SATAN DRIVEN OUT
From the very beginning, Satan has been a formidable adversary. After successfully instigating the fall of our first parents, Adam and Eve, he gained a significant degree of control over humanity. In response to this, God declared to Satan, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers” (Gen 3:15). This statement set the stage for an ongoing cosmic conflict that continues to unfold in the world today.
Jesus recognized the influence of Satan, referring to him as the “prince of this world” (Jn 14:30). During the third temptation of Jesus, the devil took Him to a high mountain and offered Him all the kingdoms of the world if He would worship him (Mt 4:8-9). Jesus did not dispute the devil’s claim to the kingdoms of the world but instead responded with a command to worship God alone (Mt 4:10).
The Apostle Paul further identifies Satan as “the god of this world” (2 Cor 4:4), who blinds the minds of unbelievers to prevent them from seeing the light of the gospel of Christ. Paul also emphasizes the need for believers to “put on the full armor of God” to stand against the devil’s schemes, acknowledging that our struggle is against spiritual forces of evil (Eph 6:11-12).
Jesus’ mission was to counteract the effects of the sin initiated by Satan. Paul explains, “Just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so through one righteous act acquittal and life came to all” (Rom 5:18). By His obedience, Jesus brought righteousness and life to many, thereby condemning the ruler of this world (Jn 16:11). This fulfilled God’s promise in Genesis 3:15 that the offspring of the woman would crush the serpent’s head.
Obedience to Jesus is essential for driving out the influence of the devil in our lives. When the seventy-two disciples returned from their ministry, they rejoiced that even the demons were subject to them in Jesus’ name. Jesus remarked, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Lk 10:17-18). This spiritual victory will culminate at Christ’s second coming, when He will destroy all dominion, authority, and power, with the final enemy being death (1 Cor 15:24-26). In John’s vision, Death and Hades are ultimately thrown into the lake of fire (Rev 20:14-15).
Jesus proclaimed, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (Jn 12:32). He referenced the bronze serpent Moses lifted in the desert, which healed those who looked upon it, as a foreshadowing of His crucifixion. This act of being lifted up on the cross symbolizes salvation and spiritual revival for all who believe in Him (Jn 3:14-15). Jesus’ crucifixion also revealed His divinity: “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He” (Jn 8:28). Thus, the cross became a powerful symbol of salvation, resurrection, and eternal life.
Following His resurrection and ascension, Jesus was seated at the right hand of God, far above all principalities, authorities, powers, and dominions (Eph 1:20-22). Believers are called to exalt Jesus in their lives through their witness and faithful living. As Paul expressed, “Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil 1:20-21).
REFLECTION
As Christians, we are called to recognize the ongoing spiritual battle and the reality of Satan’s influence in the world. However, we should also take heart in the victory that Jesus has already won. By His death and resurrection, He has broken the power of Satan and secured our salvation. Our response should be one of steadfast faith and obedience. By putting on the full armor of God and standing firm against the devil’s schemes, we can resist his influence in our lives. We must also proclaim the gospel boldly, shining the light of Christ in a world that often remains in darkness.
Let us remember that the ultimate victory belongs to Jesus. As we await His second coming, let us live in the hope and assurance that He will defeat all enemies, including death itself. Our mission is to glorify Christ in all we do, sharing His love and truth with those around us. May we continue to lift up Jesus in our lives, trusting in His power and grace, and look forward to the day when we will be with Him in the eternal kingdom He has prepared for us.