The "him" in verse eleven, is a reference to the enemy, the devil, satan.
And, the word "overcame", means, to conquer, to prevail, to get the victory. It's used in to speak of being victorious, of Jesus being victorious over his foes. Of Christians that hold fast to their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions.
It was also used of people going to a court of law, and winning their case. So, it means to be victorious.
Verse 11 is speaking of people who during the tribulation have come to faith in God, and are being persecuted by the devil for it. And, it speaks of the fact that they were victorious and gives us the three things they did that brought them this victory.
#1. "By the blood of the Lamb" What does this mean? Well, the same author of Revelation, said s similar things in his first epistle. For example, in 1st John 5:4-5 it says, "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.
Who's is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
In James we are also told about overcoming the enemy. James 4:7 says, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
In 1st Peter 5:9 "Resist him, stedfast in the faith etc "
So, when you look at all of these verses, and there are many, many more in the Bible, the phrase that is used in Rev 12:11 means to simply exercise one's faith in Jesus Christ. Having faith in God. Faith in God brings us victory over satan. That's what will happen to the believers spoken of here in Rev 12.
#2. We are told, "by the word of their testimony" What does this mean? I believer it means that they were sharing their faith, they were witnessing of their faith in God. A real blessing comes into the life of the Christian, who is actively sharing their faith. If one is serving the Lord, even in the background of ministry, it still brings a blessing into their lives.
Also, if one is actually speaking to another person about the Lord, it seems to bring a blessing into the life of the one sharing. It's kind of reviving if you will. It brightens one up. It brings the truth of Jesus right into the center of your thinking. I've found it to be so in my life. I can't explain the blessing. I just know that it happens. I find strength in my life, when I'm witnessing to others about Jesus Christ.
$3. "And they did not love their lives to the death" In other words, it did not matter to them what might happen to them. They are in love with the Lord, not themselves. They were not moved by the fact that they might lose their lives. They were ok with that possibility. They were not counting their own lives dear unto themselves. They were "all in" to say it the way we speak today. They were committed to the Lord.
So, these are principles from the Bible that explain how to have victory over satan.
1. Have faith in God.
2. Tell others about God.
3. Commit yourself to God regardless of the cost.
May you find God's blessing today in your life. If you are currently involved in some attack by the devil against you, remember to simply have faith in Jesus Christ. Tell others about Jesus Christ, and give your life completely to Jesus Christ. I believe you will experience victory over satan as a result.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
