Greater is He: Understanding God's Power Over Evil

In a world filled with deception and spiritual battles, it's crucial to recognize who stands on our side. Just as we can identify the greatest con artists in history—from the Fyre Festival disaster to the Brooklyn Bridge scams—we must acknowledge that Satan is the ultimate fraudster. He lies, cheats, and steals, promising things he can't deliver while attempting to drag as many people as possible away from authentic hope.

But there's good news: the God who lives in us is greater than the one who lives in the world.

Jesus' Authority Over Evil: The Demon-Possessed Man

In Mark 5, we find one of the most detailed accounts of Jesus confronting demonic forces. When Jesus stepped out of a boat onto the shore in the region of the Gerasenes, he was immediately met by a man with an unclean spirit.

This wasn't just any troubled individual. The passage reveals several disturbing characteristics:

•  He lived in isolation among tombs

•  He possessed inhuman strength, breaking chains and shackles

•  He was deeply tormented, crying out day and night

•  He engaged in self-harm, cutting himself with stones

•  He lived like a wild animal, naked and sub-human

What Happens When Demons Meet Jesus?

The encounter reveals something remarkable. Despite the man's condition and the demons' power, when he saw Jesus, he ran and fell down before him. This posture of reverence shows that even demons recognize Jesus' superior authority.

The demon cried out, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me." Notice three important elements:

1.  The demon recognized Jesus by name

2.  It acknowledged Jesus as the Son of the Most High God

3.  It pleaded for mercy, fearing torment

When Jesus asked for the demon's name, it replied, "Legion, for we are many." A Roman legion consisted of 4,000-6,000 soldiers, indicating the massive demonic presence controlling this man.

The Demons' Request and Jesus' Authority

The demons begged Jesus not to send them out of the country and requested permission to enter a nearby herd of pigs. Jesus gave permission, and when they entered the pigs, the entire herd—about 2,000 animals—rushed down a steep bank into the sea and drowned.

This account demonstrates several crucial spiritual truths:

1.  Jesus has ultimate authority over all demonic forces

2.  Demons must obey Jesus' commands

3.  Demons recognize Jesus' identity and power

4.  The enemy's nature is inherently destructive

Colossians 2:15 confirms this: "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."

Who is the God That Has Our Back?

Understanding who stands with us in spiritual battles gives us confidence. Our God possesses attributes that make Him infinitely greater than any enemy:

God is Eternal

"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God" (Psalm 90:2).

God has no beginning and no end. He is infinite and immortal, which means He cannot be defeated.

God is Immutable

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change" (James 1:17).

God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, making Him absolutely reliable and trustworthy. When we're in spiritual trenches, we can depend on His consistent character.

God is All-Powerful

"Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases" (Psalm 113:3).

There is no problem too difficult for God, no being too powerful for Him to overcome. Your struggles, addictions, and sins are never beyond His ability to intervene.

God is Omnipresent

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there" (Psalm 139:7-8).

God is everywhere simultaneously. In every circumstance and trial you face, He is present. There is no place in the universe where we can hide from God.

God is Omniscient

"The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good" (Proverbs 15:3).

God knows everything—your heart, motives, thoughts, past, and future. Nothing surprises Him or catches Him off guard.

What This Means for Believers

Because of who God is and His victory through Christ, we have a new identity:

We Are More Than Conquerors

"In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).

We aren't just barely winning—we are overwhelmingly victorious through Christ. The spiritual battle isn't even close; it's a complete blowout in our favour.

We Are Overcomer's

"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4).

By faith in Jesus, we have already overcome the enemy. The victory is secured—Jesus doesn't need to die again. It is finished.

The Difference Between God's Voice and the Enemy's

The enemy says: "Look how far you have to go. Why don't you just give up?"

God says: "Look how far I brought you. Keep going."

The enemy says: "You have disappointed God too many times."

God says: "I knew everything you would do before you were born and still called you to be my child."

Satan knows your name but calls you by your sin.

God knows your sin but calls you by your name.

Satan would like to convince you that you're not ready.

Jesus called you before you cleaned up your life.

Life Application

To live victoriously in light of these truths, focus on two key practices:

Practice moment-to-moment surrender to God. 

Life is lived decision by decision, circumstance by circumstance. Daily confess your sins, share your needs with God, and release your worries into His hands. Make it a regular practice to say, "God, I surrender this area of my life to you."

Stay connected daily to Jesus. Remember the illustration in John 15 of the vine and branches. Jesus is our strength, wisdom, and spiritual sustenance. Maintain this connection through regular devotionals, prayer, Bible study, and scripture reading.

Questions to Consider:

•  In what areas of my life am I trying to fight spiritual battles in my own strength rather than relying on God's power?

•  How might my perspective change if I truly believed that the God who lives in me is greater than any enemy I face?

•  What specific practices can I implement this week to strengthen my connection to Jesus, the true source of victory?

•  Where do I need to surrender control to God today?

Remember, as believers, we need to recognize and embrace the truth that the God who lives in us is greater than the one who lives in the world. This isn't just positive thinking—it's the foundation for living victoriously in a fallen world.