Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV)
In 1992 Bill Clinton ran for president and defeated George H. W. Bush. One saying from his campaign stuck with me. "It is the economy, stupid." Whenever his campaign would tend to stray to other issues, his campaign managers worked to bring it back to the economy, because that was the issue that they felt they could exploit to win the presidency. They effectively used that issue, because many Americans vote based on their pocketbooks, and not on their convictions or principles.
In the arena of spiritual warfare, we must remember that Satan is the enemy. It is not your spouse, your boss, your neighbor, or that brother or sister in Christ, who has falsely accused you. Paul clearly states, For our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Rather our struggle is against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Many problems in life are caused by wrong choices. But, even if you walked perfectly in this life, you would still face resistance from the kingdom of darkness. Jesus never sinned, yet he faced opposition from Satan and his kingdom. Satan's attempts to thwart the purposes of God should never surprise anyone. Satan has chosen to oppose the kingdom of God. He will never change. Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Satan's nature is to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. He is committed to that mission. However, realize that Jesus defeated Satan.
One common mistake of Christians is to unwittingly glorify Satan. Christians will talk about the problems they have with Satan, and how Satan is out to get them. So? Remember, it is his job to stop you. He desires to steal from you, to kill you, and to destroy you and your family. But, you have authority over him. He can only steal, kill and destroy from you, if you allow him to do so. Jesus gave to the church every weapon necessary to walk in total victory over Satan. Jesus walked in total victory over Satan, and if you walk with Jesus, then he will lead you to victory over all the schemes and devices of Satan.
But, you must remember that you are engaged in a spiritual battle. We do not battle against flesh and blood. You must love people, and war against the enemy of your soul by using the appropriate spiritual weapons.
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (II Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV)
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (Revelation 12:11 NIV)
Paul teaches in his epistle to the church at Corinth that we do not fight with the weapons of this world. Rather, we use weapons that have divine power that are capable of destroying strongholds. Through these weapons we demolish arguments and every thought that lifts itself up against the knowledge of God.
As you read the book of Acts, you will notice that the early church used the name of Jesus. Jesus defeated Satan. He delegated his authority to the church, because we are part of his body. Everything is under his feet, which means it is under our feet, because we are part of his body. (See Ephesians 1:22-23) As you walk in obedience to God, every demonic power must bow its knee to the name of Jesus. No power exists that can overcome that name.
In the book of Revelation, John gives three keys to victory over the kingdom of darkness. How does the church overcome the attack by Satan to steal, to kill, and to destroy? We overcome by...
- The blood of the Lamb
- The word of our testimony
- A commitment to God without compromise. (They did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.)
Your victory over the powers of darkness will always be based on the finished work of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to this earth to become the sacrifice for our sins. He lived a spotless, sinless life. He took upon himself our sin, and all the ramifications of our sin including sickness and disease. He bore the penalty and paid the price. He died so that you might live. He gave his life and shed his blood, so that you might experience eternal redemption from the powers of darkness. You have victory over the powers of darkness because of the blood of Jesus.
Secondly, the word of your testimony is of the utmost importance. I have written much about the importance of words. That is because God has written much about the importance of words. What is your testimony? I will give below an example of a testimony which agrees with the Word of God. Our words should always agree with God's Word.
"Father, in the name of Jesus, I want to thank you for the victory that I have in you. I am born of God, and according to your Word, everyone who is born of God overcomes this world. Father, I thank you that you always cause me to triumph in Christ Jesus. I am more than a conqueror through him that loved me. Lord, you are the strength of my life. You are made unto me wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. No good thing will you withhold from me. In the name of Jesus, I have victory over the forces of darkness." (See I John 5:4, II Corinthians 2:14, Romans 8:37, Psalm 27:1, I Corinthians 1:30, and Psalm 84:11)The words of your testimony should always agree with the testimony of the Word of God. That is an absolute key to victory.
Thirdly, victorious believers must be committed fully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. You must serve him with all of your heart. God requires a total commitment. You cannot expect victory over the powers of darkness, if you pick and choose which of the commands of God to obey. Partial obedience leaves a door open to Satan. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." (Matthew 16:24-25 NIV)
Satan's desire to steal, to kill, and to destroy are very real. However, through Jesus Christ, you can walk in total victory. Choose today to obey Jesus fully, and don't allow the powers of darkness to keep you from fulfilling the will of God in this life. Satan is a defeated foe, and Jesus has given to you the necessary weapons to enforce Satan's defeat in your life.
Wayne L. Williams
wayne@fotwm.org
Wisdom From the Word
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