When I look at what’s going on in the world today things appear to be getting worse not better. I feel it more than I know it. Evil is rampant around the globe. I see more strife, more poverty, more sickness, and more hopelessness than at any point in history. The world is a scary place right now. Satan and his demon horde appear to be winning on every front. Luckily, God’s Word assures us that while we may be losing the battle we’ll ultimately win the war. The Bible promises the believer total victory over the forces of darkness:
John 16:33 – (Jesus speaking) – These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
1 John 4:4 – You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater then he who is in the world.
Revelation 21:7 – He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.
The believer must know their strengths and weaknesses. Our weakness is total but so is our strength. Fallen angels (demons) in the spiritual world still have the angelic power they possessed when they were part of the host of heaven and human beings are powerless before them. Knowing our weakness is total we understand our only hope if we want to survive is to run to our greatest source of strength which is our Father in heaven. Just as we are powerless before demons, they are powerless before the Creator of all things. God is our refuge and his strong right hand will protect us from harm if we turn to him. The greatest strength of the believer is the sure knowledge that God is on our side and he has guaranteed our spiritual success over the forces of darkness. God has promised to protect his children and provide a place for them in heaven. This knowledge of God will give believers peace even as the world crumbles around us:
John 15:5 – (Jesus speaking) – I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Satan is strong but he also has weaknesses. Satan cannot tempt a believer without the permission of God. Every creature in the universe is subject to God’s authority, including Satan. Even when God allows us to be tempted by Satan God knows how much we can bear and will not allow Satan to go beyond this breaking point. God will only allow this temptation in the first place in order to purify and strengthen us. Satan is also powerless against the Word of God when it’s used to rebuke him. Follow the example set by Jesus when he was tempted by Satan during his forty days in the desert. Three times Jesus was tempted by Satan and each time Jesus rebuffed Satan using the Word of God. Submit first to God and you’ll be able to resist the devil by quoting the Bible to the wicked one.
1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
James 4:7 – Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Witnessing for Christ