A Defeated Enemy

A Defeated Enemy

"Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." Colossians 2:15

Brothers, this is a good reminder for all of us. Take some time to carefully read this devotional written by Dr. Henry Blackaby in book, EXPERIENCING GOD -- THE DEVOTIONAL (Broadman/Holman)

"Christians are not called to defeat Satan. God has already done that in Christ! Nor is our mandate to 'bind' Satan. Jesus has already set limits on the extent and duration of Satan's freedom.

Satan, our ancient foe, was decisively and completely defeated by Christ's sacrifice on the cross and in His resurrection. With regard to Satan, our assignment is to trust in the victory that Christ already achieved and daily resist him with the truth of his defeat, as Jesus did.

Satan is the father of lies and a master deceiver (John 8:44). If he can convince you that God has not defeated him, then you will not experience Jesus' victory. You will find yourself fighting battles that Christ has already won! You will fear Satan though he has already been utterly humiliatingly been defeated.

Your responsibility is to resist Satan, and he will flee from you (James 4:7) When you resist him, you are acknowledging that JESUS has defeated him and given him victory over his influence. God has provided you with spiritual armor that is more than sufficient to withstand any assault by Satan (Ephesians 6:10-20)

Christians can become preoccupied with battling Satan. This deceives them to invest their time and energy attempting to do something that Christ as already done for them. If Satan can divert you to age a warfare that has already ended in surrender, he will have eliminated your effectiveness where God wants you.

Fearing Satan is fearing a prisoner of war. You have no need or calling to defeat Satan; you need only to apply Christ's victory in EVERY area of your life and to live the VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE. As you go about sharing the gospel message with others, Satan and his forces face the reality of their defeat in each life that is claimed by the kingdom of God." (Luke 10:17-20)

This is a good word for today. Live, my brothers, in victory! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 31; Jeremiah 22-23; Titus 1

Think About This: Just because the current giant you are facing looks like one you
defeated in the past, don't buy the lie that you never really won the first battle! By the strength of God's grace, you trusted the Almighty and conquered your Goliath. The first giant is dead. Satan is masquerading as your former enemy so he can slip past your faith and regain entrance into your life. Resist him.-- Francis Frangipane