How can believers "tread on the lion" in their spiritual battles today? Setting the Scene Psalm 91:13 declares, “You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.” Written to believers who dwell “in the shelter of the Most High” (Psalm 91:1), the verse pictures absolute victory over whatever threatens God’s people. Identifying the Lion • Scripture often uses the lion as a figure for deadly, intimidating enemies. • 1 Peter 5:8: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” • Psalm 22:13, 21; 2 Timothy 4:17; and Revelation 13:2 extend the image to persecutors, false powers, and demonic forces. • In every case, the underlying threat is spiritual—Satan and the kingdom of darkness. The Promise of Psalm 91:13 • “Tread” and “trample” describe unmistakable dominance. • The promise is literal: God guarantees real victory, not mere symbolism, to those who remain under His covenant care. • The verse assumes proximity—lions appear on the path, but the believer steps over them unscathed. Christ’s Fulfillment and Transfer of Authority • Jesus embodied Psalm 91’s protection (Matthew 4:6–7; Hebrews 2:14–15). • Through the cross and resurrection He “disarmed the powers and authorities” (Colossians 2:15) and gave that triumph to His people. • Luke 10:19: “I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” • Therefore, Psalm 91:13 is now exercised in Christ’s finished work. Practical Ways to Tread on the Lion Today 1. Stand in Christ’s righteousness • Revelation 12:11: “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb.” • Reject condemnation; walk boldly in the forgiveness Jesus secured. 2. Speak God’s Word out loud • Ephesians 6:17 calls Scripture “the sword of the Spirit.” • When temptation or fear roars, answer with verses such as 2 Timothy 1:7 and Isaiah 54:17. 3. Pray with authority • James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” • Praying in line with God’s promises drives back the enemy. 4. Maintain vigilant sobriety • 1 Peter 5:9: “Resist him, standing firm in your faith.” • Watch for subtle compromises that let the lion creep nearer. 5. Walk in community • Ecclesiastes 4:12: “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” • Accountability and corporate worship keep us alert and reinforced. 6. Armor up daily • Ephesians 6:10-18 lists belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword. Put each on in prayer, believing God literally outfits you. 7. Praise as warfare • Psalm 149:6-9 describes praise binding spiritual kings with chains. • Singing truth about God’s greatness silences the lion’s roar. 8. Fasten hope to the ultimate crush • Romans 16:20: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” • Live in anticipation; each skirmish previews that final stomp. Weapons God Has Supplied • The indwelling Holy Spirit—greater than the lion (1 John 4:4). • The finished work of Christ—basis for every claim (Hebrews 10:14). • The unbreakable promises of God—our legal standing (2 Corinthians 1:20). • The fellowship of believers—reinforcements on the field (Hebrews 10:25). Living the Victory Daily • Begin each morning acknowledging your secure position “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). • Throughout the day, treat fear, temptation, or deception as a defeated lion you will step over, not a power you must negotiate with. • End each night recounting ways God enabled you to trample the enemy. Thanksgiving reinforces faith for the next encounter. By staying under the Most High’s shelter and exercising the authority Christ has given, believers today can—and must—tread on the lion in every spiritual battle. |
    |