the fall

Experiencing practical victory over the darkness involves identifying the enemies of every Christian. Bob did some sniffing around the Bible to help us know what we are up against and what to do about it.

The Three Big Enemies

The Christian’s struggle is with sin. Sin is present in three dimensions: the “world” (1 John 2:15-17), the “flesh” or “sinful nature” (Ephesians 4:22) and the “devil” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

The “world” in the Bible has a couple of meanings. God loves the world, that is, the cosmos with its creatures and all creation. However, another use of “the world” are all the institutions and organizations throughout the earth which operate apart from God’s Word and will. A more contemporary way of saying this is “systemic and structural evil.” (Galatians 4:3; Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 2:8, 20; Jude 1:19)

The “flesh” is not the physical body but the sinful nature. This refers to an old life dictated by selfish desires, manipulation of others, and hustling for love. It is a bent toward hiding from and shaming others. The flesh pursues radical independence from God and others. The sinful nature seeks to not be dependent on anything or anyone. A person might want to do good but is unable to because of these base motives. (Romans 7:5, 19; 8:5, 8)

The “devil” or “Satan” is the one who seeks to exploit the world and the sinful nature to tempt and move us into rebellion against God. He is our ancient enemy. Since he’s been at this for a long time, his craft and deceit are formidable. (1 Corinthians 7:5; Ephesians 2:1-3; 4:26-27; 1 John 3:8, 10)

The good news is that Jesus Christ has obtained deliverance and freedom for people from each of those enemies (1 Corinthians 15:56-57; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 2:9). For this deliverance and freedom to be a practical victory over the darkness, each believer in Jesus must know and practice the truth.

The Fall of Humanity

In the original Fall of humanity there was a passive response to the temptation of the serpent, the devil. There was an acceptance of doubt concerning God’s Word, through Satan’s insinuations that God is not so good. The original people made a deliberate choice to follow the suggestions of Satan and disobey the true and living God. (Genesis 3:1-6).

The seriousness of that Fall into disobedience cannot be overemphasized. The Fall introduced sin, lust, depravity, slavery, ignorance, death and every form of evil into humanity. People became alienated from God and enslaved to the devil. (Genesis 3:7-24)

The final effects of this sinful bondage will not be completely severed until the final judgment (Revelation 20:10). The hold of the devil is so profound that it took the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to experience victory over the darkness. (Romans 5:17; 2 Timothy 1:9-10)

Satan

The descriptive titles given to Satan indicate his activity and what he is up to: Tempter (Matthew 4:3); Deceiver (Revelation 12:9); Accuser (Revelation 12:10); Adversary (1 Peter 5:8); Murderer and Liar (John 8:44); the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4); and the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2).

The Bible indicates a Christian can be significantly influenced by Satan through:

Indeed, the Christian ignores the activity of Satan at their peril.

Satan aims to keep every believer in Jesus from spiritual progress and maturity, from the daily experience of living in the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and from victory over the darkness. Unfortunately, the evidence of Satan’s success is all around us. All Christians are under the attack of the enemy in some way, shape, or form.

When well-meaning Christians have trouble in prayer, reading Scripture, witnessing to the truth of Christ, overcoming sins, or maintaining right fellowship with other believers, then this is a tangible reminder of the subtle and powerful effect Satan has in the church, not to mention the world. Such a situation requires that we know and understand the provision we possess in overcoming the evil one.

Overcoming the Devil

The most basic truth to know and practice is that in the crucifixion and resurrection the Lord Jesus Christ defeated Satan (Colossians 2:15).  Jesus, through his death and rising from death, destroyed the power of death and delivered those held in bondage (Hebrews 2:14-15).  In fact, Jesus, the Son of God, came to this earth so that he might destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). What’s more, through the Ascension, Jesus is seated in triumph over Satan. This tremendous victory over the darkness is given to every believer in Christ (Ephesians 1:19-21; 2:5-6).

For this incredible access to become a reality there must be a complete and honest confession. Repentance and renunciation of past and present sins are needed.

“If we admit our sins—simply come clean about them—God won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.” (1 John 1:9, MSG) 

Rejecting Evil and Living the Truth

There must be a complete and honest practice of the truth in the obedience of faith and love through standing with the truth (Ephesians 6:10-18). In addition, there is a need for aggressive resistance of Satan’s work through constant vigilance and standing firm (1 Peter 5:8-9).

When you feel guilty but don’t know why – then be pugnacious about rejecting it. If feeling accused on the inside, i.e. “If you were really a Christian you would not be thinking a thought like that…” then be steadfast about refusing such guilt. If your thoughts, emotions, and desires threaten to get out of hand – then take charge of them and bring them into subjection to Jesus. The truth is that you have all the authority of Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension behind you to reject error and refuse satanic whispers.

Know the enemy’s lies and deceptions. Be aggressive about dealing with falsehood using gospel truth.

May the kingdom of God come in all its fullness as we together learn to renounce evil and practice the truth of Jesus Christ. Amen.

See you on the trail!

 

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