SUCCESSFUL SUFFERER SERIES
Do you know one of the greatest powers that Satan has over people? It is fear. In fact, the fear that Satan had over mankind was so powerful that Jesus came to deliver us from it. Hebrews 2:14-15 reads, Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Can you imagine being so afraid that you are enslaved to that fear? Unfortunately, there are Christians today who fear death. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines destroy as to put out of existence, to ruin as if by tearing to shreds. Jesus annihilated the stronghold that the enemy once had over us through His own death and resurrection. We no longer have to fear death because to be absent in the body is to be present with our Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). We have the hope of Christ’s return and Him resurrecting those who love Him to eternal life (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18).
Our victory in this life requires that we do not fear death. There is a scripture that is often shortened when it is quoted. Revelation 12:11, And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony… While most people stop there, have you ever read that passage for yourself? There is a third element that is required for us to overcome Satan…and they did not love their lives to the death. Those who overcome Satan are willing to lose their lives for the cause of Christ.
Death is no longer a threat but you must dedicate your life to Jesus to have the hope that He promises. This hope does not give us permission to be indifferent with our bodies and lives but to be bold and fearless for the gospel. Jesus gave His life for us; we should be willing to give our lives for Him. When the Apostle Paul knew that his death was near, he wrote For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing (2 Timothy 4:6-8). No fear!
For more on overcoming, read the Successful Sufferer Series.
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Copyright 2020 T.L. Lockley. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
