He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
I John 3:8
Scripture tells us that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. (I John 3:8) In Matthew 12, the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the day, accused Jesus of healing a demon-possessed man by power given to him by Beelzebub, prince of demons. Jesus explained to them that their logic was distorted. He came to drive out demons, so why would He be in partnership with the prince of demons? He told them, If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How can his kingdom stand? (Matthew 12:26) He continued to explain to them that He drove out demons by the Spirit of God, demonstrating to them that the kingdom of God was at work. As believers, we are co-workers with the Holy Spirit in destroying the works of the devil. We are in partnership with God and work together to bring His kingdom power to earth. When I realize that I am to be united with God against the enemy, it motivates me to allow the Holy Spirit to drive out those things in my life that are not pleasing to God. By doing this, I can be more effective in my partnership with God.
Jesus made it very clear to His disciples, and likewise to future believers, that the enemy is always prowling around seeking to destroy believers. (I Peter 5:8) One way he is successful in doing that is to have us live with a mixture of God’s ways and his ways. Jesus commands us to live as children of light and to have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness. (Ephesians 5:8-11) In this way, we can be part of the kingdom of God, working together with Christ to destroy the works of the devil.
Where are you in conflict with God’s ways and the ways of man and the world? Are you willing to partner with God in destroying anything in your life that is a mixture of God’s ways and the world’s ways?
Heavenly Father,
Forgive me where there is a mixture of Your ways and the ways of the world in my life. I surrender to Your work in me, driving out those things in my life that are not pleasing to You. My desire is to partnership with You and bring Your kingdom power to earth.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
