Hebrews 2:14

The battle rages throughout the ages - Jesus versus Satan. Although we should not underestimate our enemy, would should not give him too much credit either.

Jesus is a puzzle to the demonic forces.

Satan underestimates Jesus, seeming not to fully understand who He is.

The enemy appears to be confused that God has gained a foothold into humanity through His covenant with Abraham.

"What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God!" (Luke 4:34).

They didn’t seem to understand that his One who was of the Seed of Abraham (a child of the covenant) was not the son of Adam (under the curse of sin).

Jesus’ humanity gave Him legal standing to be on earth (it was created for humanity), and consequently the right to win back the authority Adam lost.

²⁸When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. ²⁹"What do you want with us, Son of God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?" (Matthew 8:28-29).

"When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. ⁷He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won’t torture me!" (Mark 5:6-7).

John 5:26-27 confirms this: "For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. ²⁷And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man."

The Atonement: Jesus wins, and Satan is defeated!

Jesus was pressed to the Cross by a murderous scheme of Satan.

Jesus died an innocent man - completely sinless.

When Jesus died on the cross innocent blood was shed, but the penalty for sin had been paid.

"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil." (Hebrews 2:14).

"He forgave us all our sins, ¹⁴having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." (Col. 2:14-15).

Satan’s presumed power. If Jesus won at the Cross, why does Satan give believers so much trouble today?

Many Christians know we have authority over the earth because God gave it to us. But the enemy comes in pretending to have power and uses fear and deception to defeat us.

Jesus gave authority to the Church, but we must learn how to rule and reign.

The culmination of history, according to the Bible, is the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. The Church will be the bride - the eternal companion - of Christ.

We prepare to rule and reign with Christ through prayer.

If Christians will not pray, God will not act. Through prayer we enforce heaven’s will on earth.

Prayer is our power to rule and reign in victory.

"Heaven holds the key by which decisions governing earthly affairs are made, but we are the key by which these decisions are implemented.... Prayer is not overcoming reluctance in God. It is not persuading Him to do something He is unwilling to do. It is implementing His decisions." (Paul Billheimer, Destined for the Throne).

Many Christians look at prayer as pleading to God to do something we secretly believe He is unwilling to do.

God wants us to speak that which is in conformity with His Word, His will, and His way.

The key to effective prayer, to operating in power and authority, is to stay tuned-in to the Father.

Stop praying for things that are out of conformity with God’s will!

The key to prayer is focusing on God’s will.

Pray that His Kingdom will come and that His Will be done - here and now - on earth - JUST LIKE in Heaven!

Amazing things happen when His Kingdom comes. Sometimes a covenant promise comes long after we have prayed it, spoke it, or decreed it. In Josh. 1 the Israelites enter the Promised Land. But, don’t forget that the fulfillment of the promise was 600 years after the promise was made to Abraham. Between the making of the Covenant and its fulfillment there were years of God’s power and presence.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Why did Satan have trouble accepting Jesus humanity?

2. Discuss the Lord’s Prayer in light of the covenant.

3. How did Jesus seal the demise of Satan?

4. What is the key to knowing God’s will?