Obtaining Victory Over Sin - NetBibleStudy.com

Victory Over Sin 81Sometimes Christians pray, “O Lord, we ask you to bind Satan; we pray that youwould cause him to depart…” however, resisting and binding Satan is our responsibility!Often we feel weak and helpless, but this does not diminish our position ofauthority. A policeman may not feel strong at all; indeed, he may be ill or very tired.Physically, he would not be able to stop the smallest compact car. Yet when he raiseshis hand, all the traffic stops. Why? Because the state has given him authority overtraffic.I’ve heard people say, “I hear voices that tell me to commit suicide. I’m afraid that oneof these days I’ll do it.” We don’t have to listen to any voices of demonic forces. Satancannot program us to obey his commands. The message of the New Testament is clear:Christ won a complete victory over Satan and we can now participate in that triumph!Demonic Activity and Our Sinful HabitHow do we confront wicked powers? We follow the example of Christ, whocommanded, “Be gone, Satan, in Jesus name, for it is written . . . “ It is good to use thisstatement --- (out loud, if we are alone) --- commanding Satan to depart in the name ofJesus Christ, based on the promises of Scripture we have claimed. However, simplyquoting a verse of Scripture does not make demonic forces cringe, but the power of theWord of God is unleashed when we bring our self under its authority! The disciples could notcast out a demon because of unbelief and pride. They were ineffective because theirlives were no long under God’s authority (Matthew 17:15-20).Let’s use a specific illustration. Let’s suppose our habit is simply “overeating.”We have had sufficient to eat – digested all the food our body really needs – howeverthere is more – of something extremely delicious that we just love to feast on -- in therefrigerator. We know that our body belongs to God, but the idea of eating keepspopping into our mind. We’ve memorized verses, given our struggle completely overto God, and determined what diet program is really best for us – simply mapped outwhat is best for us to eat and what is best not to eat – and what quantities is best for ourhealth. But, let’s say, that we just love to eat whether our body needs it or not. We closethe refrigerator door, partially satisfied with our victory. However, shortly we are backagain at the refrigerator.Is it possible that our struggle has anything to do with demonic forces?Absolutely! Look at it this way --- The first sin occurred simply because Eve ate whatshe wasn’t supposed to eat. Satan struck at her legitimate desire for food, and made theforbidden fruit enticing. Putting it in today’s language, one might say, “Eve could notclose the door of her refrigerator.” The food looked and smelled so good!Here we are, sitting on the sofa watching television. A commercial comes on thatpictures beautifully prepared foods -- and make us think we’re hungry. The idea to eatis powerful. Right now our mind is a battlefield. Satan has built a stronghold (2 Corinthians10:4-5). We will have to gain control over our thoughts. We must recognize