all agree that it shows a battle between Satan and God, between Satan’s children and God’s children, and, because of the gospel, the power that came through the death and resurrection of Christ, God and His children will win in the end. But for now, we are at war.
The disagreement occurs not about the fact of this, but the timing of it all. The view this study takes is the Idealist view which believes the tribulation began at the resurrection, when “Satan threw up.” It will continue until the return of Christ, though will intensify, like the birth pangs of a woman intensify before the actual birth (the return of Christ.)
The idealist view does not believe there will be a rapture. But whatever view you take, know that we are in a battle, and the battle is not with flesh and blood, but with the forces of darkness. How are we to prevail? Through the power of the gospel which can deliver us not just from the penalty of sin, but the power of sin.
Here we go!
The Benham Brothers, David and Jason, were so excited to land a reality house flipping show, but though it was all set to go and HGTV said they were solidly behind them even though they knew they were pro-life and pro-God’s plan for marriage, when those that disagreed starting circling the network’s wagons, they caved and scrapped the show. Though they had been tempted, the Benham brothers refused to hide their light under a bushel, and they paid the cost. They said:
This is not a fight between conservative and liberal or Republican and Democrat, this is a fight between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent.
That is what we must realize and what Revelation 12 is all about. There is a dragon who wants us to hide our light, who wants us to compromise with the world. The Benham brothers also said that when God gives us something we love (like a reality tv show) we must hold it loosely or He will pry our fingers away. Many of you have already watched the Benham brothers at the Wilberforce Weekend — here is a shorter interview for Focus on the Family:
We must be vigilant against the dragon dividing us in our homes and in our churches. because of our pride. For he loves to divide the sheep and then pluck them off one by one.
While a woman would seem to be no match against a fire-breathing dragon, that woman is Christ’s Beloved Bride, so she has a MIGHTY WARRIOR within.
This Christmas I’m giving a little red dragon to each of my children to put in their Nativity sets, for I plan to tell my grandchildren about the fight God’s children are in with a very real dragon. Then I’ll show them this animated poem by Glen Shivener:
A DRAGON lurks among us who LOVES TO TEMPT US TO HIDE OUR LIGHT.
A DRAGON lurks among us who LOVES TO DIVIDE OUR MARRIAGES AND OUR CHURCHES.
We have been so divided this year over masks, vaccines, politics — and we often fail to see who is really behind our discord. At the close of the week. let’s ponder strategy against our real enemy. I’m excited to do it with you, such thoughtful and wise sisters.
WE, THE SEED OF THE WOMAN ARE IN A FIGHT WITH THE SEED OF THE SERPENT.
LET US WIN IT TOGETHER.
Rev. 12 word document
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- How might this be relevant to you right now in your life?
Monday: The Woman in Agony
3. Read Revelation 12:1-6 aloud to yourself and share initial thoughts.
4. Read Revelation 12:1-2
A. Describe the first sight that appeared in heaven.
B. Before reading Campbell, what do you think this represents and why?
5. In Mystery Explained, in the chapter about Revelation 12, read the first three paragraphs under THE FIRST VISION all the way up to “The vision continues: And another sign appeared in heaven.”
A. How does Joseph’s vision in Gen. 37 help us identify who this woman represents?
B. In the 2nd paragraph, what other Old Testament passages shed light on the identity of the woman?
C. The woman is in agony – what does this mean in the New Testament and what does mean for believers?
6. Read John 16:17-24.
A. What analogy does Jesus make to a woman in labor for the disciples? Why does He does this, do you think?
B. When we suffer agony from persecution or trial, how might this analogy give us hope?
C. How might this analogy help you to pay the cost of not compromising or the cost of humbling yourself?
Tuesday: The Great Red Dragon
7. Read Revelation 12:3-4 and describe the second vision.
8. Continue reading under “Another sign appeared” up to “The battle is engaged.” What light do the Old Testament references Dr. Campbell gives shed on this vision?
9. Dr. Campbell says the dragon “is in fact the very real evil force behind all human kingdoms which persecute the church.” How do the seven heads, ten horns, and red color demonstrate this?
10. Read the paragraph that begins “the battle is engaged” up to “the condensation of Christ’s life.” How does the battle in heaven mirror the battle on earth?
Wednesday: The Child and The Woman in the Wilderness
11. Read Revelation 12:5-6
A. What do you learn about the child from verse 5?
B. How can you identify Him with Christ? (Psalm 2 may help)
12. Read the paragraph that begins The Condensation…up to “As the child”
A. When did Christ receive the rod of iron?
B. Why does this matter to us?
13. What do you learn about the woman in the wilderness from Revelation 12:6?
14. Read the last long paragraph that begins with “As the child” up to Warfare in Heaven.”
A. What does the wilderness represent in Scripture?
B. Dr. Campbell has a different perspective than I have always thought of the place Jesus has gone to prepare. What does he say? What do you think and why? (I myself am not sure — for I have always loved the thought of my bridegroom going to prepare a home for me, as bridegrooms did in biblical days, with the help of their fathers. But, indeed, it is a mystery.)
C. What do you learn about the numbers in this passage?
D. Who is the Babylonian harlot?
Thursday/Friday Application
I want to take some time applying these lessons to various situations where the dragon is endeavoring to get us to compromise God’s Word or to divide us in our families or the family of God.
15. Read 1 John 4:4-6
A. What is one way, according to this passage, to recognize that the dragon is speaking?
B. Give a few illustrations of the viewpoint of the world — for many Christians have been swayed!
C. How might you let your light shine brighter in the world?
I was very moved by an illustration one of the Benham brothers gave about a hostile woman on an airplane. He was ready to fight but the Spirit told him to just listen to her, and he did. He discovered she was a hurting woman overcome with anxiety. He finally read Psalm 139 to her and she began to weep. He said that the people in the world are held captive and they need a warrior, a warrior who will both truly love them and speak truth to them.
16. Read 1 John 4:7-12
A. Describe the kind of love we are called to have.
B. Can you think of a situation or person in your life where you could overcome evil with sacrificial love?
17. Read 1 John 4:19-21
A. What strong statement does John make?
B. Why does the dragon try to divide us as brothers and sisters?
C. What has been effective for you in the past to reconcile with an offended brother? Be specific.
D. Is there an application for your life now?
Saturday:
18. What is your take-a-way and why?
191 comments
16. Read 1 John 4:7-12
A. Describe the kind of love we are called to have.
We are called to have God’s love for others, and what is God’s love? It is the love (for us) that sent Jesus into the world so we might have eternal life, the love that was willing to sacrifice the Son to take away our sins. If God so loved us that much, we ought to love each other. When we love well, His love will be expressed through us to others, and in that way, God can be “seen”.
B. Can you think of a situation or person in your life where you could overcome evil with sacrificial love?
This isn’t as easy of a question….I would think that if someone in my life was truly evil and trying to harm me, it wouldn’t be my responsibility to try to overcome their evil with sacrificial love, because God would care about my safety and well-being. Many women have been ill-advised by their pastors even to stay in abusive marriages and to continue to sacrificially love their abusive husband. As to “smaller evils” such as division, which I know the enemy likes to create in relationships, even in my own marriage, doing things like Bing talked about in controlling the tongue takes sacrificial love. It takes sacrifice to not lash out with nasty, critical words or to respond in kind. Or, for example, if I am at work and I hear others gossiping or cutting someone down, if I join in then I am not overcoming evil, but participating in it.
Susan, I hear you about gossip in the workplace. I have gotten to a place where I have quit going to the staff lunchroom because I just don’t know how to respond to such. I got frustrated with myself not knowing what to say or being tempted to participate in adding fuel to the fire. Then I would feel bad for “judging” my co-workers when perhaps they’re just venting. Then I asked myself, is venting really a good thing? Sigh. I am not there anymore but I am sure I could be in a similar situation in the future but just be at a different place. The love of God should constrain me.
17. Read 1 John 4:19-21
A. What strong statement does John make?
If someone says, “I love God”, but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar, because if we don’t love people we can see, then how can we love God?
B. Why does the dragon try to divide us as brothers and sisters?
Because it renders our witness ineffective and useless. I believe it was Gandhi who famously said that if the Christians he knew actually behaved like the Jesus they claimed to follow, he might want to be a Christian too. Jesus Himself said that a house divided against itself will fall. Many churches have had such divisions that they split apart. If the enemy can divide us, he can defeat us. In Philippians 4, Paul expresses great distress over Euodia and Syntyche, two women who contended right alongside Paul for the gospel. Yet Paul pleads with them to settle their disagreement, and for others to help them to do so.
C. What has been effective for you in the past to reconcile with an offended brother? Be specific.
I can’t think of any example, except for a friendship that ended over a misunderstanding, which I had sincerely tried to apologize and be honest in my part. However, the person refused to speak to me for about three months. By that time, I had accepted that the friendship was over. After three months, I received a one word text that said “sorry”. But you can’t really “text” a word to clear up a misunderstanding, and I just let it go as I wasn’t interested in reviving the friendship at that point.
I’ve also learned that unless we are willing to dialogue with people, even when their views are different from ours, and unless we are willing to say, “Tell me more about why you believe that…”, there can’t be a conversation if there is only name calling, labeling, finger pointing and anger.
Sometimes I think “How to apologize” should be taught in public schools, but then I realize they wouldn’t get it right. And it has to come from the heart.
I actually think that text took courage on the part of your friend. So many people are stunted in that area, but I know it’s hard to take crumbs.
18. What is your take-away and why?
To keep in the forefront of my mind that there is an enemy who seeks to cause division. You are right, Dee, in what you wrote in your opening. This isn’t about one’s political party, or conservative versus liberal, it is, going all the way back to Genesis, a fight between the serpent and the seed of the woman. And the fight can be infinitesimally small compared to the great battles in our world and culture today….it can be one “slicing” word I say to hurt someone, one decision to give in to my idol of comfort rather than sacrifice my time for another, sharing one tidbit of gossip with someone, making one compromise in the area of personal integrity.
Susan, This is so good! So well stated and simple truth! It is some tiny seed that the enemy uses to divide! Things can start with a misunderstood or misinterpreted word. We need to always be prayerful and cautious with our thoughts, words and decisions. Thank you for this!!
17. Read 1 John 4:19-21
A. What strong statement does John make?
I am a liar if I say I love God and hate a brother or a sister.
B. Why does the dragon try to divide us as brothers and sisters?
United we stand, divided we fall-goes an old song in the ’60s. Instead of an army standing side by side with our full armor (Ephesians 6), we will be an “island” on our own vulnerability to the onslaught of the enemy. When we are weak, then we fall and can be destroyed by the enemy.
Yet even in the midst of the enemy causing division, God works it out for good. I think of the sharp dispute or division between Barnabas and Paul about Mark. They had to part ways but God used this to expand their ministries through Barnabas taking Mark and Paul taking Silas. And it has been written that Paul and Mark later worked together again.
C. What has been effective for you in the past to reconcile with an offended brother? Be specific.
My friend, Julie and I were co-writing a little booklet on praying for your child. In a series of events, I asked another friend to edit our booklet without asking Julie. She confronted me about this and expressed her hurt feelings. I wanted to rationalize what I did and why, but I realized she was hurt, nevertheless. I valued her friendship and humbly apologize. I believe that owning up to my part of the hurt was effective in reconciling us.
D. Is there an application for your life now?
My love still fluctuates between conditional and unconditional love. We have a member in our church who has left without any explanation. She has not responded to any of my efforts to reach out to her. It hurts when I thought we were close, and I have tried my best to minister to her when she was still with us. I must consciously let go of my idol of approval and comfort and allow God’s love to comfort me and to love my friend even though she has not responded as I think she should.
The other lesson I am learning is that the closer I get to God and understanding His truth, in this case, loving my brother and sister as I love God, the more aware I am of my need for God to help me live and love sacrificially. I tend to be more aware of the spiritual battles that are going on. They can lead to either frustration or discouragement but also can lead me to be on my knees more often. I would prefer the latter as I know that I can always bring my needs to the throne of mercy and grace.
This is such a good reminder, Bing! “They can lead to either frustration or discouragement but also can lead me to be on my knees more often. I would prefer the latter as I know that I can always bring my needs to the throne of mercy and grace.”
Patti — I love how you have become our Barnabas!
15. Read 1 John 4:4-6
A. What is one way, according to this passage, to recognize that the dragon is speaking?
B. Give a few illustrations of the viewpoint of the world — for many Christians have been swayed!
C. How might you let your light shine brighter in the world?
I was very moved by an illustration one of the Benham brothers gave about a hostile woman on an airplane. He was ready to fight but the Spirit told him to just listen to her, and he did. He discovered she was a hurting woman overcome with anxiety. He finally read Psalm 139 to her and she began to weep. He said that the people in the world are held captive and they need a warrior, a warrior who will both truly love them and speak truth to them.
16. Read 1 John 4:7-12
A. Describe the kind of love we are called to have.
B. Can you think of a situation or person in your life where you could overcome evil with sacrificial love?
17. Read 1 John 4:19-21
A. What strong statement does John make? If someone says “I love God” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.
B. Why does the dragon try to divide us as brothers and sisters? Division weakens the family, friendships, churches~ it breaks down bonds between believers, as well as non-believers.
C. What has been effective for you in the past to reconcile with an offended brother? Be specific. Sometimes after a conversation I have thought that I said something that could be hurtful or misinterpreted. I either call or send a note to the person, to apologize for the way I worded something or explain what I was trying to say. In the Christian school, where we have worked for a number of years before our recent retirement, there was a “no gossip” policy. It really was such a good thing and it helped alleviate many problems.
D. Is there an application for your life now? My husband and I have a pact that we never discuss one of our grown children or grandchildren in front of another family member. We do not take sides in their divisions. Family divisions are very painful for me and I try to avoid them….but sometimes the enemy can figure a way, even when you don’t say a word. On my knees about this daily.
So good: My husband and I have a pact that we never discuss one of our grown children or grandchildren in front of another family member.
I admire how you are handling this painful division, my friend. May God honor it.
Patti, I appreciate your answer to C. I am learning to not take offense when somebody is brutally frank with me. I used to withdraw from such people but I am learning to love unconditionally and to step forward into the situation. And to gently exhort a Christian sister or brother when they are insensitive or biblically wrong. Ultimately, I need to pray for discernment and not leave uncomfortable situations prematurely. By doing so, I may miss the opportunity to really hear the other person’s point of view and to keep the relationship intact.
I had a situation this week where I gently admonished a sister in Christ through a reply to her text. I was so concerned she got mad at me because I did not hear from her for a time. But then she showed up at our get-together that night and acknowledged her giving in to her fears instead of stepping out in faith. Whew! Such a balance. Am not used to it but God is giving me boldness and my friendships have taken me on a deeper level. And to God be the glory. I am learning to walk more by faith and not by sight.
Thursday/Friday
16. Read 1 John 4:7-12
A. Describe the kind of love we are called to have.
We’re to have the same love that Jesus has, sacrificial. It comes from obedience, not feeling.
B. Can you think of a situation or person in your life where you could overcome evil with sacrificial love?
I have a family member that it would be very easy to argue and lash out at for the things they say, but I have chosen with the help of the Holy Spirit to pray for them and encourage them when I can. This is not always easy because honestly what they say angers me, but at the same time God has shown me to have grace and most times not saying anything at all is the best.
17. Read 1 John 4:19-21
A. What strong statement does John make?
If someone says he loves God but hates a fellow believer, he’s a liar.
B. Why does the dragon try to divide us as brothers and sisters?
If we’re divided, the church becomes divided and that’s what Satan wants non believers to see. As Bing said, they will know us by our love. But, I don’t think many Christians understand what kind of love that is and maybe that’s where Satan has had the biggest hay day! According to Alan Redpath, we get our English word agony from agape. “It means the actual absorption of our being in one great passion.” It’s a sacrificial, giving, absorbing kind of love…(just as Christ had on the cross). Has little to do with emotion, much to do with self denial for the sake of others. ~ D. Guzik
C. What has been effective for you in the past to reconcile with an offended brother? Be specific.
I am miserable until I take care of the offense. In a Bible Study of all places I got very irritated with one woman and what she was saying, snapped at her, was very unkind and had lost my patience. Oh how the Holy Spirit convicted me that night when I got home and the next morning I called her up and asked her forgiveness for how I had spoken and acted.
D. Is there an application for your life now?
I really need to be intentional in my love for others, especially with my fellow believers. Stopping to think before I speak and extend grace. This agape love is supernatural, there’s no way I can do it in my own strength, but it is my desire!
Saturday
18. What is your take-a-way and why?
Dee, I so appreciate how you bring application into the study. It’s so easy to gain a knowledge but so much more important to walk it out, “be a doer of His Word.” God is doing a work in my life and I pray He continually goes before me. “When my will is God’s will, I will have my will.” ~ Spurgeon
Sharon, powerful- “When my will is God’s will, I will have my will.” ~ Spurgeon
Thanks so much, Sharon.
My takeaway:
“This is not a fight between conservative and liberal or Republican and Democrat, this is a fight between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent…We, the seed of the woman are in a fight with the seed of the serpent.”
The above are such strong reminders of the spiritual battle that is going on in our world. The tentacle-like effects of the pandemic, for example, have infiltrated every part of society, and most strongly, families and churches. On one hand, I was not surprised; on the other, I was not prepared for how vicious the results are. Just when I think things are letting up, I hear of something else going on. This makes me think that Jesus is coming soon (“the day is at hand”).
It behooves us to always be on guard and to be ready to call on the Lord for the battle is not ours; it is the Lord’s. I found this great song from Phil Wickam Battle Belongs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtvQNzPHn-w
Some of the verses:
When all I see is the battleYou see my victoryWhen all I see is the mountainYou see a mountain movedAnd as I walk through the shadowYour love surrounds meThere’s nothing to fear nowFor I am safe with YouSo when I fight I’ll fight on my kneesWith my hands lifted highOh God the battle belongs to YouAnd every fear I lay at Your feetI’ll sing through the nightOh God the battle belongs to YouAnd if You are for meWho can be against me (yeah)For Jesus there’s nothingImpossible for YouWhen all I see are the ashesYou see the beauty (thank You God)When all I see is a crossGod You see the empty tomb
Almighty Fortress You go before usNothing can stand againstThe power of our GodYou shine in the shadowYou win every battleNothing can stand againstThe power of our God
Thank you for sharing that song Bing! We are in a spiritual battle and I’m so glad that He is on my side…”nothing can stand against the power of our God.” Amen!
Not sure why it duplicated
17. Read 1 John 4:19-21
A. What strong statement does John make?
If anyone says they love God but hates his brother, he is a liar.
B. Why does the dragon try to divide us as brothers and sisters?
Because if we are divided among each other we are not truly loving God. Satan knows he cannot destroy God’s love towards us, so he goes after our love towards one another, and ultimately towards God.
C. What has been effective for you in the past to reconcile with an offended brother? Be specific.
Humility. Admitting my own sin. Being careful not to accuse or blame, I’m really bad at the blame part. Sometimes too we have to remember to give space after our apology, allow them room to process. Sometimes when someone has apologized to me and then gets frustrated if it isn’t instantly “all better”, you wonder if they were doing it more for their own record/pride or because they were truly broken. I need to remember this too, when I apologize.
D. Is there an application for your life now?
I feel like for me, I have to focus on my own heart, not allowing it to become hardened or bitter, or more like me, self-protective. I can’t bring reconciliation where I want to, but I can continue to pray and keep my heart soft, ready to forgive, ready to receive them back.
18. What is your take-a-way and why?
Honestly, my take away are these words of truth from Dee to me “from the time you were a little girl God had his hand on you. Their rejection may actually be part of your protection”, and all of the support of this group. You love as He loves. You resemble the Father. I’m so thankful to be a part of it.
There’s something I wish I could share the details about here, a very unexpected conversation I had today with my oldest’s birthmother. I tried writing it but it’s too hard to be vague enough and yet make any sense. I will just say that with great fear, I shared some hard things with her. The response blew me away. There was no judgment, no accusations, no anger…just a pouring out of unexpected compassion and gratitude. I sobbed. I still tear up thinking about it. But to tie it in here, it just showed me how we have the power in us to either tear down and crush another, or to truly embrace with our words and pour out merciful love. This woman and I are thousands of miles apart and I have not seen her in 18 years, may not see her again, but the way she loved me with His love today, I will never forget. It inspired me to do the same when given the chance.
Lizzy, thanks so for sharing that and it does my heart good to see that you received an unexpected gift from the Lord. Oh how He loves you Lizzy and may we all love with His love…I learn so much from you❤️
This post brings me tears. Agree 💯 with your assessment of this group. To be loved and to love with His love….we all need that. We have the power in us with our words to either tear down or embrace and pour out merciful love. Also, what you said about apology’s and whether they are genuine and come from brokenness or are a matter of record/pride. ALL of this I’m living in. The Lord is humbling me and giving me great compassion for others. I’m led to attend a funeral today where I expect more heart change. The Lord is leading. I’m following.
So much truth as we humble ourselves, what love! Many blessings even a week later.
Wow wow wow, Lizzy. What a gift.
And I’m so glad you took my words to heart as truly, God gave them to me after prayer.
Lizzy, what a fitting way to have you end this week’s study with such a powerful testimony of love. God is good to all of us in allowing us to individually find our way into this blog. Dee, you have provided a haven of safety, virtual fellowship, and the proclamation of God’s truth. Thank you for your love, perseverance, and outpouring of your efforts and resources.
Today is Sunday and I am just reading these last posts. God has given you such a precious gift, Lizzy. He is so good. Praise Him for His faithfulness. He is working, even when we are unaware and feel alone and too much quiet. Thank you, Dee, for this safe haven, as Bing said.
Lizzy, I am just reading this now. I am so grateful to God for giving you this gift of compassion and caring from your eldest birth mother. God is so gracious. This is such an encouraging testimony that God is still at work, even when it is unseen by us!