Colossians 2:14-15 and 1 John 3:8
He set aside [the legal brief against us], nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him....The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. Colossians 2:14-15 and 1 John 3:8
I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #42: To Disarm the Rulers and Authorities. The devotion today right away dispels any thoughts one might have upon reading the title of the devotion. Piper is not referring to human governments but of "demonic powers that afflict the world." We are referred to Ephesians 6:12 where the text describes how believers are not battling "flesh and blood," but instead "cosmic powers" and "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." John 12:31 is also highlighted as the text describes "Jesus' last hour of his life" on the cross as He says that "now will the ruler of this world be cast out." Piper then moves to share that although Satan and his other fallen angels are defeated, Christ allows them to exist until He returns (second coming). Piper shares: "[n]ot that they were put out of existence. We wrestle with them even now. But they are a defeated foe. We know we have the final victory. It is as though a great dragon has had his head cut off and is thrashing about until he bleeds to death. The battle is won. But we must still be careful of the damage he can do." Peter warns us about how sin continues to exist and how we should be "alert and sober" - see 1 Peter 5:8. While this is true, Piper wants us to see his main point, where he points to Colossians 2:14 and shares that "if God’s law no longer condemns us, because Christ canceled our debt, then Satan has no grounds to accuse us." We are referred as well to Revelation 12:10 where the text describes Satan as the accuser and that during the final battle of end times Satan (the accuser) is "thrown down." Piper shares: "[t]his is the defeat and the disarming of the rulers and authorities." Piper then concludes the devotion by then pointing to Romans 8:33 and offering encouragement in light how Satan is disarmed: "now in Christ no accusations can stand against God’s people....Neither man nor Satan can make a charge stick. The legal case is closed. Christ is our righteousness. Our accuser is disarmed. If he tries to speak in the court of heaven, shame will cover his face. Oh, how bold and free we should be in this world as we seek to serve Christ and love people!" Amen! Rejoice!
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My Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for willingly going to the cross to defeat sin and death, disarming Satan and his angels. Yes I know sin exists and it will continue to be a struggle but You give me freedom over the sting of sin and death. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of my salvation nor eternal life. My sins are great and they continue...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
