Satan was an angel created by God who turned against God’s authority (Isaiah 14:13) and became the head of a kingdom of evil spirits called demons, his “angels” (Matthew 25:41). His power both in the heavenly realm and on earth is great and should not be underestimated. However, while Satan and his forces are formidable enemies, Jesus Christ crushed Satan’s power, fulfilling the prophecy of Genesis 3:15. The cross of Christ won the victory (John 12:31). According to John 16:11, “The prince of this world now stands condemned,” and Jesus will one day destroy Satan’s power completely and purify creation (2 Peter 3:10).
Christians have a great hope, for Jesus Christ (John 16:33) and our faith in Him (1 John 5:4) have overcome Satan’s evil. “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). We have everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). If we sin, we have no excuse. We cannot blame the devil. We cannot blame our circumstances. We can only blame ourselves.
Additional scriptures referenced include John 8:44; Job 1:6-12; Job 2:1-10; Genesis 3; Luke 13:11-16; John 14:30; John 12:31; 16:11; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; Ephesians 2:2; Colossians 1:13; Matthew 13:24-30; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Luke 22:31; 1 Timothy 3:7; 1 Thessalonians 3:5; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 12:9; 1 Timothy 3:6; 1 Corinthians 4:6; Matthew 13:18-22, 38-39; 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; Revelation 2:9; Revelation 3:9; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:55; 1 John 5:19; 1 Peter 5:8; John 16:33; 1 John 5:4; 1 John 4:4; Isaiah 14:12; Luke 10:18; Revelation 22:16; Revelation 5:5; John 9:5; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Romans 3:10-23; 2 Peter 1:3; and Romans 7:20.
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