The Devil Has Been Defeated
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” ~Jesus
John 10:10
Right before Jesus tells us that He came to earth so we can enjoy life to the fullest, He warns us of an enemy—a thief—the devil. If you’re a Christian and you don’t take the devil’s work seriously, or you ignore his tactics, you will eventually become disoriented, looking around wondering, “What just happened? Why are things falling apart? I don’t understand?”
We must begin to recognize our enemy. He’s highly organized and very intelligent. Like a mad scientist, he formulates the best temptations and troubles to trip you up. He holds board meetings with his demons to strategize your most painful demise. He has studied and memorized the Bible—verbatim. His goal is to take Scripture out of context in order to make you think you hate God. He wants you to ignore God or to be petrified of Him. Satan tries to trick you into making poor choices based on Scripture being twisted. He even tried doing this to Jesus (see Luke 4:1-13).
Recognize your enemy! He’s here to ruin your life! He hates you with everything he is! He wants your soul in hell! If you’re a Christian, he knows you will never go to hell so he wants to make your life hell right now!
Jesus said Satan is the father of lies, he doesn’t even have the ability to tell the truth (see John 8:44). Jesus also said the devil only has three main objectives for his disgusting existence: STEAL. KILL. DESTROY (see John 10:10). He is always hard at work—mostly in our minds. This is where the battle rages and where we must grow each day, becoming stronger and stronger in Christ (see Romans 12:2, Philippians 1:6).
We are not powerless! We have armor that we’ve already put on! It is Christ! (See 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Ephesians 6:10-18). From the moment we place our faith in Jesus we are fully equipped because He lives in us. We just have to learn how to let Him come out. This takes time, but it is possible as we allow God’s Spirit to guide our actions and attitudes.
When we begin to do this the enemy stands no chance. We can remind him that he’s already been disarmed and defeated at the Cross (see Colossians 2:15). He knows his time is short!
We have an advantage in spiritual warfare. John goes so far as to call us overcomers, saying, “He who is in us (Jesus) is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world” (see 1 John 4:4). Paul said this:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
We have nothing to be afraid of, ever! Even when it looks like all hope is lost! It’s not! Christ has given us the authority to stomp on Satan’s head! (See Luke 10:19).
So how do we do this? John tells us in the last book of the Bible, “through the blood of Jesus and by our testimonies” (see Revelation 12:11). As believers, Christ’s blood has “sealed us up in heavenly places until the Day of Redemption” (see Ephesians 2:6, 4:30). There’s step one. Step two is our testimonies. We have to tell people what Jesus has freely done for us. Sometimes we should even use our words.
Once we begin to gracefully use our testimonies, so we’re relatable, we move forward by overcoming evil with good. We should always be doing good things, especially when bad stuff is happening to us (see Romans 12:21, Ephesians 2:10). To do good things we just need to be ourselves and express Jesus. The more evil that hits us the more good we should be exuding.
But most of all, we must love people. Paul said without love our words and actions mean nothing (see 1 Corinthians 13). We must show love. We must. And we can’t just love those who love us–what good is that? We have to love people who seem to be unlovable so they can experience the love of Jesus Christ.
So today, my friends, know this: The devil is already defeated! Don’t be afraid of him! Ignore him most of the time! You are suited up and fully protected in Christ!
A prayer for you: Father, I want to thank you for making your home in me. I know that because you’re here, I’m strong. No matter what or who I face, I have all the power to demolish every stronghold. I’m never without just the right amount of strength to make it through anything. When the pain is unbearable, you always give me grace, upon grace, upon grace. Right now, I ask that you help these dear readers to understand the power that lies within them. It’s Jesus, and themselves. For those who can’t fathom this, reveal it! For those who doubt this, strengthen their trust! And for those who are afraid, give them courage to simply take a step forward…and then another…and then another. You love us! You’re with us! The enemy is defeated! We’re so grateful for the abundant life you’ve given us through your Son. In His name I pray, amen.
This devotional is from 60 Days for Jesus, Volume 2. Get your copy here!