I believe that as Christians, you and I are in a war with the enemy. It’s imperative to acknowledge that we have an enemy and that he comes to steal and destroy. However, though it sounds contradictory, I don’t want you to be afraid of him because he’s a defeated foe. Don’t tune out teaching about your adversary, but on the other hand, don’t feel discouraged, oppressed or worried about his influence in your life. As a believer in Jesus Christ, baptized into His Kingdom and covered by His blood, you have authority and power over the forces of darkness. This is because your identity is with your Savior; you are seated with Him in the Heavenly places and you share in the work He completed on the cross. Though the devil will tempt and try you, he does not have the final say! 

Friend, the Kingdom of God is among us and Jesus paved the way of righteousness for you! Your sins are forgiven and you are seen as justified in the Lord’s eyes. He who had no sin became sin so that you could be called — not a dirty, filthy, rotten sinner — but the righteousness of God. You can depend on that! You can rely on the blood of the Lamb, which is better than any animal sacrifice or anything else that could have been given — it is final. When Jesus said, “It is finished!” it really was — His work in you is complete! You are protected, you are safe, you are anointed, you are called, you are blessed, you are above and not beneath, you are the head and not the tail, and you have authority over all the spiritual forces of darkness in this world! Even though you have sinned and made mistakes, you have power through Jesus Christ, the living Word of God. Yes, you are embroiled in a battle, but you can walk in the authority of the Lord, claim His Name, and watch as He fights for you! Isn’t that wonderful news?