“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” — Colossians 2:15
Sitting in and soaking up the words of this singular verse has changed the way I’m living! It’s provided a literally life-changing perspective.
Paul is continuing to write to the church of Colossae, warning them of “fine-sounding arguments” and legalistic rules that keep them in bondage. Here, in this verse, he’s specifically letting them know that they have nothing to fear, and the reasons why:
Christ has “disarmed the powers!” We are FREE to stay “humble and curious about the amazing complexity of the world God has made” (notes from my Life Application Study Bible).
We are FREE to explore and enjoy and take risks! We are in the hands of The Great Victor who will guide us.
Steven Wadsworth says:
“Our great captain has won the contest… Because of this, no one can condemn us (Col 2:16)… He has taken away Satan’s power to hold sinners to the debt of their sins and trespasses… Accusation is the chief activity for Satan… Satan attempted to use the demands of the law to destroy God’s people… But Christ has wrested this weapon from Satan… He hasn’t been so utterly destroyed that he can’t do battle against the believer. But he cannot hurt us spiritually or bring a successful charge against us. We’re now free to wrestle against the spiritual forces of evil knowing we will get the victory… the satisfaction of divine justice shames the powers and shows Christ to be our victor.”
How Jesus Disarmed the Devil, April 2020
God is the victor! He fought for us and has already won. Satan continues to roam in anger but he’s a liar who’s been defeated and made harmless. Like my friend, Jenny, says: “He may touch us, but he won’t ever take hold of us.”
We so often complicate things because of Satan’s accusations but we can’t earn our salvation or more of God’s love. We belong to Christ; He’s already paid the price for us to remain eternally His.
The Holy Spirit resides within us and guides us. We will brush shoulders with Satan and his demons, but are already more than conquerors through Him who loves us!
“Christ’s simple way is the only way, and it alone leads to eternal life” (Bible notes). We don’t have to prove ourselves. We don’t have to live within constraining boundaries. Again, we’re FREE to “stay curious about the amazing complexity of the world God has made” and roam it, exploring with the guidance of the Holy Spirit within.
Satan’s already been defeated — he’s harmless and angry. We must be aware, but there’s no need to fear! We are safe. Our victory and eternal resting place in the Lord is secure.
Some lyrics of my favorite worship songs have taken on new meaning… we can “dance in the darkness” and stand “brave in the battle.” We don’t have to understand what’s going on, to trust that we have already won.
Wrapping up the study of this verse, I wrote this prayer:
Lord, thank you for the way you teach me, for the way you make your wisdom known and accessible. Father, help this truth change the way I live. Help me to live more boldly, knowing You’ve got me and will re-direct every wrong path I turn down. All I must do is abide in You. I’m free to explore. You’ll show me the way. Thank you for such wondrous freedom.
And as I sit here, I reflect on multiple occurrences where I’ve naturally — without effort of my own — stepped outside of my comfort zone with peace and an unexplainable new sense of freedom.
Satan and his evil powers are real and I’d rather acknowledge them than deny them; I believe denying his presence may allow him to be more deceitful and active in maneuvering behind-the-scenes — but, he deserves a lot less credit than what I’ve given him my whole life.
He’s going to show up. When he does, I can battle against him with confidence, knowing Christ has already won… therefore I’ve already won. He has no power, he’s just angry. I’m “more than a conqueror through Him who loves me.”
And so are you.
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Relevant songs of encouragement:
- Anywhere, Brandon Lake
- Up On This Rock, Vous Worship
- Eyes Locked on The King, Abbie Gamboa
- You’ve Already Won, Shane and Shane
- Don’t Tread on Me, We The Kingdom
- Cornerstone, Hillsong