The devil is defeated and his authority has been taken from him by the work on the cross of Calvary.
Col 2:15 <God> disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it <the cross>.
This is a true statement, but it certainly does not ring true in most Christian lives. If Satan is defeated why does it seem like he is alive and doing so well in our world today? First, we must realize that the cross rendered the kingdom of the devil and this world defeated and subject to the authority of the believer. Jesus said when the Holy Spirit would come the devil would be judged. (Joh 16:11 “of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.)
Judgment is a edict or law that has been established by God against the devil and his kingdom. The edict is still in effect today as much as it was the day that it was first made. The law is still on the eternal books of God’s judgments in heaven and they are enforceable here on the earth. Actually the Church has been given the authority of God to execute those judgments on the earth.
Mt 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven.
Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give you the AUTHORITY to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
We have been given the keys of this authority and they are at our disposal available for use at will. That is why the apostle Peter warned the believers about the attack of the enemy (1Pe 5:8 ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.); and their ability to make him flee (1Pe 5:9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.).
The devil knows that the law has been set in place and that his authority has been transferred to the Church, yet it does not stop him from repeatedly challenging those to whom the authority has been given. Note that Peter says that we must “Resist him, steadfast in the faith,…”.
A law in our city or country is only valid if it is being enforced. There are many laws that never get enforced in our land today, yet the laws are still on the books. That is where the Church must come into it’s rightful place of Authority. That authority has been given to us to enforce the laws and judgments of God. Peter said “Resist him”.Resist him in this context means ” to set one’s self against”. That means we are to use the authority that is at our disposal and determine to bind and loose as God has established in the judgments He has established in heaven. It is our responsibility to establish the decrees that are made in heaven, here on the earth.
It is time to realize and not forget the power you have in being a believer in Jesus Christ. So start rising up in the authority that God has given you and start making a difference in your life and the lives of those around you!
Have a Great Day!