More Than a Conqueror

 

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

—Luke 9:1-2

 

 

Jesus’ directive to the disciples in Luke 9:1-2 was a preview of His commission to the church following His resurrection. Since Adam’s sin in the Garden, Satan had been the ruler of this world, and men had been bound by his oppression. And, suddenly, this man God called His Son came into this world, ruining Satan’s dominion and setting captives free from his bondage. Satan had never seen anyone like Him. He could not tempt Jesus to sin, and this would eventually seal the fate of the prince of darkness.

 

Satan watched as Jesus’ disciples, who were ordinary men, were given the authority over all demons and to cure diseases. He watched as they exercised the same power as Jesus. 

 

“Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.’ And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven’” (Luke 10:17-18).

 

What did Jesus mean by His words that He saw Satan fall? 

 

The Greek word for fall is “pipto, and it means “to descend from a higher place to a lower; to fall prostrate; to lose authority, no longer have force; to be cast down from a state of prosperity” (New Testament Greek Lexicon).

 

Some believe Jesus was referring back to Satan’s original transgression. Others think Jesus saw this in the Spirit as the seventy went out and cast out devils. And still, others think this was referring to a future time in which Jesus saw through the Spirit Satan’s ultimate demise.

 

Just imagine the turmoil and confusion in Satan’s dark world when these ordinary men began to ruin his dominion. Satan’s position as the accuser of the brethren was shaken. His control over death and hell was threatened. His authority to oppress, to make sick, to weaken, and to deprive mankind was seriously wounded by these mere mortals!

 

And then came Calvary and the ultimate victory! On the cross, Jesus dealt the final death blow to Satan and the powers of darkness. He disarmed and neutralized principalities and powers and prevailed over them. Jesus has now given all authority and power to His church. We have the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and, over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19).

 

Is the church exercising its authority? Do we exercise ours? Why would we ever allow a defeated foe to reign in our lives? Why would we ever believe his lies and surrender to his delusion? 

 

When you face the power of darkness, realize you are facing a conquered enemy. Satan is vulnerable with no authority and no power. You don’t have to live on a continual roller coaster of doubt and fear. The accuser’s words have no power unless you give them power. The deceiver’s words cannot take anchor in your heart when you are convinced who you are in Jesus. 

 

Satan has been overcome by the blood of Jesus, and you overcome him by the words of your testimony (Revelation 11:12). Your words are life and death (Proverbs 18:21). Speaking God’s words from the assurance of your position in Christ is life to you and death to the enemy. Don’t live a defeated life. You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you (Romans 8:37).

 

 

www.lynnlacher.com/2024/09/more-than-a-conqueror.html