“…For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” – 1 John 3:8b (NKJV).
In ancient wartime, there was the concept of a ‘duel’ where two warring parties brought their strongest warriors to face off in a fight to the death. Whoever emerges as the winner of that duel claims victory for the army represented. Any member of the winning army can boldly claim victory over the other army.
That said, every believer in Christ Jesus can boast of victory over the devil because Jesus Christ has defeated him for our sakes; we partake in that victory!
Apostle Paul describes such an overwhelming defeat Jesus had over the devil this way, “He cancelled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:14-15 (NLT)
Dear believer, the death and resurrection of Jesus serves as an eternal reminder of Jesus’ glorious defeat over the devil and his works. However, this is not the only fact we have to rejoice in. We also rejoice in the fact that God, in His kindness towards us, makes us participate in this victory through faith in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14, Ephesians 1:22).
We belong to the army of the champion in this grand duel, Jesus Christ, hence, we have a legal claim to His victory, and we can boldly exercise that authority. Let this even be evident in your prayer, such that you learn to pray from a position of victory, and not from fear or defeat. Jesus confirms His defeat over the devil and our claim to that victory when He said,
“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you” Luke 10:18 (NKJV).
We must go through every day of our lives with the consciousness of our victory in Jesus Christ over the devil and his works (1 John 5:4). Moreso, we must learn to exercise that authority every day; destroying the works of the devil in this world.
Regardless of present realities, let the truth of God’s word be your anchor. You have victory over the devil and his works through the finished work of Christ and faith in Him. By your words, you can resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7). Jesus did it and He has given us the authority to do the same (Luke 4:8, Matthew 17:18). Stay conscious of this and boldly exercise your authority.
Bible Reading Plan: Hosea 8-14