THE VICTOR’S MENTALITY 11 (The devil is a defeated foe)
We’ve been discussing Jesus’ revelation about the devil: his
true identity, position, and stance. We’ve already seen that he is a murderer,
a liar, and someone who does not stand in the truth.
Today, we’ll explore another revelation, which is
particularly fitting given the season we’re in—Easter. The third revelation
is:The devil is a defeated foe.
Glory to Jesus!
If there’s ever a time to be reminded of the devil’s defeat,
it’s now. Jesus Himself declared this truth, that the devil is defeated. Let’s
look at Luke 10:17-18:“Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even
the demons are subject to us in Your name.’ And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan
fall like lightning from heaven.’” (Luke 10:17-18 NKJV)
Let me briefly share the background of this scripture and
clarify some misconceptions. Jesus had sent the seventy out two by two, giving
them His power and authority to cast out demons. They fully utilized the
authority of Christ imparted to them. In verse 18, Jesus was responding to
their excitement, as He
described the ongoing and present defeat He witnessed regarding the
devil. Jesus’ assertion about
the devil wasn’t about a past event Jesus saw in pre-Genesis when the
devil was cast out of heaven. Instead, He was proclaiming a vision of Satan’s
present and ongoing defeat at the time the disciples were sent out. Jesus’
Spirit had followed them on their mission, witnessing the triumph of Christ
they were enforcing, and left
the devil with no choice but to flee.
Let me tell you something vital, beloved: Jesus defeated the
devil for us on the cross of Calvary, as he has retrieved the power and
authority we lost in Eden and has
given it to us. Now, Jesus is waiting on us. His Spirit is always with
us, to inspire us to step into
that authority and enforce Christ’s victory in every situation and
circumstance.
Many times, we say, “Oh, I’m waiting on God to perform His
wonder.” Listen, God has already performed His wonder in Christ. The cross is
the wonder of heaven. Now, God is waiting on us. His Spirit is beckoning us to
exercise this authority over the devil.
I love how Jesus said He beheld Satan fall like lightning. God
wants to see the devil lose his grip over people’s lives, territories, and
terrains. Therefore, you must know that the devil has already been defeated
through the cross of Christ.
Yes, he often obscures people from knowing and seeing this
truth—but that’s not you. You know now, and you must always remind him. You
cannot allow the devil to have a free day where you are, let alone in your
life. When he comes at you, remind him of his defeat. Let him know you’re aware
and cast him out.
One thing is certain: you will always have the Lord present
with you. The Holy Spirit will always be with you to inspire you, as Mark 16:20
says: “And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with
them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Jesus will always manifest Himself. He
will ensure His kingdom reigns over any life or atmosphere that demands it. He
needs you and me to start operating in His power. You must be conscious of the
power of Christ you carry, so that wherever you go, the devil’s activities are
dismantled, and he must flee because he has no choice.
Let me share another interesting insight from our text:Jesus
described the speed of Satan’s defeat, saying He saw him fall like lightning.
Wow! It’s like a flash—sudden and unstoppable. I tell you the truth: the devil
cannot stand you because of the authority you possess.
Growing up, my dad would switch to a certain channel (I
won’t name it) when he was bored, just to laugh. You’d see dramatic scenes
where a deliverance minister starts conversing with a demon, asking funny
questions like, “What is your name? Where do you come from? Why do you possess
him?” and so on. Such person is
not be fully aware of the power and authority he carries if he is a
believer. For you, you must know that you carry authority so
great that the moment the devil senses you’re coming, he flees. But if he
doesn’t flee, you’re unaware of your authority and
haven’t been using it against him. Peter was so full of God’s power and grace that his shadow
drove away demons of sickness and disease. There’s no time to converse with the
devil—you’re not his equal. The Bible says God has raised us up together with
Christ and seated us with Him far above principalities and powers.
The last thing Jesus highlighted is the position from which
the devil was cast out—the Bible says “from heaven.” Here, “heaven” doesn’t
mean God’s dwelling place. It refers to a position of power, authority, and
influence. Spiritual darkness must
continue to lose its grip because the church is here. The church must be aware
of its authority. The kingdom of heaven must advance in our generation. God is
counting on us to step into our authority, and the Bible says whenever we
resist the devil, he will flee.
Let me ask you this final question: Do you still tolerate the
devil in your life, family, or environment?
Beloved,
prayerfully meditate on these things.
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