Thriving In the Combat Zone – Part 3

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

The attack from Satan. We either trivialize or exaggerate Satan’s power and each spells trouble! The first makes you feel vulnerable; the second creates in you an unfounded fear. Understanding Satan’s ways—and your weapons—equips you to handle his attacks and resist him. How can you do that? 1) By understanding that God effectively destroyed Satan’s power through Christ’s victory at the cross.‘ He stripped the rulers and authorities of their power and made a public spectacle of them as He celebrated His victory in Christ’ (Colossians 2:15). Satan’s attempt to destroy Jesus backfired in a glorious defeat that allows you to celebrate your victory in Christ! 2) By understanding that ‘…God’s Spirit, Who is in you, is greater than the devil, who is in the world.’ No power is greater than the Spirit of God Who lives within you. If you abide in Christ, Satan can’t control or conquer you. Why? Because he would have to overcome Jesus to do it! 3) By understanding that, you can defeat Satan because Jesus has‘ …given you authority over all the power of the enemy…’ (Luke 10:19). The criminal must submit to the police officer because the officer is vested with and backed up by the full authority of the government. So when you draw on the authority God has given you in Christ, Satan has no choice; he must observe the limits you enforce against him. He can do nothing to you without your co-operation, and you don’t have to give it. And Satan hopes you never discover that!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me always to remember that You have already defeated Satan and he cannot do anything to me unless I allow him. In Jesus’ Name, Amen