A challenging statement was made during the Sunday morning message as part of our missions conference last weekend: Satan rules the world.
Wait, what? Satan rules the world? I thought God was in control!
Well, let's do some explaining. First, let me refer you to a great summary article including Scripture and other things to think about:
How is Satan god of this world?
A couple highlights and practical applications:
1. Satan only does what God allows.
God sets the boundaries. He is in control. There is nothing in any of the verses highlighted that takes away from God's power.
2. Satan is active; don't be surprised.
Don't be surprised. Satan desires to destroy. He is a liar and a murderer. He is full of Himself. And He is NOT excluded from the lives of believers. After all, right after Jesus was baptized, He was tempted by Satan during a very trying time.
See Matthew 4:1-11
3. Belief in Jesus gives us authority OVER Satan.
It's so important to understand the power of belief in Jesus. In Christ, we are seated with Jesus in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6). That gives us an image that we are above any authority Satan may have.
Once we are in Christ, we can see things unbelievers can't. We have God's wisdom and are able to overcome Satan's schemes and temptations. See James 4:7 for a good picture of this.
Be encouraged: Satan my scheme and plot under sizeable authority now, but he is ultimately defeated!
In Christ,
Pastor Kevin