Thursday, 26th January 2023
Pastor Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: DEALING WITH THE DEVIL PT.3
THEME SCRIPTURE: James 4:7
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- How must a child of God handle the devil?
- What mistakes do believers make in dealing with the evil one?
On the cross Jesus said, ‘it is finished’ (John 19:30), it also meant that He had spoiled all principalities – including those in heaven, on earth and under the earth (Col 2:15). This opened a new chapter where the devil now is a defeated enemy. He is not going to be defeated; He is not being defeated. Rather he is already defeated by the finished works of Jesus Christ. Therefore, no child of God has business trying to defeat the devil. What then is our business with the devil?
Our business with the devil is to keep him where he belongs; letting him know at all times that Christ has crushed his head (Gen 3:15) so he should go and lick his wounds.
One particular mistake some Christians make is by elevating the devil to their level. This they do by trying to contend with him, to want to defeat him. Trying to do again what Jesus has finished. Such a Christian will fight with the devil forever because he deems the finished works of Christ insufficient.
In dealing with the devil, the true believer must always come from a defensive position. A position where you are protecting what Christ has accomplished for you. It is this position that makes the devil jealous and can’t stop coming at you. Paul, writing to the Ephesian church, charged that we should always stand with our armour on, and withstand (resist, hold back, defend your ground) the devil and having done all, we should remain standing (Eph 6:13). What does it mean to resist the devil?
First, when it comes to the devil, you don’t pray. You resist. Some Christians go like this, ‘O Lord, let the devil pursuing me……”. Precious One, who should let? When Christ defeated the devil, he made us his master. As a master, you give commands and instructions so always address the devil directly with instructions. This is why we talk to the devil and his cohorts with a charge when we want to deal with him. Only use the name of Jesus to give him instructions and he will say to you ‘yes sir’. There is power in the name of Jesus. That name is exalted above all other names, such that at the mention of the name, every knee bows (including that of the devil) – Phil 2:10. You go like this, ‘devil pay attention. In the name of Jesus, from today going forward I charge you to never come near my family again’.
You may not hear him but as long as you have used the name, he has no choice but to say ‘yes sir’. Glory to God!
Secondly, never give possession to the devil and then you now try to reclaim it. Some believers are good at praying, “Every blessing of mine the devil has taken from me I am taking it back”. What makes you think he got your blessings? Have you not read what the scripture says? That God’s divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who has called us to glory (2 Peter 1:3). So, you have all things brother/sister. If you are lacking in something, it could only be that your knowledge of Him who has called you to glory is little.
Precious One, you are bigger than the devil. You are more powerful than him. You are a master to the enemy. You are the devil’s superior so act like it. From today going forward, the devil is subject to you through the name of our Lord Jesus. Hallelujah!
FURTHER READING – Phil 2:5-11
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- Which areas of your life has the devil been harassing you?
- As his superior, what are you going to do about it now?
CONFESSION
In Jesus’ Precious Name, I acknowledge my position in Christ, seated far above principalities and powers. As a result, I am superior to all devils and their enterprises. Devil, you know my Lord and His exalted name. I charge you in the name of Jesus – be gone. In Jesus' name, I rebuke you and all your enterprises. Get thee behind me and return no more. Hallelujah!
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Genesis 42; Genesis 43; Psalm 46; Psalm 47; Psalm 48; Matthew 28
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