Revelation 12 Part 2 - The Dragon Attacks God's People
Pastor Wes Denham
In this verse-by-verse teaching through Revelation 12:7–17, Pastor Wes Denham examines the war in heaven between Michael and the dragon, the casting down of Satan, and the dragon’s enraged pursuit of Israel and her offspring. Pastor Wes opens with a sobering question—why does the entire world hate one tiny nation roughly 300 miles long and 60 miles wide?—and answers that the conflict is ultimately spiritual, traceable to Lucifer’s ancient war against the woman, the male child, and the saints who keep God’s commandments.
Pastor Wes expounds on the Greek meaning of “accuser”—one who uses the law to bring a complaint—showing how Satan stands before God wielding the Ten Commandments against believers, while the Father judges His children through the finished work of Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 6, he explains that the armor of God is ultimately Jesus Himself, and illustrates the “fiery darts of the wicked one” with the Roman practice of oil-dipped flaming arrows striking wooden shields—a vivid picture of the intrusive thoughts the enemy hurls at a believer’s mind.
The sermon then turns sharply practical. Pastor Wes urges listeners to “settle your death with the Lord now,” recounting his years with Voice of the Martyrs, Richard Wurmbrand’s challenge, the recent killing of Charlie Kirk, and the ongoing persecution of believers in Nigeria. He contrasts the true gospel—a call to die to self—with the prosperity message of “your best life now,” warning that doctrines of demons have entered the American church. Citing 2 Peter 3, he calls Calvary Chapel to holy, separated living as the end draws near.
In Revelation 12:7–17, Pastor Wes Denham unpacks the war in heaven, Satan’s role as accuser of the brethren, and the dragon’s wrath against Israel. He explains that believers overcome by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony, and a willingness to lay down their lives. Pastor Wes urges Christians to reject prosperity-gospel thinking, settle the question of martyrdom now, and live holy, separated lives as the end approaches.