Thursday 12 April 2012

JESUS AN OVERCOMER


READ: MATTHEW 4:1-11
The assurance we have as overcomers is hinged on the fact that Jesus Christ, our perfect example, has already overcome the devil and his cohorts. “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:15). Satan’s defeat by Jesus was far-reaching. Having discomfited him, Jesus made him a public spectacle and announced to all who care to know that Satan is defeated. Even when he was tempted variously to sin, Scripture says: “But was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin”. If Jesus can overcome sin, Satan, self and the world, in him you can, too!
When Satan met Eve in the Garden of Eden, he used the lust of the eyes, the lust of flesh and the pride of life to bring her down (1 John 2:15-17). When she saw the forbidden fruit, she lusted for it and before she knew it, the food she ate had killed her spiritually. Today, many are rendered prayerless, powerless and even sickly because of an uncontrollable appetite for food. They have become so obese that they cannot pray any longer and when the devil comes calling, he finds them willing and ready captives. Control yourself! (Proverbs 23:1-3).
When Satan came to Jesus, he wanted to make him doubt that he was God’s Son, hence he said: “If You are the Son of God…” prove it! Satan will come to make you doubt who you are in Christ. This is why it is good to sincerely ask God for his guidance regarding the choice of life partner or career. Ask his confirmation, because when the tempter comes, he will make you doubt whether God is in that marriage or project.
Satan took Jesus to a high mountain to show him the glory of the world and told him to bow down and receive the keys of the worldly kingdom. What he was saying was that he knew that Jesus, according to God’s divine plan, was destined to rule the world for a thousand years during the millennium. He was asking Jesus not to wait till then. He could have the kingdom now with just a little bow. Satan will also offer you some cheap alternative to God’s plan for your life. Reject quick ways of getting rich, becoming pregnant, becoming victorious that conflict with God’s Word!

MERMORIZE:  COLOSSIANS 2:15 –Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.