Sunday, October 25, 2015

The God of Peace will Crush satan under Your Feet (10.25.15)

Faith Believers,
satan's nature is malicious.

his efforts in opposing GOD, His people, and His Truth are tireless (Job 1:7; Job 2:2; Matthew 13:28). he is always opposed to man's best interests (1 Chronicles 21:1; Zechariah 3:1-2). And through his role in introducing sin into the human family (Genesis 3), satan has gained the "power of death," a power which Christ broke through His crucifixion and resurrection (Hebrews 2:14-15). satan tempted Christ directly, trying to lead Him into compromise by promising Him worldly authority and power (Luke 4:5-8). 

Along with his work of tempting mankind, satan also delights in deception (1 Timothy 3:6-7; 2 Timothy 2:26). his lying nature stands in bold contrast to the truth for which Christ stands (John 8:32, John 8:44). The great falsehood which he uses so frequently, is that good can be attained by doing wrong. This lie is apparent in practically all his temptations (Genesis 3:4-5). As the great deceiver, satan is an expert at falsifying truth (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

he brings disorder into the physical world by afflicting human beings (Job 1-2; 2 Corinthians 12:7; Hebrews 2:14). Sometimes GOD allows him to afflict His people for purposes of correction (1 Timothy1:20). Not to worry, satan will always fail in his continuing rebellion against GOD.  his final defeat is predicted in the New Testament (Luke 10:18; John 12:31; Revelations 12:9; Revelations 20:10).

The death of Christ on the cross is the basis for satan's final defeat (Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 3:22). This event was the grand climax to a sinless life, during which Jesus triumphed over the enemy repeatedly (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). Here again, satan probably rejoiced in the death of Christ, believing this to be a victory for him, but like all his victories, this one, too, was short-lived. 

When Jesus rose from the grave, satan was once again defeated.

The final victory will come when Jesus returns and satan is cast into the lake of fire (Revelations 20:1-15). Strength for a Christian's victory over sin has also been provided through the death of Christ. We have assurance that "the GOD of peace will crush satan under your feet" (Romans 16:20). But such victory depends on GOD's Grace and Power in our lives; and our will to offer resistance to satan's temptations (Ephesians 4:25-27; 1 Peter 5:8-9). 

To help Christians win this battle against satan, GOD has provided the power of Christ's blood (Revelations 12:11), the continuing prayer of Christ in Heaven for Believers (Hebrews 7:25), the leading of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16), and various weapons for spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:13-18).

Some people have trouble admitting the existence of such an enemy as satan. But his presence and activity do explain why there is such evil and suffering. The Bible makes it clear that satan exists and that one of his main objectives is to oppose the rule of GOD in the affairs of man.

Many wonder why GOD would allow satan, this great embodiment of evil, to exist in His creation. No completely satisfying answer to this question has been found. Perhaps He allows it to show that evil and wrongdoing do not provide the key to the ultimate meaning of life, which man so desperately desires. Or perhaps He allows it to spiritually build a Christian's wisdom and knowledge - drawing him or her closer to GOD, and away from satan.

Regardless of what evil scheme the enemy has plotted, it will not work unless our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ allows it.  And if it is allowed, it must be for our good.

Jehovah Jireh will replace everything the enemy has stolen from His children.  Ten times over....




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