The Battle is real, but the Victory is ours !

Introduction

I was raised in a so-called Christian home where the Bible was never opened. My Dad was a preacher’s son, yet when I left home to go to college, I had no Bible knowledge at all. As a result, I was easily drawn into the world’s ways of lust and perversion.

However, as I submitted my life to Jesus’ Lordship and became a student of Scripture, I learned that the devil—Satan—had been defeated by Jesus’ work on the Cross of Calvary. Colossians 2:15 explains, “Having disarmed principalities and powers (Satan), He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” With Satan defeated, I also learned that Jesus gave me authority to stand against Satan’s lying thoughts.

The Authority of Christ in the Believer

Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Matthew 28:18 declares, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…” Therefore, since Christ has all authority, and since He lives in us, we too have the authority of Christ working in us.

Why Do We Need Christ’s Authority?

All believers are engaged in a colossal spiritual battle between good and evil.
1 Peter 5:8 warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil (Satan) walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith...” We resist Satan by taking authority over his lies and speaking truth in his face.

In 1 Timothy 6:12, Paul urges, “Fight the good fight of faith…”

The Spiritual Battle and the Armor of God

The spiritual battle is real, and God teaches us to put on the whole armor of God. In Ephesians 6:10-13, we are instructed:
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Satan). For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God…”

Jesus’ Example: His Temptation in the Wilderness

Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, was led into the wilderness and tempted for 40 days by Satan (Luke 4:1-2).
How did Jesus respond to Satan’s lies? He responded with the truth of the Word of God!

• Luke 4:4: “But Jesus answered him (Satan), saying, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’”
  
  
• Luke 4:8: “And Jesus answered and said to him (Satan), ‘Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.’”
  
  
• Luke 4:12: “And Jesus answered and said to him (Satan), ‘It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’”
  
  

Transformation Through the Renewing of the Mind

We are called to be totally transformed by renewing our minds. Romans 12:1-2 encourages us:
“I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Developing New Thought Patterns

God offers helpful guidance and teaches the reality of the spiritual battle all believers face.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 says:
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

Philippians 4:8 tells us:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate (think) on these things.”

And John 8:31-32 says:
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’”

The Names of Satan in the Bible

The Devil – Matthew 4:1

The Accuser of the Brethren – Revelation 12:10

The Father of Lies – John 8:44

The Deceiver of the Whole World – Revelation 12:9

The Dragon – Revelation 12:9

The Prince of the Power of the Air – Ephesians 2:1-3

The Adversary – 1 Peter 5:8