We need not fear Satan because Jesus stripped him of his authority at the Cross (see Colossians 2:13-15). He can do nothing without permission, which is why “the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). It does not say, “who he will devour.” It’s a permissive statement, which means he needs an invitation to enter. By the way, doing something for God is not an invitation. Whether you do exploits for the Kingdom or just sit and do nothing, either way he wants to destroy you. He may try to hinder you, but he cannot stop you -unless you let him. Remember, Greater is He Who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Consider this: it was Michael and his angels who cast the devil and his angels out of Heaven; not God, Himself (see Revelation 12:7-9). Furthermore, we also read in Revelation,
“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time” (20:1-3).
It does not say an “Archangel,” such as Michael; it was an angel. An angel is a force to be reckoned with, but it underscores a point about the extent of the devil’s power, or lack thereof. Moreover, Holy Spirit lives in you. Is Holy Spirit, God? Yes, He is. Who is greater, Him or the devil? The answer is rather obvious. Think about it, by the power of Holy Spirit, we cast out demons, so we need not fear them either.
Having said all of that, it is still possible for Satan to gain a foothold in a believer’s life. How so? By invitation from the believer. “I haven’t given him an invitation!” Perhaps you didn’t, but some have. In fact, their door is wide open to him. Here’s one way he receives an invitation: unforgiveness.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11 But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ, so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
For the entire background of this passage of Scripture, read 1 Corinthians 5:1-3 and 2 Corinthians 2:1-11. In short, the Apostle Paul addressed an issue of sin that an individual from the church at Corinth had been committing. In essence, they excommunicated him until he repented. This part of the story has to do with forgiveness and restoration. Even though this is a separate issue, excommunication is not meant to be some ecclesiastical punishment; rather, it is a form of discipline with repentance and restoration being the end goal.
Here is a takeaway, if we do not forgive someone and confirm our love to him or her, we give Satan the advantage. If we do not forgive someone, we leave ourselves vulnerable. Unforgiveness can drastically affect someone who chooses not deal with it. For example, one who has been very kind, can become very cruel. Unforgiveness leads to bitterness, and bitterness leads to cruelty.
If someone still experiences deep emotional pain from the distant past, there is a strong possibility that unforgiveness is at its very core. Without forgiveness, there is no healing. You cannot hold onto something contrary to God’s nature, and expect to enjoy His blessings. It is somewhat arrogant to not forgive someone. Yes, emotional pain makes it very difficult to let it go; however, it does not give anyone the right to condemn others. Fundamentally, unforgiveness is an act of judgment. The Bible says, “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them” (2 Corinthians 5:19). In one sense, a person places himself above God by holding another’s sin against him. By holding someone in unforgiveness, you are in agreement with Satan who is also known as the “accuser of our brethren” (Revelation 12:10).
If you desire revenge, forgive! Essentially, forgiveness is a weapon of the Kingdom. The enemy would love nothing more than to destroy you and the perpetrator. Our fight is not with flesh and blood. God’s grace empowers us to do those things we are incapable of doing in our own strength. If emotions and the thoughts in your head are getting in the way, ask Him for the strength to forgive. In truth, He’s already given what you need. It’s question of humbling yourself and submitting to Jesus.
Hebrews 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.”
Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions (see also Matthew 18:21-35).
James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
