Sermon Summary: The Woman and the Dragon
Revelation 12:1–17
Main Idea:
Behind the visible world is a cosmic spiritual conflict. Revelation 12 unveils the dragon’s furious war against God’s redemptive plan—especially through Israel and the church. Yet even in the fiercest battles, God’s victory is sure, and His people are secure through the blood of the Lamb.
1. A Dramatic Heavenly Sign: The Woman and the Dragon (vv. 1–6)
John begins by describing “a great sign”—a symbolic vision that carries deep meaning.
- The Woman (vv. 1–2):
- Clothed with the sun, moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars—this echoes Joseph’s dream in Genesis 37:9.
- This woman represents Israel, often depicted as a woman in the Old Testament.
- She is pregnant and in pain—symbolizing Israel’s longing and labor for the coming of the Messiah.
- The Dragon (v. 3):
- A great red dragon, identified in v. 9 as Satan, has seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns.
- These may symbolize past and future empires that Satan has used to oppose God (e.g., Egypt, Babylon, Rome, a future kingdom).
- The red color implies bloodshed and destruction.
- Satan’s Rebellion (v. 4):
- The dragon’s tail sweeps a third of the stars to earth—likely a reference to the fall of a third of the angels with Satan.
- Satan’s Attempt to Destroy the Messiah (vv. 4–6):
- The dragon seeks to destroy the male child at birth—Jesus.
- This points to Herod’s slaughter, Satan’s temptation, the crucifixion.
- But the child ascends to heaven—a reference to Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.
- The woman (Israel) flees to the wilderness where God provides for her for 1,260 days (3½ years).
2. War in Heaven — Victory Secured (vv. 7–12)
- Michael vs. the Dragon (vv. 7–9):
- War breaks out in heaven between Michael (the archangel and protector of Israel, cf. Daniel 12:1) and Satan.
- Satan and his angels are defeated and cast out of heaven permanently.
- Satan loses any remaining access to accuse believers before God (cf. Job 1–2).
- Satan’s Identity (v. 9):
- Called the great dragon, the ancient serpent (Genesis 3), the devil (accuser/slanderer), and Satan (adversary).
- He is the deceiver of the whole world.
- Heaven Rejoices — Earth Warned (vv. 10–12):
- A loud voice proclaims: “Salvation… and the authority of His Christ have come.”
- Satan is the accuser of the brethren—but he is overcome: “By the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”
- Victory is not in human strength but in Christ’s finished work at the cross.
- Heaven rejoices, but earth is warned—Satan is furious because his time is short.
3. The Dragon Pursues the Woman (vv. 13–17)
- Persecution Intensifies (vv. 13–14):
- Satan, cast to earth, persecutes the woman (Israel).
- She is given wings to flee into the wilderness—God provides protection and nourishment for 3½ years.
- This wilderness theme echoes how God provided for His people in the Exodus.
- Satan’s Attempts Foiled Again (vv. 15–16):
- The dragon spews a flood from his mouth—perhaps a symbolic or literal attempt to destroy Israel.
- But the earth swallows the flood—God’s providential care intervenes again.
- The Dragon Shifts His Focus (v. 17):
- Furious, Satan turns his wrath toward the “rest of her offspring”—those who keep God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
- These are likely Jewish and Gentile believers during the Tribulation, depending on the timing of the rapture.
4. Key Applications
1. Satan is real—and angry—but defeated.
He is relentless in accusing, deceiving, and attacking. But his time is limited, and his defeat is certain.
2. Spiritual warfare is real.
Don’t be naive. Don’t be afraid. Stand firm in Christ.
3. Our victory is in the blood of the Lamb.
Not in our merit, but in Jesus’ sacrifice. The only weapon against Satan’s accusations is the gospel of grace.
4. God is faithful to protect His people.
From wilderness wanderings to cosmic war, God preserves His covenant people.
5. The time is short.
Satan knows it. We should too. Let us live urgently and boldly for Christ.
Closing Thought:
The chapter ends with the dragon standing on the shore, defeated but still scheming.
The beach is no vacation spot for him.
He’s preparing to summon his next agent of evil.
But here’s the good news:
Satan is real, but he is destined to lose.
Jesus has already won.
Faith is the victory.
Now stand in that victory and keep the testimony of Jesus.
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