• Revelation 12:10-11 “… the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
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In March 2009, I finally grasped the crucial truth of Spirit-fulness. The results in my life were immediately noticeable, and I excitedly proclaimed my testimony to all those around me. It was so powerful seeing how many were drawn to Spirit-fulness by my testifying. This power is evidenced repeatedly when believers have testified of souls saved, churches built, revivals experienced, godly children trained, loving marriages lasting, trials endured, etc…. It isn’t long, however, before “the accuser of our brethren” tries to undermine Christ’s grace in our lives through accusations of pride, temporary excitement or results, judging, etc….

So, what do you do when accusers attack your testimony? “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony”; you joyfully continue proclaiming Christ’s work of grace in your life!

• -Satan is called “the accuser” because he “accused them before God day and night”. In other words, Satan relentlessly attacks… the believer’s testimony…not only before man but also before God. At the same time, the believer’s testimony of Christ’s grace is how the accuser is overcome!
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• -It must be emphasized that testimonies of Christ’s grace actually overcome Satan. Considering that only a few practices specifically for believers are revealed by God in His Word as overcoming Satan (i.e. – prayer, fasting, faith, the word of God), then it behooves the church to place renewed emphasis on Christ-honoring testimonies. At the same time, testimonies of disgrace destroy many lives, too.
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• -As the church backslides more carnal believers are listening to “the accuser of our brethren”, and as such are attacking believers with godly testimonies. If you testify of God’s goodness or power in your life, these carnal believers accuse (siding with the accuser) their fellow believers of pride or boasting or some other sin. And yet, we clearly see from the passage that “by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” is how you overcome the accuser (and those who voice his accusations). To close your mouth or cease the pen of your testimony is to fall exactly into Satan’s trap.
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• -“The word of their testimony” requires you to not simply live out your testimony, but to speak or write your testimony. An overcoming testimony is not only seen but heard and read.
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• -Why would Satan or the lost or the backslidden hinder testimonies of Christ’s grace? Simple, “the word of their testimony” (and “the blood of the Lamb”) is how you overcome your accuser(s).
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• -If believers are to overcome the accuser “by the word of their testimony” then the believer logically is included in his own testimony. There is a grave misconception that testimonies should not include the testifier or that believers/preachers are not to talk about themselves. This evangelist did a thorough study of just Apostle Paul’s writings noticing how many times Paul, under inspiration of God mind you, refers to himself and talks about himself. Paul refers to himself (I, me, mine, my, myself) about 1,099 times in over 750 verses! Do you know why it was okay for Paul to talk so much about himself? Paul emphasized repeatedly the truth “not I, but Christ” (Gal. 2:20) and “not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (I Cor. 15:10)
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• -To God, an acceptable testimony from His children is one that always makes sure to include and give praise to “the Lamb”. We can only overcome the accuser “by the blood of the Lamb” so only testimonies that focus on Jesus and give praise to Jesus are overcoming and acceptable testimonies.
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• -The Pharisee’s proud prayer “with himself” in Lk. 18:10-14 is often misused against those who testify of Christ’s grace in their life. However, the Pharisee’s trust, as was his prayer, was “with himself”. The Pharisee does not give God the glory, but rather himself (Pro. 27:2). Also, the Pharisee compares himself and measures himself to another both of which II Cor. 10:12 rebukes as unwise. The example of the Pharisee should not be used against a godly testimony that glories in “the blood of the Lamb.”
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• -An overcoming testimony does not contradict meekness nor Spirit-fulness. For instance, Jesus the Spotless One refers to Himself in Mt. 11:29 as “meek” while also testifying of His importance not only in that passage but regularly throughout His time on earth. There is no way sinless Jesus was proud. Before you write off this example because it is Jesus, remember that Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith. “Christians”/Christ followers are to follow Christ’s perfect example in the area of meekness and overcoming testimony. It would be wise, dear believer, for you to study Moses who “was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” (Num. 12:3) While you are studying Moses’ meekness, notice carefully how Moses’ meekness still allowed Moses to powerfully lead and powerfully testify of God’s power working in him.
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• -If “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches” (Pro. 22:1) and if “A good name is better than precious ointment” (Eccl. 7:1), then a good name is worth defending. We need to interpret those passages as not only pursuing a good name but also preserving a good name. Don’t let “the accuser of our brethren” nor other accusers ruin “a good name.”
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Final questions: Does your church still have a time of testimony? When there is a time of testimony, do you testify? Is it that you don’t testify because your eyes are on you instead of Jesus or is it that you don’t have a testimony of grace to proclaim? When you testify, is it all about you or is it how Jesus worked mightily in you? Is it a testimony of you or a testimony of Christ in you? Please note: if “the word of their testimony” overcomes the accuser, testimony time is important!

Do you judge others who testify of Christ’s work in them? Do you “accuse” and judge your fellow believers when they testify of Christ’s work of grace in their fasting, soulwinning, faithfulness, Spirit-fulness, successful church, godly home, loving marriage, trained children, etc…?