1st John 3:8. “He that committeth sin is of the devil: for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” THIS PURPOSE. It started way back, the rebellion that is – he wanted the throne of God. In some act of subtlety, he got a host to join who all with him did fall. As a result of that choice, all earth has been affected by the lies he always tells. To listen to him and believe his lies will surely lead a person to hell. For thousands of years he has been actively involved in opposing all that is right. Deception has worked effectively so many won’t believe by faith, only sight. He even tried to get the Lord Jesus to give him the place of supremacy. The Lord was manifested in flesh and in each replied to the challenges scripturally.
The enemy’s hold on people back then was broken whenever Jesus spoke Deliverance to the bound and healing to the sick and the devil’s bondage broke. He tried to destroy the One who gives life, right from His birth to His death; But until God had planned, not a thing could he do to anyone to whom God gives breath.
But more than seeing the Lord when here; was the manifestation of His saving grace; The defeat of the foe took place on the cross where there He took the sinners place. The pure and the just One died in the stead of the unjust; as the substitute He died for me. The bonds of sin and the devil were broken; and the captives were able to be free.
No longer does the devil have power and dominion over those he once claimed as his. The Son of God was manifest in the flesh that all might be saved by His grace; By power divine the enemy is defeated but he still attacks those who are off guard; An armor is provided by Him who had this purpose, so we can stand strong in the Lord.
“O Lord God of Hosts, the enemy has often tried to thwart the work we do, but I thank Thee for divine power given to resist the devil – and for the promise that he will flee from me. By Thy divine wisdom, make me to be aware when an attack of the devil comes – either subtly or overtly, so I can vigorously resist him. I pray this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”