(by Dr. Larry Ollison)

Satan is relentless. He doesn't give up. He knows that one Spirit-filled Christian, walking in faith, can deal a severe blow to his kingdom. Even though Satan has been defeated and his destiny has been sealed, he doesn't believe it.

Jesus said in John 8:44 that Satan "does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." Jesus exposed Satan for what he really is - a liar. However, Satan must believe his own lies because he still attempts to win.

The Bible tells that we are to not be ignorant of the devices of the devil (2 Corinthians 2:11). He is a relentless enemy. But even though he is relentless, he still uses the same old methods. His methods haven't changed in 2,000 years. We know from the Word of God that he doesn't give up just because someone is seeking the truth, or just because someone is a Christian.

When Jesus was tempted by Satan, Jesus quoted the Word (Luke 4:1-3). Satan was defeated in this exchange of events, but the Bible tells us something very interesting about the nature of Satan. After Jesus spoke the Word and Satan left, Satan didn't leave without a plan. He just retreated for a little while and waited for another opportunity, a more opportune time, to attack.

Now, here's the good news. We have been given authority over Satan and his entire kingdom of darkness (Luke 10:19). We as Christians have been given, by Jesus, the authority to remove the forces of darkness from our path anytime, anywhere. Of course, there are limits and conditions to our authority, but nevertheless we have been given authority and as Christians, we are a major threat to Satan's kingdom.

Satan does not want you to know you have authority over him. Remember, he is a liar, and many times he uses religion to bind Christians. What I mean is the only thing that will repel the forces of evil is the name of Jesus. Jesus gave us, the Church, authority to use His name.

Jesus said in Mark 16:17, "These signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues." Jesus said here that those who believe would have authority over the evil forces of the spirit world. In fact, Jesus said that those who believed in Him would cast out demons. Are you a believer? If you are a Christian, then you have this authority and Jesus expects you to use it.

Satan may want to destroy you, but he doesn't always get what he wants. The only way he can get to you, the only way he can distract you, the only way he can neutralize you is if you let him. In this spiritual battle, as Christians, we have no excuses.

Jesus has given us all the weapons we need. He has given us the authority. He has given us the Word. He has given us His blood. He has given us the armor. He has given us His name, and He has given us faith. With these tools, nothing can defeat us and we can walk in victory.