The battle between good and evil has continued since satan fell into sin and was thrown out of heaven with his fallen angels. Revelation 12:7 Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. 8 And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. 9 This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.[1]
Satan would continue his war against God when he led Adam and Eve into sin, but in God’s mercy, He had a plan to rescue humanity through Jesus. When Jesus came into the world in the fullness of time, the battle between God and satan would enter a new phase. On the cross, Jesus would defeat sin, death, and the devil. God is all-knowing, but satan is not, and he could not stop God’s plan of redemption of humanity.
Satan Harassed Jesus in the Synagogue
Satan knew who Jesus was and worked to hinder His ministry. One day, while Jesus was teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, a man possessed by an evil spirit yelled out. Mark 1:24 “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” [2]
Soon, people would come to know who Jesus was, but it would be in God’s timing, not satan’s. The demons indicated that Jesus was interfering with them. This suggests that the demons have plans to destroy God’s people and God’s plans.
The demons also know that in God’s timing, He will destroy them and throw them into the lake of fire, as referenced in Matthew 25:41. In this battle between good and evil, Jesus would lead people out of darkness and open their spiritual eyes for the need of a Savior.
The Enemy Plan Backfires
Satan sent a demon-possessed man to harass Jesus while He was teaching in the synagogue, but instead of stopping Jesus’ ministry, the demon-possessed man was set free. John 10:10 The thief’s (satan) purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My (Jesus) purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. [3]
Today, you may find yourself in a spiritual battle. As believers, we can ask the Lord for protection and guidance when we are in a spiritual battle. While enemy attacks mean to harm us, they often backfire. These attacks force believers to depend more on the Lord, who builds and strengthens their faith.
In my own life, when I came under spiritual attack, the Lord drew me into a closer relationship with Him, showing me how much He loves and cares for me. The Bible tells us that in the end, God and His followers will win. The Lord will triumph over evil because God is Sovereign and filled with love.
To learn more about the battle between good and evil, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/power-over-the-demonic
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.