Defeating Satan

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”  (Matthew 16:18)

Every Christian has an enemy.  Although unseen by the natural eye, this adversary is not imaginary nor a mythological character.  Satan is a real person, a spirit being, with intelligence, personality, and whose incessant goal and ambition is “…to steal and kill and destroy…” (John 10:10)

Around the clock the enemy is on the prowl, seeking to cause chaos and destruction to all believers and the work of Jesus Christ throughout the world.  With military-like strategy and ruthless hostility, Satan aggressively searches for weakness in our faith and spiritual life, hoping to devour us with deception, temptation, or oppression.  He is the personification of all that is evil and is the author of every despicable work.

That bit of information should change how we think about Jesus’ statement that the “gates of Hades” will never be able to destroy the church.  Jesus isn’t just talking about an entrance into hell, He’s talking about the authority structure of hell, namely Satan.

Now, Satan cannot change the salvation status of a Christian.  However, many Christians are unconcerned about Satan because they think he has no power over them.  That my friend is a BIG MISTAKE!  Satan is going to do everything in his power to prevent Christians from living the life that God has called them to live.

The implication of this is enormous!  Remember, the church is actually all believers; God’s children.  So this simply means Satan will never be able to conquer God’s children, the church.  That means that every believer in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, has the ability to overcome the evil one!   And God gives us the weapons to accomplish this   

Examine the lives of people who are strong Christians, especially the ones who are leaders in the body. Take a look at any strong Christian who is effective in bringing people closer to the Lord; teachers, pastors, praise leaders, etc.  Satan is very interested in pulling them down and putting them out of commission.  He is going to throw temptation in their path, pit other people against them, and do whatever he can to render them ineffective for Christ.

We must, “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.”  (Ephesians 6:10-11)

So, as you battle daily against the “flaming arrows” of Satan, hold on with unwavering faith, that the power of Christ in you will overcome the enemy at every turn.  Because, “…the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

Satan is a clever liar, even showing himself as an "angel of light."  But this need not deceive God's people.  We must thoroughly acquaint ourselves with God's Word.  For it will confirm to us that we are God's children; it will reveal Satan as a deceiver, a vicious enemy, and the Word will give us faith, confidence, and the courage to oppose the devil.  

The Bible tells us, "…do not fear!" (Isaiah 41:10); "do not give the devil an opportunity." (Eph. 4:27); "…stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:11); "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

God's people do not need to fear Satan or be overwhelmed by him if they walk with Christ and boldly declare their relationship with Him through His blood.  This also requires that we, “…must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

Victory is ours!

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