It may seem blasphemous to say that satan is strong but the Bible itself makes that very statement. If we are honest we will admit to knowing how strong the devil is as we have had to battle him many times. At times even losing the battle and falling to the temptation he plagued us with. While we can acknowledge the fact that satan is strong we must never lose sight of the fact that Jesus is stronger.
Jesus himself illustrated this for us when the Pharisees accused him of being possessed by satan. Jesus referred to the devil as a strong man and to Himself as a stronger man. Only someone much stronger can overpower a strong man and Jesus is the very one who can overpower satan. The devil’s strength is seen as weakness when compared to the strength of the Lord.
Mark 3:22–27 (ESV)
22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” 23 And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. 27 But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.
In the Bible, Jesus is often associated with light while satan is associated with darkness. This only further illustrates how much stronger our Lord is than our enemy. Darkness is a strong advisory and can cause you much trouble. Light though is stronger and able to overpower darkness. You can light up a dark space but you cannot darken a lit space.
Acts 26:18 (ESV)
18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
John 8:12 (ESV)
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 1:5 (ESV)
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
When we are in the heat of battle facing temptation at every turn it is easy to feel as though satan is stronger than we are. The truth is that left on our own satan is stronger than we are and he will defeat us every time. But praise God we are never alone Jesus said Himself that He would be with us always. We also know that the spirit of the living God dwells within us. So whenever satan attacks he is not just taking on us but the full force of God.
Matthew 28:20 (ESV)
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
1 Corinthians 3:16 (ESV)
16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
Not only is God with us in every battle but He even said that He would not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle. Only the one who possesses the most strength can dictate the conditions of battle. I’m glad to say that is who is on the side of every believer.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
It is also important to know that while we face battles with satan today the war has already been won. We live in the present but the Bible allows us to glimpse into the future. In which the enemy is defeated and cast into the pit prepared for him.
Revelation 20:10 (ESV)
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.
Satan may be strong but the Lord we serve Jesus Christ is stronger! Christians have nothing to fear because they don’t face the enemy alone. No matter the temptation we face it can be overcame through the help of our mighty savior. Hold to this truth and whenever you feel weak remember that He is strong. Don’t try to rely on yourself instead cling to Jesus and He will see you through.
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