Destroying the Works of the Devil- Part 3 - Santosh Poonen
Destroying the Works of the Devil (1 John 3:8b) Part 3- Having Authority Over the Accuser By Santosh Poonen Weekend of Fellowship 2015 - Austin CFC -Nov. 7-8 www.austincfc.com
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that true assurance of salvation comes not just from God's past forgiveness, but from faith in the future certainty of Christ's work. He uses the analogy of a thoroughly cleansed stain to illustrate that sin is completely removed by Jesus, and believers must consciously choose to trust God's non-remembrance over their memory of past sins when confronted by the devil or doubt.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why can we say it is well with our souls?Our confidence comes not just from past forgiveness, but from faith in the future because the end of the story is already determined.
God completely cleanses our past sinsWhen Jesus forgives our sin, it is not just hidden; it is completely cleansed so that even when we remember our past, God remembers it no more.
The devil as the accuser of the brethrenRevelation 12 reveals that the devil has a full-time ministry of accusing believers before God day and night, but Jesus came to destroy his specific works.Revelation 12:10
Allowing the written word to become fleshBelievers must treat the Bible like spiritual currency and allow the written word to become a living reality in their hearts, avoiding the dead religiosity of the Pharisees.
Jesus rendered the devil powerless through deathHebrews 2 explains that Jesus died to render powerless the one who had the power of death and to set us free from the slavery of fear.Hebrews 2:14–15
The certificate of debt has been canceledColossians 2 shows that Jesus canceled our certificate of debt by nailing it to the cross, making the devil's accusations void.
The devil is waving an empty weaponJust like a disarmed attacker, the devil threatens believers with an empty weapon whose bullets were absorbed at Calvary.
Following Christ's example of humility to gain spiritual authorityJesus had authority over the devil as a human being through the divine nature, showing us that true spiritual authority comes through humility.
Clothe yourselves with humility toward one anotherFirst Peter 5 instructs believers to humble themselves under God's mighty hand so He can give grace and exalt them at the proper time.1 Peter 5:5–6
The ruler of this world has nothing in meJesus had absolute authority because the devil found no foothold of pride or sin in Him; we must guard our hearts against the spiritual carbon monoxide of pride.
Submit to God and resist the devilJames 4 teaches that we must first submit to God and humble ourselves before we can successfully resist the devil and cause him to flee.
The ministry of the Holy Spirit and the judgment of the devilThe Holy Spirit convicts us concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, reminding us that the ruler of this world has already been judged.
If anyone is thirsty, let him come and drinkJesus offers living water and complete freedom from the devil's works to anyone who is thirsty and comes to Him in faith today.
