Satan’s Losing Battle

We hear in the news about what’s come to be called “The Deep State”. It’s made up of people behind the scenes influencing our Government and its leaders. There’s another “Deep State” that’s not just a theory. There are real evil forces doing battle against the Kingdom of God and his people.

It’s easy to forget that there are evil spirit beings active in this world. Satan and the fallen spirit beings are not just historical figures. They are very active as they influence people to abandon what pleases our God.

Ephesians 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (ESV)

There is an organized movement and Satan is its leader. In 2 Corinthians 4:4 he’s called “the god of this world”. The Greek word there for “god” is “theos” (θεος). It’s the common Greek word for “god”. It’s where get get the word “theology”, the study of god. In John’s gospel (12:31, 14:30, 16:11) Satan is called “the ruler of this world”. The Greek word for “ruler” there is “archon” (αρχων). It’s were we get the words, “arch enemy”, “arch-bishop”, “arch rival”. Satan continues to oversee his doomed agenda of derailing the plans of God.

As we do battle we’re not in it alone. God’s people are on the winning side.
We’re provided with armor and weapons empowered by God himself.

Ephesians 6:10-13, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”

6:14a, “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,” We have God’s own word in our Bibles. There we have a test for what’s true. It shows us how to behave and think in ways that honor our Creator and Savior. We need to fasten on that belt so we can be guided by God’s teachings. Those who reject God’s truth have been know to say, “There’s no absolute truth.” Then they dare to say, “And that’s absolutely true”.

6:14b, “and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,” We’re protected by the work of our Savior who paid the debt of our sins in our place. We’re forgiven by God’s grace, not by what we do to earn that innocence before God. That righteousness credited to us places us under the protection of our Redeemer.

6:15, “and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” We have a job to do. We’re to represent and spread the good news of victory in that battle. We’re to take that gospel to the lost as God brings them across our paths. That encouraging message is there for us to take it to our brothers and sisters in the family of God.

6:16, “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;” We trust in God’s saving work and promises that show us that no enemy can defeat us. When we firmly believe and trust in what God’s said we’re shielded from the enemies weapons.

6:17a, “and take the helmet of salvation,” Helmets also protect warriors from deadly attacks. Our deliverance from God’s wrath by the substitutional work of Christ assures us that we can’t be taken down. The spiritual battle is already won as God planned eternally, and completed on the cross and empty tomb.

6:17b, “and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” We have a weapon to use in that battle. I’ve often said, “Don’t just argue about how sharp that sword is – stick them with it!” We should do our best to declare in every opportunity all that God has said in his word.

6:18, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,” We need to keep speaking to God through our Savior, asking for his power as promised. We keep on persevering not only for our own victories, but for those around us who trust in God’s help.

Satan and his agenda are doomed. I’ve often referred to Satan as “the Designated Loser“.
His attacks turn out to do the opposite of what he intended.

He got Adam and Eve to disobey God and plunge the human race into sin. He intended to ruin God’s plan for humans, but he set the stage for something he didn’t anticipate. God would redeem his lost race by saving some by his work of amazing grace. The saving of the lost revealed attributes of God that otherwise wouldn’t be seen. The whole work of Grace and Mercy has been openly declared in the deliverance of unworthy sinners.

He attacked many times only to provide a stage on which God displayed his infinite power miraculously. The great flood in the time of Noah showed God’s deliverance of his people. Joseph’s suffering in Egyptian prison opened the door for Israel to come to Egypt to escape a famine. Later Joseph was said to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” What Satan thought would make God’s people suffer, turned out to be another defeat of evil.
The Egyptian army was drowned in the sea as they pursued Moses and God’s people.

Satan thought he would end God’s earthly mission by having Jesus crucified by Rome. Acts 2:23 explained, “this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” His attack on Jesus revealed the climax of God’s amazing plan of salvation, another victory.

Every attempt of Satan to defy God and overcome him were actually part of a greater plan. Satan and his minions provide the darkness in which the light of God’s glory has shined brightly. Satan may be the great deceiver, but he was, is, and always will be the one who was deceived. He blindly and ignorantly played a part in the great plan of the Creator.

Satan was the “Designated Loser” and all who foolishly follow after evil are deceived along with him. When the day of final judgment comes, Satan and those who are taken in by him, will be finally defeated. Revelation 20:10, “and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

For now: the victory belongs to those loved eternally by the Creator’s grace and power. Though we are all unworthy and in need of forgiveness and redemption, we who trust in the work of our Savior and are moved by grace to seek to honor our Creator, will forever enjoy the glories of dwelling in the home of the Lord forever.

Put on the whole armor of God. Stay mindful of every part of that armor. In our every challenge, every moment of every day, the victory is ours in this battle.