Praise God! The war was won, but the battles rage on. Our hope in Christ gives us victory! Jesus, “Having disarmed princ ipalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it” (Col 2:15).
Our Hope
Hope is “a favorable and confident expectation.” It has to do with the unseen and the future. Hope is a factor in salvation. “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance” (Rom 8:24-25).
The War Was Won!
“Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out” (John 12:31-33).
The war was won at Calvary as Jesus shed His precious blood and defeated Satan, sin and the world system. He defeated him on his own turf! Thank you Jesus! “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Gal 6:14).
Satan is a defeated enemy. We must remember this when he engages us into battle. We have our hope of eternal life, victory is ours! We just need to believe and claim it. We have overcome in Christ, “And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith” (1 John 5:4-5).
Satan was disarmed and he knows this, but I am afraid many Christians do not know this, and are targets for defeat in daily battles. Many know this, but still get caught up in the battle because we are weak in prayer and faith. We have forgotten our hope! Our focus is on the battle and not on Christ, therefore we are defeated. The devil can harm us only if we allow him, otherwise victory is ours! Our armor for victory is in Ephesians 6:10-18.
The battles rage on!
When we pray about all things, and study God’s Word…His Holy Book, believing in our “Living Hope” which is in Christ, that victory is ours. All who are born again have this hope. “ who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God” (1 Peter 1:21).
When the devil engages you in battle, remember he is defeated, and you have the victory, and God will be glorified. Stay focused on Jesus Christ “our hope” looking to Him.
Let us enter the battle in faith, counting “it all joy when you fall into various trials,” (James 1:2) giving us the opportunity to glorify God. It teaches us patience and builds Christian character as we mature in Christ.
We don’t need to live in fear, discouragement, or worry as we look to Christ and “our hope” of eternal life. The battles will rage on until the Rapture (I Thess. 4:1318), so let us wear our armor.
As the psalmist prayed, let us pray “do not let me be ashamed of my hope” (Ps.119:116) but “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Heb 10:23).
“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed.”And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; (1 Peter 3:13-16).
Christians, “Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord” (Ps 31:24) as we continue “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:13-14).
Unbeliever
You are without hope of eternal life, “dead in trespasses and sin (Eph 2:1). That hope is in Jesus Christ when you believe, repent and have faith. “the hope of the unjust perishes” (Prov. 11:7). If not born again, “you will die in your sins” (Jn. 8). Repent today!
