Through the scriptures, it is revealed that Satan and his forces war against the saints of God and are given the power to overcome them with their evil influence in this world (Revelation 12:17; 13:7). Jesus states in John 16:33 “I have overcome the world”. As Christ overcame Satan and his influence through the world, we must also overcome Satan and this world (Revelations 3:21).
The battle is lost when Christians succumb to the evil influence of this world. The apostle Paul encourages saints “Be not overcome of evil but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). The apostle Peter states that saints ARE OVERCOME by Satan when deceived to return to a service of sin. Those who were clean and free from a life of error are allured through the lusts of their flesh to become servants of corruption and brought back into bondage (2 Peter 2:18-19). Through the scriptures, God provides knowledge for us to escape the entanglements and pollutions of this world.
Through Christ, we can have the victory. Satan can be overcome by the blood of the Lamb, the testimony of Christ, and the sacrifice of self in dedication to God (Revelation 12:11). Perseverance and faith in Christ give us the victory.
- Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
- 1 John 5:4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, EVEN OUR FAITH.”
- 1 John 5:5 “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”
The promise of victory through undying faith is constantly reiterated to the churches in Asia Minor. “To him that overcometh I will give to eat of the tree of life” (Revelation 2:7). “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death” (Revelation 2:11). “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels” (Revelation 3:5). This victory requires perseverance and dedication. “He that overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end“ (Revelation 2:26). “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son” (Revelation 21:7).
Study. Flee sin and the corruption of this world. Grow. Pray. Most importantly, KEEP THE FAITH!