The Weapons of our Warfare

TESTIMONY

"And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony. . ."
Revelation 12: 11.

I. POSITIVE TESTIMONY

The overcoming power of personal testimony continually attracts the attention of the world. Believers also observe the tremendous power of personal testimony. This unusual weapon needs to be understood and used to full effect.

If we are inhibited in our personal testimony because we feel it is pride, the Holy Spirit is unable to use this mighty weapon through us.

A. The man who was born blind, but later affirmed "now I see," was incontrovertible proof of the power of Christ. John 9.

B. The lame man at the gate of the temple was healed and walking around. The opposers of the apostles said, "we cannot deny it." Acts 4: 14, 16. Facts are stubborn, stubborn things!

C. Personal salvation hinges upon testimony and many have never received assurance till they have dared to testify. Romans 10:9, 10.

D. Paul gave his testimony frequently. Acts 22:1-21, 24:10-21, 26: 1-27.

E. Whatever we say we shall have. Matt. 17:20, Mark 11 :23. I. (Even repudiation of Satan needs to be verbal and audible.)

II. NEGATIVE TESTIMONY

Most of the great revivals of church history have been marked by agonized confession of deep sin. This negative testimony has assaulted satanic strongholds with overwhelming force.

A. The miraculous power of God is unleashed through confession. James 5: 16 (Faults in the original is sin.)

B. Bible illustrations of confession indicate its importance.

1. Aaron confessed criticism. Numbers 12: 11.
2. Saul made a false confession. I Sam. 15:24, 25.
3. David confessed numbering the people. II Sam. 24: 10.
4. Ezra confessed personal and corporate sin. Ezra 9:6.
(It might be observed here that there needs to be a confession of the sins of a corporate body, as well as confessions by the individuals.)
5. Job confessed his sin. Job 7:20.
6. Daniel confessed personal and corporate sin. Dan. 9:4, 20.
7. Peter confessed his sin in the face of the miraculous. Lk. 5:8. (This is a good reason why we need the miraculous - to bring deep conviction of sin)
8. The dying thief confessed his sin. Luke 23:41.

C. Sin hinders our communication with God and He will not hear us. Ps. 66: 18; Is. 59:2.

D. Forgiveness and cleansing come through confession to Christ. I John 1:9.

Exhortation: This double-edged weapon of testimony is one of the most devastating weapons against Satan. We cannot afford silence in the matter of our own testimony, nor can we afford the costly luxury of unconfessed sin in our lives.

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