Though the Bible presents the Devil as a powerful and cunning opponent, it also tells us that Christians can have victory over this enemy.
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
We know that those who are born of God do not sin, but the one who was born of God protects them, and the evil one does not touch them (1 John 5:18).
Our Own Choice
It must be emphasized that Satan cannot make the believer do anything! When a Christian sins, it is because they have chosen to sin. It is not the responsibility of anyone else. Satan can entice someone to sin, but he cannot force them to sin.
In Christ
Satan cannot recapture that person who is "in Christ." Therefore, Satan is a defeated enemy, one who ultimately will be thrown into the lake of fire. However, until that time, he is still very active in our world. Consequently the believer must take the proper steps to win victory over this enemy.
Some Victories, Some Defeats
While believers are living in this world-system, and battling the attacks of the Devil, it is possible to achieve temporary victories over this foe. These victories can only come through faith in Christ. Though victory is always possible, occasional defeat will occur, if the believer fails to do their part. Though these defeats do not affect the final outcome, they can hinder a person's Christian testimony, as well as their spiritual growth. Therefore we need to discover how victory over the Devil can be achieved.
Steps To Take
The following are some steps that the believer should take.
1. Understand Our Enemy
It is important that we understand our enemy. We need to know what he is able to do, his limitations, and the various ways in which he works. The Bible says.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the Devil's schemes (Ephesians 6:11)
This can only be found from a study of God's Word. Satan takes advantage of those who are spiritually immature and ignorant.
2. Know His Methods
We also need to know how the Devil works - we are not to be ignorant of his methods. The Bible says.
that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11).
3. Test The Spirits
Believers have a responsibility to test the spirits.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).
This is something we must actively do, we are not to sit by passively.
4. Be Actively Watching
The Bible tells us to be watching for these tricks of the Devil.
Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).
We should be on guard against his attacks.
5. Resist Him When He Comes
The Bible tells believers to resist the Devil.
Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the Devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7) .
Resist has the idea of withstand, or to stand our ground. By standing our ground, Satan can be overcome. John wrote to believers.
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young people, because you have conquered the evil one (1 John 2:13).
6. Realize Weak Areas
Every human being has areas in their life in which they are vulnerable. Satan knows these areas. Consequently believers should be especially alert from attacks in the areas where they are the weakest. The Bible commands us not to give any opportunity to the Devil to work.
neither give place to the Devil (Ephesians 4:27).
7. Not In Our Strength
We learn a valuable lesson from Michael the archangel in dealing with Satan.
But when the archangel Michael, contending with the Devil, disputed about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a reviling judgment upon him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you" (Jude 9).
We should not personally defy the Devil. We need to respect his power and should neither underestimate or overestimate him.
8. Avoid The Situation
As much as possible, believers should avoid any situation that can cause them to sin - they should separate themselves from the source of the temptation.
abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
By separating themselves from a particular sin, both morally and geographically, a temporary victory can be won. However, all victories are only temporary because temptation will always come as long as we are in these bodies.
9. Put On The Full Armor Of God
The believer has authority over the unseen realm by putting on the spiritual armor that God has provided.
For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm (Ephesians 6:12,13).
The armor consists of spiritual realities that believers need to appropriate every day. By daily surrendering ourselves to the Lord, and placing our faith in Him, we can take advantage of these spiritual realities because it is a spiritual battle in which we are fighting. The Bible says.
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4).These realities are compared to the outfit a Roman soldier would wear.
The Belt Of Truth
One of our weapons of warfare in the spiritual realm is the belt of truth.
Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist (Ephesians 6:14).
The belt of truth refers to the truth of the Word of God as well as the truthfulness we should display in our daily lives. Since Satan is always a liar (John 8:44) we need to concern ourselves with the truth.
The Coat Of Righteousness
We are told to put on the breastplate, or coat, of righteousness.
and put on the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14).
This refers to doing the right thing. We can only do the right thing after we have put on the righteousness of Jesus Christ. This happens when a person trusts Christ as Savior.
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).
Believers are now able to do that which is right in the sight of the Lord.
The Sandals Of Preparation
Our feet also need to be covered by God's armor.
As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15).
This speaks of spreading the good news about Jesus. Our job is to testify to the lost that there is forgiveness of sin in the Person of Jesus Christ. We are to be ready to go wherever He will send us. Those who do this are said to have "beautiful feet."
And how are they to proclaim Him unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:15).
The Shield Of Faith
When the wicked one attacks, there is a shield for believers.
With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16).
We are to place our faith in God's promises when we are attacked with fear and doubt.
The Helmet Of Salvation
The Bible also speaks of armor that protects the head.
Take the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17).
The head speaks of knowledge. We need to understand that we have been given assurance of salvation seeing that it is God who will carry us through. While Satan wants to keep believers ignorant of these truths, and to keep them in continual doubt and , Jesus wants to set them free.
So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36).
The Sword Of The Spirit
Scripture now speaks of an offensive weapon in the believers armor.
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17).
The believer needs to understand how to use the Bible effectively when the attacks of the enemy come.
9.Maintain Constant Communication With God
We are also told to constantly be in prayer to God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18).
Talking to God on a constant basis can help stop the progress of the Devil. Elsewhere we are commanded to pray unceasingly.
pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
10. Realize Whose Family You Are Part Of
The Bible speaks of two families of humanity - those who are the children of God, and those who are the children of the Devil. Those who are in the family of God have their lives molded after Him. Those who belong to the Devil act like their spiritual father. Believers ought to realize which family they are a part of and act accordingly. The Bible says.
for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4).
11. Rest In God's Promises
Finally, we need to rest in the promises of God. Satan has been overcome and the victory is ours!
No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing He will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Paul said.
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
Summary
The Bible gives us a way in which we can deal with the Devil. Though the Devil has been defeated, and eventually will be thrown into the lake of fire, he is still actively spreading evil. Christians need to understand who he is, and what he is able to do while he is still active. As long as one looks to Christ, victory can be achieved.
It’s been said that the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world that he doesn’t exist. As Christians, however, we should know better. The Bible tells us plainly that we fight a real enemy, but I’m always amazed when my brothers and sisters in Christ ignore the war. Some say they don’t want to give glory to the devil by even acknowledging him. Others say, “Not everything bad that happens is because of a demon, you know.” But the Bible says in Ephesians 6:12 that when we are “wrestling,” it’s against spiritual wickedness. Those forces do exist, and the Bible has given us the means to fight against them. This week I believe God sent me into a battle. He showed me that Christians have spiritual authority and that we have the privilege and responsibility to use it against the enemy.
Called to Battle with Spiritual Authority
“Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges?”
1 Corinthians 9:7anone
Moses was called to fight a battle for the Lord. In Exodus 4, God told him to go to Egypt to deliver the children of Israel out of the hands of Pharaoh. His only weapon was the walking stick he carried, a symbol of the authority God had given him. With that one staff, Moses brought the ten plagues to Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and brought water from a rock. He used the spiritual authority that God had given him, and he did that by stretching out his hand.
As blood-bought, born-again Christians, we also have a staff. It’s the Bible. 2 Corinthians 10:4 tells us that our weapons are spiritual and effective for dismantling the “strongholds” of the enemy. Ephesians 6:11 tells us that when we put on the armor of God, we will be able to stand against his forces, and Ephesians 6:17 names the Word of God as our only offensive weapon, our sword. In Matthew 4 and Luke 4, Jesus used the Scriptures to fight the devil who came to tempt him in the wilderness, and in James 4:7 we learn the secret to making the enemy leave us alone. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We submit to God when we believe what the Word of God says. We resist him when we use our weapon, the Word of God, against him.
Our Own Spiritual Authority
This week, I found myself in a situation in which the Lord was leading me to engage in warfare. It was outside my usual sphere of influence, so I wasn’t sure of my authority. I started looking for resources, and almost immediately on YouTube a video popped up in my suggested list. It was a Derek Prince video entitled “The Most Effective Way to Release God’s Authority Over a Situation.” I thought, “Wow, Lord! I’m listening!”
The bottom line was exactly what I said above. As Christians, we have the honor and authority to use the Word of God to fight.
“Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all His saints. Praise ye the Lord.”
Psalm 149:5-9none
The Bible is the two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). We wield it when we execute (release) the judgements of God that are already written in the Bible by speaking the Word of God out loud in belief under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It’s stretching out our hands.
Note: This is NOT “Name It and Claim It.” It isn’t about speaking our own ideas or desires and expecting them to come true. (I believe that is a form of witchcraft and self-idolatry since only God can speak things into being that are not.) “Proclaiming” is speaking ONLY God’s Word in faith and under the direction of the Holy Spirit of God. It’s swinging our sword.
My Battle Plan
Once I understood that I had the authority in the situation, I needed to know where God wanted me to point my staff. For over two months, I had felt led to pray against strongholds and curses in this area. After hearing Psalm 149:8, I thought about the binding of the strong man from Matthew 12:29. “Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.”
I felt like this was the direction I needed to go. Next, I found another Derek Prince video called “Discover the Satanic Strong Man Over Your Situation.” In it, he talked about a time in which his family get-togethers were strained. God showed him he had a strong man of self-righteousness over the family. As soon as he bound the strong man, his family was able to meet in perfect harmony. Of course, he had no idea that was an issue until God revealed it to him.
So, I went to my prayer closet and asked God to give me a word of knowledge in a dream to know the strong man I would be fighting the next day. I even contacted a few brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for me to receive this word. That night, I dreamed the same dream three times. Each time, I believed that I KNEW the name of the spirit that had a hold over the situation, but each time when I woke up, I couldn’t remember what it was. I decided to fast breakfast and lunch and go, believing that God would reveal it in His time.
Proclaiming the Word
When I got to the location, I prayed in agreement with the two other believers who had the technical authority there. We prayed that the Lord would direct my words and actions. Then I started by proclaiming by faith the Word of God. These were the scriptures I used to establish authority and to verbalize my faith in God and the promises in His Word.
God Gives Us Authority
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
- Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
- Romans 13:1 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
- Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Our Position and Praise
- Ephesians 2:6 “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
- Psalm 149 “Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand. To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron. To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the Lord.”
- 1 John 4:4 “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
We Have Been Given the Power to Fight
- Matthew 18:18-20 “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
- Mark 16:17-18 “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
- 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
- Ephesians 6:10-12 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
We Just Have to Have Faith
- Matthew 17:20-21 “ … If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
- James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Where God Sends, God Equips
- Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.
- Psalm 35:1-3 “Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help. Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.”
- Deuteronomy 28:7“The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.”
- Deuteronomy 33:25-27 “Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be. There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky. The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, ‘Destroy them.'”
Then I Asked the Lord to Lead Me
“But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.”
Matthew 12:28-29none
After that, I gave a general list of spirits that might be in action over the situation and bound them and demanded they leave in the name of Jesus. Then I got quiet and asked the Lord to give me the name of the spirit that was the strong man. All I remember is thinking that at least a couple of the names that popped into my mind were not what I would have expected, but I honestly can’t tell you what I said; I have completely forgotten.
I interpreted this to mean that the name of the spirit wasn’t important, but that God had let me know that it had been dispatched. The only thing left for me to do was to thank God and to praise Him! The next day, God confirmed the victory!
Spiritual Authority to Use the Word of God
Moses didn’t just pray for God to move. He took hold of his staff and pointed it at the situation that was in direct opposition to the people and purposes of God. He used God’s authority to actively remove the hinderances. As believers, we too have a rod in our hands. We can pray for the Lord to reveal to us which Scriptures to speak over our situations and for Him to give us our battle plans when a more direct approach is necessary. Our adversary is a defeated foe, but sin and unbelief open the door for him to work in our fallen world. Ultimately, the battle is the Lord’s, but He chose us to be His soldiers (2 Timothy 2:3). We have spiritual authority – and the privilege and duty – to fight for ourselves and others until Jesus returns.
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman,
“Did God really say, You must not eat from any tree in the garden?” Genesis 3:1
He twisted God’s word. Eve entertained his question, lost her focus, and opened the door of conversation. Corinthians 11:3 says, …by the serpent’s cunning, minds are led astray from sincere and pure devotion.
ENTICING – schemer, traitor, collaborator
He’s created a game plan to destroy us. A blueprint to fight your purpose, destroy your passion and demolish your peace. He lures people away from God, enticing them to follow their own desires (James 1:13-15). By making your past your future, he keeps you tied to his fear induced schemes.
The devil incites fear in you because he is afraid of you. For he knows, the moment you step into your purpose, ignited by passion, his plans are thwarted. ~ Esther Dorotik
VICIOUS – murderous, barbarous, ferocious, savage, evil
Our invisible enemy is a thief and comes only to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10), a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44). Hungry for victims, your enemy prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). No compassion, no pity, fed by his disdain for God and His people. He has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they do not see the glory of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4).
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:11-12
The enemy comes as everything you ever wanted. ~ unknown
Not today Satan, not today! For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:11
Notice that it says Jesus is at God’s right hand; which is a position of rulership (see Matthew 20:20-28). Also note that the terms rule, authority, power and dominion are references to the evil spirits that rule the kingdom of this earthly realm (see Ephesians 6:10-17, 2:2, 2 Corinthians 4:4). But Christ is above them, He has authority over them b/c they have been conquered and are part of the “all things” which have been put in subjection under His feet. However, we do not yet see that as a reality. For though Christ has obtained victory over them, His enemies are still fighting. St. Paul addresses this specifically,
“You have put all things in subjection under His feet. For in subjecting all things to [Christ], [God] left nothing that is not subject to Him. However (right) NOW we do not yet see all things subjected to him.” (Hebrews 1:8)
Paul wants to make absolutely sure we understand that all things have been subjected under Christ’s feet so he says it a second time in an opposite contrast, take a look at it again,
“for in subjecting all things to Christ God left nothing that is not subject to Him.”
It doesn’t get any clearer than that. However, Paul then clarifies that at this present time (and from our earthly perspective) we are unable to see that reality. Which is why the Scriptures testify that,
“[Christ] must reign UNTIL He has put all His enemies under His feet.” (1 Corinthians 15:25)
even though Christ has obtained victory over His enemies, and has authority over them, they are not yet under His subjection. But they will be, its only a matter of time.
Treading Grapes Under Foot
Related to this is the concept of crushing grapes, or the treading grapes. There are 3 feasts in the Law that Israel was commanded to observe; and like all the rest of the Law they are “a type and shadow of good things to come.” (Hebrews 10:1; Colossians 2:16,17) Each feast concerned a specific harvest: Passover concerned the harvest of Barley, Pentecost concerned the harvest of Wheat, and Tabernacles concerned the harvest of Grapes.
Each of these harvests concerns a harvest of souls that will be brought into the kingdom. We will look at this in much more detail in the next series. But suffice it for now to say that each harvest required a specific labor necessary to process it. The Grape harvest required that it be “trodden underfoot.”
“I have made the wine to cease from the wine presses; no one will tread them with shouting,” (Jeremiah 48:33; see also Amos 9:13; Micah 6:15)
The treading of grapes was used many times by God as a description of trodding down His enemies – a.k.a subjecting them under His feet.
“The Lord has trodden as in a wine press the virgin daughter of Judah.” (Lamentations 1:15; see also Isaiah 63:1-6; Jeremiah 25:30-38; Joel 3:9-14; Micah 7:19)
The book of Revelation has one of the clearest pictures of treading grapes as a judgment of God upon His enemies and even connects it to “God’s Wrath” which we looked at a few blogs previous.
“’Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe.’ So the angel swung his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God. And the wine press was trodden outside the city,” (Revelation 14:8-20)
The Grape connection is very enlightening, not to mention fascinating, unfortunately we don’t have enough space to pursue it further, but we will in a later blog for there is a lot of great information/insight connected with it. I merely add what I have for the sake of further connecting the subjection of one’s enemies with the concept of being put under one’s feet. In other words the treading of the Grape harvest is symbolic of the process of subjecting one’s enemies under one’s feet.
The Temple of God
It is very curious that God would describe the triumph of His enemies, putting them under His feet, as making them into a footstool. As I mentioned above, a footstool is where you rest your feet. What does it mean that God will find a resting place in His enemies? It becomes even more fascinating when we realize that the temple of God was also called His footstool!
“Let us go into His dwelling place; let us worship at His footstool.” (Psalm 132:7)
God’s Temple is where He dwells, where He is able to rest. And yet, does God actually dwell or find rest in earthly sanctuaries?
“David found favor in God’s sight, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for Him. However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands;” (Acts 7:46-50; see also Matthew 5:34,35)
In Isaiah God sarcastically makes fun of this foolish idea.
“Thus says the LORD, ‘Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a houseyou could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest?’” (Isaiah 66:1)
Some people have a hard time grasping that God doesn’t dwell in temples made of stone. He never actually intended to. The reason God ordained the building of Temples in previous ages is b/c He was teaching us in type and shadow about the true temple.
“…who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the Tabernacle; for, ‘see,’ he says, ‘that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.’” (Hebrews 8:5)
“For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;” (Hebrews 9:24)
The true temple as we all ought to know is the Body of Christ – US! The New Testament makes it very clear that WE are the true Temple of God, not some building of stone.
“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)
“For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them;’” (2 Corinthians 6:16)
God dwells in His people and (as with His enemies) He is slowly bringing everything within us (everything that resists Him) into subjection until He can truly rest in us. Even more amazing is that we are not only individual temples of the living God, but together we make up a corporate temple, a building made without hands, a temple made up of living stones.
“And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:4,5)
“You…are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)
God is removing all opposition within His corporate Body as well, so that one day we will be a perfect resting place for His Spirit. But here is the connection I am trying to make: we are the temple of God, and the temple is God’s footstool where He finds rest – therefore when it says that Christ’s enemies are being made into a footstool for His feet it is telling us that they will be temples of the living God!
Christ And Warfare
If that isn’t convincing enough, listen to the Old Testament’s description of building God’s temple and how it is connected to putting His enemies under His feet.
“Then King David rose to his feet and said, ‘Listen to me, my brethren and my people; I had intended to build a permanent home for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and for the footstool of our God. So I had made preparations to build it. But God said to me, “You shall not build a house for My name because you are a man of war and have shed blood.”’” (1 Chronicles 28:2,3)
“Then Solomon sent word to Hiram, saying, ‘You know that David my father was unable to build a house for the name of the LORD his God because of the wars which surrounded him, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet. But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary nor misfortune. Behold, I intend to build a house for the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spoke to David my father, saying, “Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, he will build the house for My name.”’” (1 Kings 5:2-5)
So God couldn’t build His Temple, where His Spirit could dwell until He had put all His enemies under His feet. The temple is His footstool b/c He can rest upon it and there is no rest in war. God is waiting until all the warfare is accomplished before He can rest. He cannot rest while there is anything that is at enmity with Him. He has no peace as long as there are still enemies that need to be reconciled. But once they have been subjected to Him then He can rest; and so He makes His enemies into a footstool by placing them under His feet, by subjecting them. They become His servants through subjection and are no longer working against Him b/c now they are working for Him.
We are being made into a footstool of God, a holy dwelling place, and we wont be fully completed until Christ’s enemies are brought into subjection and also made part of His footstool. They too will be part of this holy temple in which holiness and righteousness dwell!
All those verses we just looked at, concerning David not being able to build a temple for God until all his enemies had been put under his feet, are “types and Shadows of the good things to come.” For David is a type of Christ in His spiritual warfare to subject all His enemies under His feet. Christ must be a warrior before He can be a prince of peace. He must subdue all things before He can institute an age of rest (sabbath means rest and was required every 7 days, 7 years, and 7 sets of 7 years – and the 7th millenium from Creation will also be an age of rest, after Christ has put all His enemies under His feet).
God will convert all of His enemies into His friends by loving them to death! So before the Body of Christ can be completed as a Divine Temple, a footstool, a place where God can dwell and rest, He must finish His warfare against His enemies. But once the warfare is accomplished this temple will be finished! That is the end game! Listen to one last reference to putting all things under His feet!
“…then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet…For He has put all things in subjection under His feet…When all things are subjected to Him, then…God will be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:24-28)
God will be All in All when His enemies are put under His feet! B/c they will be part of His Temple where He dwells! He will fill all with all of Himself! And so Scripture declares,
“A man’s enemies will become the members of His household.” (Matthew 10:36; and Micah 7:6)
Can you hear it? Its beautiful and glorious and a thousand other words that the human voice cannot articulate. All I can do is echo what the Angels said when Christ was born and they declared that the Gospel truly was Good News of Great Joy which would be for All people (Luke 2:10),
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased.” (Luke 2:14)
Conclusion:
Almost without exception any time there is a reference to judgment it is not without hope. Every warning and threat of judgment comes with a promise of restoration. God will make His enemies a footstool for His feet, but His footstool is His Temple, where He will rest, for His enemies will become part of His dwelling place.
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