God Has Already Destroyed A Key Element Of Satan’s Power
Spiritual warfare is a key theme in the Bible. I say this because of where it’s situated in the Bible. It’s introduced at the beginning in Genesis 3. It’s part of God’s plan at the end in Revelation 20:7-10. In addition, elements of it are included at strategic places in the Bible Luke 22:3, 22:31-32.
Another reason why we know spiritual warfare is a key theme in the Bible is because of the way Satan is described. As we study the scriptures one of the things that is obvious is that Satan’s power is real.
Satan’s Power is Real
One aspect of spiritual warfare that often troubles people is Satan’s power. He has
- power over creation Job 1:16, 18
- power to influence people to act Job 1:13-15; 1:17
- power to control people against their will Luke 9:37-42
Satan’s power is also evident by some of the titles he’s given.
- The god of the age 2 Corinthians 4:4
- The ruler of this world system John 14:30
- The prince of the power of the air Ephesians 2:2.
Satan’s power is also seen as great in comparison to other angels.
- Satan has power in the spirit realm equal to Michael the archangel Jude 9.
- Satan has power as the leader of other fallen angels Matthew 25:42.
There’s no question Satan is powerful. Some read these verses and become afraid. However, we shouldn’t be fearful of Satan’s power. Yes, it’s real but it’s also limited.
Satan’s Power Is Limited
We see the limits of Satan’s power in regard to his power over death. Satan is called a murderer from the beginning John 8:44. 1 John 3:12 tells us Satan was behind Cain’s murder of Abel. So it is clear that Satan’s power included the power of death.
If that were all we knew it would be scary to think about. The good news is that Satan’s power over death has already been broken. We know this because of Hebrews 2:14-15.
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, [Jesus] himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
God had allowed Satan the power of death. A key part of God’s spiritual warfare plan was to destroy Satan’s power. Jesus did that when He died on the cross.
At times God allows Satan to use his power to attack us. But he no longer has any power of death, either physical or spiritual, over us. Jesus said we shouldn’t fear the one who has the power to hurt us physically, we should fear the one who has power to hurt us spiritually. That is God alone.
[Tweet “It doesn’t matter how much power Satan has, everyone in Christ has more.”]
The other noteworthy principle is that any Christian who rests in Jesus’ power can defeat Satan or any of his followers by resisting him. So it really doesn’t matter how much power they have. In Christ, we have more.
