By His death on the cross, Jesus won the victory over the powers of evil. Paul says that He “spoiled principalities and powers… triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:15). Many people live in fear of evil spirits, curses and charms. In Christ we do not need to fear. Jesus has authority over every power, and those who belong to Him are safe in His hands (Luke 10:17-20).
The Christian life does not stop at baptism. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him” (Colossians 2:6-7). We grow like a tree “planted by the rivers of water” (Psalm 1:3): through daily prayer, reading God’s Word, worshipping with others and serving the people around us.
Growing takes time, and sometimes we fall. But God keeps working in us: “he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Our part is to stay close to Jesus and to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
Key Bible verses
- Colossians 2:6-7Rooted and built up in him.
- Colossians 2:15He triumphed over principalities and powers.
- Luke 10:17-20Even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
- Psalm 1:1-3Like a tree planted by the rivers of water.
- Philippians 1:6He will finish the good work He began.
- 2 Peter 3:18Grow in grace and in knowledge.
- Galatians 5:22-25Walk in the Spirit.
Tap a reference to read it in the Bible.
Think about it
- Is there a fear (of evil powers, of the future, of people) that you need to hand over to Jesus?
- What helps you most to grow closer to God: prayer, the Bible, worship or serving others?
- Philippians 1:6 says God will finish His work in you. How does that encourage you when you fail?
