Lest we be “terrified by our adversaries,” it is well to remember that Satan’s power is not inherent but permitted (Rom. 13:1). It is not unlimited, but controlled (Job 1:12; 2:6). It is not invincible, but broken (Luke 11:21-22). It is not assured of success, but is surely doomed (Rev. 20:2-3). Satan knows well that there is no ultimate victory for him. The pronounced sentence has only been postponed. But he works to hinder and postpone Christ’s final triumph. We can rejoice in the certainty of John’s assurance: “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
— J. Oswald Sanders (1902–1992), Missionsleiter und Autor
Related Bible passage: 1JH.4.4
Topics: Temptation & Struggle, Courage & Strength
Occasions: Encouragement
J. Oswald Sanders
John Oswald Sanders (1902–1992) war ein neuseeländischer Bibelschullehrer, Autor und langjähriger Leiter der China-Inland-Mission (später OMF International). Bekanntheit erlangte er vor allem durch Schriften wie „Geistliche Leiterschaft“, in denen er biblische Führung auf Demut, Gebet und Charakter statt auf weltliche Machtstrukturen gründete. Für heutige Bibelleser bieten seine Texte Maßstäbe für persönliche Integrität, dienende Leiterschaft und verbindliche Nachfolge.
All quotes by J. Oswald Sanders (37)
The devil is a better theologian than any of us, and he is still a devil.
A.W. Tozer
Discipline is choosing what you want most over what you want now.
Craig Groeschel
Martin Luther
Fyodor Dostoevsky
And Satan trembles when he sees, the weakest saint upon his knees.
William Cowper
Our old man is crucified, but he is long at dying.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Dante Alighieri
Gilbert Keith Chesterton