Bible Reading: Luke 9:20-27 KJV
- Luke 9:23 KJV
Satan is not afraid of you going to church, not even a good church. He does not fear you reading Godly books, or listening to sound Bible podcasts. Nor does he fear you spending time with Godly Christians. All of this is fine with him, as long as you do not put what you are hearing and learning into action by daily picking up your cross and following Jesus.
Satan fears this verse because it reveals the fundamental principle of Christian discipleship: surrender to Christ and His will. When we choose to follow Jesus, we are, in effect, rejecting Satan’s kingdom and embracing God’s kingdom. This is a direct threat to Satan’s authority and power.
Satan fears this verse because it reveals the fundamental principle of Christian discipleship: surrender to Christ and His will. When we choose to follow Jesus, we are, in effect, rejecting Satan’s kingdom and embracing God’s kingdom. This is a direct threat to Satan’s authority and power.
In 1 John 2:15-17 (KJV), we read, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doth the will of God abideth for ever.” Here, John emphasizes the importance of separating ourselves from the world’s influences and desires, and instead, seeking to do the will of God.
In contrast, Satan’s ultimate goal is to keep us enthralled by the world’s fleeting pleasures and distractions, preventing us from surrendering to Christ. By following Jesus, we are, in essence, rejecting Satan’s kingdom and choosing God’s kingdom instead.
As a practical application of Luke 9:23, consider the following:
- Deny yourself: Identify areas where you’re holding onto worldly desires or attachments. Pray for the strength to release these things and surrender to God’s will.
- Take up your cross daily: Recognize that following Christ will often require sacrifice and perseverance. Be willing to carry your cross, just as Jesus did, and trust that God will provide the strength and guidance you need.
- Follow Jesus: Make a conscious decision to prioritize your relationship with Christ above all else. Seek to understand and obey His teachings, and ask for His guidance in your daily life.
As you commit to following Jesus, remember that Satan will indeed fear and oppose you. But with God’s power and guidance, you will be able to overcome the adversary’s schemes and walk in the light of Christ. It is a path of resistance to Satan's schemes and a pathway to victory in Christ. When we deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus, we are walking in the authority and power that Satan fears most. Let us make this daily choice, in doing so, we will live the life that God has called us to do. Now, that would change the world!
