Don't Be Afraid - Satan Has Been Defeated -- Zac Poonen -- September 30, 2020
http://rlcfchurch.org/dont-be-afraid-satan-defeated River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker discusses spiritual warfare, noting that direct confrontation with Satan was absent in the Old Testament but became evident in the New Testament following Christ's victory. He emphasizes that believers today live in a post-Calvary time, empowered by the Holy Spirit, making them capable of spiritual battle. The core message is that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, and believers should not fear Satan because Christ has already defeated him.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why spiritual warfare is unique to the New CovenantUnder the old covenant, believers never directly confronted Satan because they lacked the Holy Spirit and Christ had not yet died, whereas believers today live post-Calvary where Satan has been defeated.
The kingdom of God has comeJesus prophesied that some standing with Him would see the kingdom of God come, which was fulfilled at Pentecost and is now found in the church.Matthew 16:28
Where satan and demons are located right nowSatan and his demons are not currently in hell or the pit, but occupy the second heavens and roam the earth observing people, just as he did in the days of Job.Ephesians 6:12
Our struggle is not against flesh and bloodTo overcome Satan's attacks, you must determine never to fight with a human being about anything, because arguing with people wastes the energy and ammunition needed to fight the devil.
Resolving conflict in marriage and relationshipsThe devil rejoices when husbands and wives quarrel and go to bed with unsettled anger, so believers must follow biblical instruction not to let the sun go down on their wrath.Ephesians 4:26
Pursuing peace with all men as much as possibleWhile peace depends on the other person cooperating, believers must pursue peace with everyone and refuse to get dragged into strife or theological arguments.
Old Testament stories as parables for our spiritual lifeEvents like entering Canaan and David fighting Goliath serve as spiritual illustrations for putting the lusts of our flesh to death through faith in God rather than human strength.
The Lord will fight for youWhen the Israelites were terrified by Pharaoh's approaching army, Moses told them not to be afraid because the Lord would fight for them while they kept silent.
Those who are with us are more than those with themWhen Elisha's servant was terrified of the enemy army surrounding them, God opened his eyes to see that the mountain was full of heavenly horses, chariots, and angels.
King Jehoshaphat's prayer of total dependenceFaced with a great multitude, Jehoshaphat confessed that they had no power and no wisdom, but kept their eyes fixed on God in total trust.
Take courage because Jesus has overcome the worldBefore going to the cross, Jesus warned His disciples that they would have tribulation in the world, but told them to take courage because He had overcome it.
The prince of this world has nothing in JesusSatan tried for over thirty years to find a foothold in Jesus and failed, ultimately being defeated decisively on the cross.John 14:30
More than conquerors through God's loveBelievers are securely protected inside the love of God in Christ Jesus like astronauts in a capsule, able to live without fear and more than conquerors.
