How can believers apply the concept of Jesus' victory over enemies today? Setting the Scene: Jesus Enthroned Luke 20:43 — “until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” • Spoken by Jesus, quoting Psalm 110:1, announcing His position at the right hand of the Father. • The “footstool” image pictures absolute, completed victory—enemies under His feet, powerless to threaten His reign. Identifying the Enemies Jesus Defeated • Sin – Romans 6:10: “The death He died, He died to sin once for all.” • Death – 1 Corinthians 15:26: “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” • Satan & demonic forces – Colossians 2:15: “He disarmed the rulers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross.” • Worldly systems opposed to God – John 16:33: “Take courage; I have overcome the world.” Living from a Place of Victory • Position, not performance: Ephesians 2:6 says God “seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” Our footing is already secure. • Confidence in spiritual battle: Ephesians 6:10-11 urges believers to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God.” We stand, we do not strive for a win already secured. • Overflowing hope: Romans 8:37—“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Victory frames every circumstance. Practical Steps for Daily Application 1. Start each day acknowledging Christ’s lordship. • Simple confession: “Jesus, You are seated above all. I stand with You.” 2. Fight sin from victory, not for victory. • When temptation strikes, declare Colossians 2:15; remind the enemy he’s disarmed. 3. Replace fear with faith. • Hebrews 10:12-13 links Jesus’ one sacrifice with waiting “for His enemies to be made a footstool.” Waiting is active trust. 4. Love human opponents. • Matthew 5:44 commands love for enemies; people aren’t the real foe (Ephesians 6:12). 5. Maintain eternal perspective. • Revelation 12:11 shows believers overcoming “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Keep telling what Christ has done. Encouragement to Persevere Until the Final Footstool • 1 Corinthians 15:24-25 promises a future moment when every enemy is completely subdued. • Until then, Hebrews 12:2 urges fixing our eyes on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” • The victory is settled; believers live it out, confident that the footstool promise will be fully realized. |
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