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ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURE, WHO or WHAT is the enemy Jesus is said to defeat?

“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

Referring to: “[The LORD] will swallow up death forever” (Isaiah 25:8)

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

Is that VICTORY yet to come? Is it a future promise? NO, it can be a PRESENT REALITY

This world is called the “land of the shadow of death” (Isaiah 9:2 [Matthew 4:6; Luke 1:79]; see also Psalm 23:4; 44:19; 107:10,14; Jeremiah 2:6; 13:16; Amos 5:8)

How can we be said to be victorious over death?

  • Physically, we will all die.
  • I would contend that it is another death that is being spoken of – the SECOND DEATH – spiritual death.

“He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” (Revelation 2:11)

“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” (Revelation 20:14; see also 20:6; 21:8)

3 things to learn:

  • Conquer your own enemies first – otherwise you will never conquer your external enemies.
  • Understand that your external enemies function to show your the internal enemies that really need your attention.
  • Spiritually, NO OTHER PERSON can affect your spiritual destiny, “Do not fear him who kills the body, but cannot destroy the soul.”

Recorded on Sunday 16 February 2025