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The Enemy is Defeated
Sharing the Good News
Introduction
Another blessing of sharing the good news is that it defeats the Devil. It's always a blessing when someone intent on harming you is conquered.
Scripture Reading
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (Joh 10:9-11)
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2Co 4:3-4)
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (Eph 2:1-2)
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Eph 6:10-13)
Evil Intentions
Jesus described the theif (Satan) as one who comes "to steal, and to kill, and to destroy." Later, Peter would portray him this way:
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1Pe 5:8)
This one, who blinds the minds of those who hear the gospel so that they don't believe, is humanity's enemy. Every soul saved is a battle lost for him and reason for saints to rejoice.
Strong in the Lord
Paul told the Ephesians that God has given us all the equipment we need to stand against our adversary, the Devil. God provides that armour because He expects us to stand up to the opposition of our enemy. As we've talked about before, it's sort of an heroic picture - believers clothed in the armour of God, fighting a spiritual opponent for the liberation of souls.
What About You?
- Are you in the battle for souls, or sitting on the sidelines?
- Have you had the honor of seeing Satan defeated and a soul saved?