🌌 A War Beyond the Veil – But Victory is Already Won

🌌 A War Beyond the Veil – But Victory is Already Won

The Woman and the Dragon

“A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pangs, in the agony of giving birth. Then another portent appeared in heaven: a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns and seven diadems on his heads. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman who was about to deliver a child, so that he might devour her child as soon as it was born. And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a scepter of iron. But her child was snatched away and taken to God and to his throne, and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, so that there she can be nourished for one thousand two hundred sixty days.”

Michael Defeats the Dragon

^“And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”

^“Then I heard a loud voice in heaven proclaiming,

“Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Messiah,
for the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down,
who accuses them day and night before our God.
But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony,
for they did not cling to life even in the face of death.
Rejoice then, you heavens
and those who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
for the devil has come down to you
with great wrath
because he knows that his time is short!”

 The Dragon Fights Again on Earth

“So, when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had delivered the male child. But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle, so that she could fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to her place where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. Then from his mouth the serpent poured water like a river after the woman, to sweep her away with the flood. ¹⁶ But the earth came to the help of the woman; it opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth. ¹⁷ Then the dragon was angry with the woman and went off to wage war on the rest of her children, those who keep the commandments of God and hold the testimony of Jesus.” (Revelation 12:1–17)

Welcome to all of you joining us—whether you’re a strong believer, someone who’s unsure or unconvinced about God, or maybe you’re in the middle of figuring out your next step spiritually—this message is for you. I want to talk about something that may sound mystical at first, but it’s actually incredibly practical: the invisible war behind the visible world—and how you can live in victory even when life feels like a battle.

“A War Beyond the Veil” – Revelation 12

Welcome and Greeting:

Again, thank you for joining us tonight—whether you’re a seasoned believer walking closely with God, someone who’s uncertain about all this “God stuff,” or maybe you’ve walked away from faith, church, or religion entirely but are still curious—this moment is for you. I want you to know right up front: you are not here by accident. You’re here by design.

We’re diving into something that might sound mystical or even fantastical at first—but trust me, it’s incredibly practical. It speaks to what you feel in your soul, see in your newsfeed, and fight in your own life. We’re talking about the invisible war behind the visible world—and more importantly, how you can walk in victory even when life feels like a battlefield.

📱 Practical Analogy:

Let me start with something very practical: Have you ever had your phone slow down, glitch, or just crash—and you had no idea what was going on? You’re swiping, pressing, maybe even panicking a little. You restart it, clear apps, but the problem doesn’t go away.

You couldn’t see it, but behind that sleek screen, something was working against the system—a virus, a hidden app running in the background, draining your battery, stealing your data, or freezing your functionality.

And once you realize the issue isn’t what’s on the surface—but what’s behind it—that changes how you respond. Instead of blaming the screen, you run a scan. You update the software. You protect your system.

 🌌 Spiritual Parallel:

That’s what Revelation 12 is doing for us. It’s like a behind-the-scenes scan of what’s happening in the spiritual realm—the real realm that explains the chaos we experience in the physical one.

This chapter pulls back the veil. It shows us that the conflict you’ve been feeling in your life, in your mind, in our world—it’s not random. It’s not just emotional or political or relational. It’s spiritual.

But here’s the good news: God didn’t leave us in the dark. He exposed the enemy’s tactics. He gave us a picture of victory. And He made sure we could walk in that victory, not just admire it.

📖 So, let’s open the Word and begin with this dramatic vision from Revelation 12.

“A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pangs, in the agony of giving birth.” (Revelation 12:1–2)

What we’re reading isn’t a sci-fi fantasy. Its symbolic truth wrapped in heavenly language—God revealing spiritual realities through imagery we must interpret with Scripture.

This woman represents God’s covenant people—faithful Israel, the community through whom the Messiah would be born. Her pain, her struggle, her position—this all tells a story that began in Genesis and climaxes in the Gospels.

And what’s being birthed here? Not just a child—but a promise fulfilled, a King coming, a Savior who will rule all nations with righteousness.

🚨 A Cosmic Drama with Earthly Consequences

Revelation 12 isn’t just an apocalyptic thriller filled with dragons and stars—it’s not fantasy, it’s a spiritual MRI. God is pulling back the curtain of the visible world to show us what’s happening in the invisible. This is the reality behind the headlines, the heartbreaks, the hopes, and the hidden battles many people don’t even know they’re in.

You don’t need special glasses or a theology degree to feel what this passage reveals. You’ve felt it:

• That moment you knew something was fighting against your progress.
• That season where you questioned your worth or calling.
• That pressure that seems to intensify right when you’re closest to breakthrough.

Revelation 12 says: You’re not imagining it. There’s a war—but God has already written your victory into the script.

🎭 Three Characters Step into the Spotlight:

• A woman, radiant with glory (v. 1)
• A dragon, fierce and furious (v. 3)
• A male child, destined to rule the nations (v. 5)

But don’t miss this: these aren’t fairy tale figures. These are symbols of truth—truth about God’s people, satan’s schemes, and Jesus Christ’s unshakable triumph.

🌟 Point 1: God Has Always Had a Plan—And You’re In It

“A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun… She was pregnant…”
(Revelation 12:1–2)

This woman doesn’t just represent Mary—she embodies the faithful covenant community through whom the Messiah came. She’s Israel awaiting the Savior. She’s the Church birthing witness and hope into the world. She’s us, caught in the story of redemption.

And she’s not ordinary—she’s clothed with the sun. That means covered in glory, dignity, and divine identity.

💡 Practical Insight:

If God can carry out His plan from Genesis to Revelation—across empires, betrayals, bloodlines, and broken people—then He can handle the details of your life.

• You are not forgotten.
• You are not random.
• You are not discarded just because you’ve struggled.

If God can clothe this woman with the sun, He can clothe you with strength for today, and hope for what’s ahead.

You might be in a hard place, but you’re not in a hopeless one. The same God who watched over a nation in labor, who guarded His promise across centuries, is watching over you. Your life isn’t a side plot—you are written into the plan.

 🐉 Point 2: There Really Is an Enemy – But He’s Already Lost

“Then another portent appeared in heaven: a great red dragon…” (Revelation 12:3–4)

Let’s be clear: the dragon isn’t your boss, your ex, your in-laws, or the IRS. The red dragon is satan—the enemy of your soul, the father of lies, the original rebel. He’s not a cartoon in a red suit with a pitchfork. He’s a spiritual deceiver who wages war against anything that looks like God’s image. And guess what? That includes you.

But here’s the part that should make your spirit rise:

“The great dragon was thrown down… that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and satan, the deceiver of the whole world.” (Revelation 12:9)

Was. Thrown. Down.
That’s past tense. He’s already been cast out of heaven’s authority. His power has limits. He roars, but he’s been defanged by the cross.

He doesn’t rule—Christ does.
He doesn’t win—Jesus already has.
He doesn’t get the final say—God’s Word does.

So, let’s get practical. What does this mean for where you are right now?

🗝️ For the Believer:

satan may accuse you, but he cannot condemn you. The blood of Jesus has already answered every accusation.

“They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” (Revelation 12:11)

So, stop agreeing with the lies of the accuser. You are not your past. You are not your failure. You are not your fears. You are sealed, secured, and sent. The war may still rage, but the outcome is settled.

 🗝️ For the Unbeliever:

You’re not imagining the weight you feel. Life can feel like a fight because there’s a real enemy—but you were never meant to fight alone.
Jesus came, lived, died, and rose again so that you could live in freedom, not fear. He already faced the dragon—and crushed his head.

You don’t need to clean yourself up to come to Jesus. You just need to come.
The victory’s already been won. Step into it.

🗝️ For the Wanderer:

Maybe religion wounded you. Maybe church people let you down. Maybe spiritual pressure made you walk away.

But hear this:
It was never Jesus who hurt you.
The dragon may have chased you out, but it was never the Lamb who closed the door.

God hasn’t given up on you.
God hasn’t rewritten your story without you.
God is still your refuge.

🛡️ Final Word on This Point:

In Revelation 12, we don’t see Jesus scrambling in panic. We see a King enthroned, a dragon defeated, and a people preserved. The fight is real, but the victory is already in your favor.

You’re not fighting for victory—you’re fighting from it.

this final point is where faith meets fire, where hope becomes rooted in Christ’s eternal victory. Let’s build it out with theological strength, practical encouragement, and a compelling voice for believers, unbelievers, and wanderers alike.

👑 Point 3: The Child Rules—Christ Is on the Throne

“She gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; but her child was snatched away and taken to God and to his throne.” (Revelation 12:5)

This verse doesn’t stop to walk us through Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, His miracles in Galilee, or His crucifixion outside Jerusalem. It takes us straight from the birth of the Child to the throne of God.

Why?
Because the battle wasn’t the final word—the throne is.
The enemy tried to interrupt God’s plan, but he couldn’t delay God’s purpose.
The dragon stood ready to devour, but God lifted Jesus above the attack, beyond the reach, and into unstoppable authority.

🎯 What does Christ’s enthronement mean?

• His Work Is Finished:

Jesus didn’t sit down in heaven because He was tired—He sat down because His job was done.

“When Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.” (Hebrews 10:12)

There is nothing left to earn. No hoops to jump through. Salvation is available. Grace is flowing. The door is open.

• His Power Is Unshakable:

He rules with a rod of iron. That’s not cruelty—that’s clarity. He doesn’t sway with public opinion. His Kingdom doesn’t bend to trends. He’s not up for reelection.

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)

This means your life—if anchored in Him—is not built on shifting sand. You don’t have to crumble when the world shakes.

• His Reign Is Eternal:

The same Jesus who overcame the grave reigns forever. He’s not pacing heaven’s floor worried about your future. He’s already declared the end from the beginning. And if you belong to Him, you share in that victory.

🌿 Here’s the Comfort:

Even when satan tried to devour God’s plan—he failed.
He tried it through Pharaoh. Through Herod. Through the wilderness. Through the cross.
But Jesus rose.

If the enemy failed to stop God’s plan, what makes you think he’ll succeed in stopping God’s purpose for your life?

“What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”                                                                                                                                                (Romans 8:31)

💬 For the Believer:

Keep standing. You don’t serve a defeated King. You serve a reigning Lord. You’re not waiting to see if Jesus wins—you’re living out the victory He’s already secured.

💬 For the Unbeliever:

You may not understand it all yet—but know this: Jesus rules whether you recognize Him or not. And He’s not ruling to crush you—He’s ruling to call you home. You’re not too far. You’re not too broken. There’s room for you in His Kingdom.

💬 For the Wanderer:

Maybe you stepped away because life got messy. Or maybe you thought you had to fix yourself first. But listen—Jesus is on the throne because you can’t fix yourself.
He already fought the dragon, bore the cross, and sat down on the throne. That means you can come back to safety—not because you’re strong, but because He is.

🔔 Final Thought:

The world may look chaotic, but the throne is not empty.
The serpent may still hiss, but the Son still reigns.
And in Christ, your ending is not written by your enemy—it’s written by your Savior.

🛡️ Point 4: God Has a Place for You in the Wilderness

“The woman fled into the wilderness, where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she might be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time.” (Revelation 12:6)

Sometimes life feels like a desert—a lonely wilderness where the sun beats down and you wonder if anyone sees you. But this verse shows us something vital:

The wilderness is not the end of the story—it’s a place God prepares for your protection and nourishment.

🔥 Why would God send you to the wilderness?

• To protect you from harm: The dragon is chasing the woman, but God provides a safe refuge.
• To heal your soul: Sometimes God hides us not to abandon us, but to let His healing begin deep inside.
• To nourish your spirit: Like a shepherd who leads his sheep to green pastures, God provides what you need—even when it feels like the world has left you behind.

🌱 Practical encouragement for each heart:

💬 For the believer:

If you’re in a “wilderness season” — whether that’s loneliness, loss, or doubt — know that God has prepared a place for you. You are not forgotten or forsaken. This season can be a time of restoration, where God rebuilds your strength and faith. Rest in His care, and don’t rush the healing.

💬 For the unbeliever:

Maybe you’ve felt far away from God or unsure if He cares. This verse shows that God does care. Even when life feels wild and out of control, God is preparing a place for you to find safety and peace. He invites you to come to that place and be nourished by His love.

💬 For the wanderer:

If you’ve walked away from faith, feeling wounded or rejected, this verse is a lifeline. God is not angry with you or done with you—He’s been preparing a place for your return, a place of healing and renewal. Today can be the day you step back into His refuge.

🔔 Final thought:

Wilderness seasons are hard, but they are not hopeless. God’s protection and provision don’t end when the road gets rough—they begin there.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” (Psalm 23:4)

You are not alone. God is with you—nourishing you, preparing you, loving you every step of the way.

This is powerful and encouraging—let’s build it out with clarity, hope, and a practical application for each group.

⚔️ Point 5: Heaven’s Battle Was For You

“War broke out in heaven… Michael and his angels fought against the dragon… The great dragon was thrown down… that ancient serpent… the deceiver of the whole world.”
(Revelation 12:7-9)

This isn’t science fiction or fantasy — it’s salvation history playing out before our eyes. The cosmic battle you read about here reveals what truly matters to God: you.

God’s army, led by Michael, fights to protect His people and to secure your eternal victory.

🩸 Your victory is guaranteed — not because you are perfect, but because:

• The blood of Jesus, the Lamb, covers you
• The word of your testimony matters — your story of faith, struggles and all
• God’s grace sustains you every step of the way

No matter what your past looks like — whether your faith journey is pristine or marked by scars — if Jesus is at the center, you share in this victory.

🌍 Final Point: The Dragon Is Mad, But You’re Marked

“Then the dragon was angry with the woman… and went off to make war on the rest of her children…” (Revelation 12:17)

Yes, the dragon — the devil — is furious. The world can feel hostile and the spiritual battle intense. But here’s the truth:

• God’s people are sealed and protected.
• Our victory is secured not by might or power, but by the blood of Jesus and the testimony of faith (v. 11).

🎤 So what does this mean for you today?

• Believers: Stand firm. You’re not fighting to win — you already have the victory. Your battles are battles from victory, not for victory.
• Unbelievers: You don’t have to stay unarmed or powerless in this cosmic struggle. Jesus, the Savior, offers you protection, purpose, and peace. The invitation is open—come as you are.
• Those who have walked away: God’s wilderness was never the final chapter. It was a reset, a place of preparation and healing. There is a home waiting for you. Come back—you’re still part of God’s victorious family.

🙏 Closing encouragement:

No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, know this:

You are the reason the battle was fought. You are the reason God never gave up. And through Jesus, you are more than a conqueror.

Let that truth sink in and fill you with courage today.

🎁 Closing Charge:

“Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God…” (Revelation 12:10)

Jesus wins. The Church endures. The people of God prevail.

And you—you were born for this moment.

Don’t let the enemy’s wrath distract you from your identity.
Don’t let the war convince you the throne is empty.
Don’t let the wilderness make you forget that God still feeds you, still holds you, and still calls you His own.

🙏 Closing Prayer:

“Lord, thank You for lifting the veil today and reminding us that our battles are not in vain. Thank You that satan is defeated, Christ is enthroned, and Your people are not abandoned. Strengthen the believer, awaken the seeker, and welcome home the wanderer. Give us boldness to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

📢 Final Benediction:

“But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief.”                                                                                                                                       (1 Thessalonians 5:4)

“Surely I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! — Revelation 22:20

Grace & Peace

Dr. John Roberts THD