SATAN IS DEFEATED

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Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

The more real Satan appears in our day, the more precious the victory of Christ will become to those who believe him.The New Testament teaches that when Christ died and rose again Satan was defeated. A time of limited freedom is granted to him, but his power against God’s people is broken and his destruction is sure. “The Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8) “Christ took on human nature that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil.” (Hebrews 2:14) “God disarmed the
principalities and powers and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in him.” (Colossians 2:15)
In other words the decisive blow was struck at Calvary. And one day, when Satan’s time of limited freedom is over, Revelation 20:10 says, “The devil .. [will be] thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone . . . and will be
tormented day and night for ever and ever.” What does this mean for those of us who follow Jesus Christ?

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

“Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies!” (Romans 8:33)

“Neither angels nor principalities nor powers nor anything else shall separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.” (Romans 8:38)

“He who is in us is stronger than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

“We conquer him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.” (Revelation 12:11)

Therefore, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you!” He has been defeated, and we have been given victory. Our task now is to live in that victory and make Satan know his defeat.

WALKING IN OBEDIENCE

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His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” John 2:5 NASB

Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding celebration. When the wine ran out, his mother said to the servants: “Whatever He says to you, do it.” (John 2:5) Our obedience opens the door to see God’s power manifested in our lives. Scripture says, “If you consent and obey, you will eat the best of the land.” (Isaiah 1:19 NASB) In other words, as long as you are obedient to God’s word, you will continue in the quiet and full enjoyment of all the blessings of it.  Our blessings are hindered when we approach God seeking His help pertaining to a particular situation, whether it is physical, social, financial or spiritual and all the while we are failing to be obedient in other areas of our lives, for example, harboring unforgiveness toward another person. My question this morning, “Are you doing all that God commands you to do through His word?” Today, ask the Lord to search you and whatever He says to you, do it!

PRAYER: Father, I humbly come to you in total submission. I desire to be obedient to your Word. Father, remove from me all that is not pleasing to you; transform me that your name may be glorified. I love you Lord in Jesus’ name.