GROWING DEEP AND STRONG® | WEEKLY DISCIPLESHIP SERIES | ARTICLE 3
What if understanding the darkness could help you appreciate the freedom Jesus has already given you?
When you receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, more happens than a change of beliefs. Your spiritual citizenship changes. Colossians 1:13 says God has delivered believers from the power of darkness and brought them into the Kingdom of His Son.
That is extraordinary news! But what exactly have we been rescued from, and why does it matter to our lives today?
Two Kingdoms. Two Very Different Futures.
The Bible describes the Kingdom of Darkness and the Kingdom of Light. They have different rulers, different purposes and completely different outcomes.
In Acts 26:18, Jesus speaks of opening people’s eyes, turning them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. Salvation is not simply knowing more about God. It means coming under a new authority.
Think about that: you no longer belong to the kingdom you have been rescued from.
When the Light Comes On, Darkness Loses
Imagine standing in a room with no light. You cannot see the doorway or the obstacles in front of you. Then someone switches on the light. In an instant, the room looks completely different.
Jesus says He is the Light of the World, and those who follow Him have the light of life (John 8:12). John 1:5 tells us that darkness cannot overcome the light.
That changes how we live. Jesus also calls His disciples the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). We are not called to be fascinated by darkness. We are called to follow Christ and reflect His light.
Who Is Behind the Kingdom of Darkness?
Scripture identifies Satan as the enemy who opposes God’s purposes. In John 10:10, Jesus contrasts the thief, who comes to steal, kill and destroy, with His own mission to give abundant life.
Notice the difference. One kingdom works towards destruction. Jesus offers life.
Christians sometimes make one of two mistakes: ignoring spiritual opposition entirely or giving Satan far too much attention. Neither helps us grow. The answer is to understand what the Bible teaches while keeping Jesus at the centre.
Recognise the Enemy’s Character
An opponent. The name Satan is associated with an adversary or opponent. Job 1:6–7 introduces him in this role.
An influence upon the world system. Jesus speaks of the ruler of this world (John 14:30); Ephesians 2:2 and 1 John 5:19 also describe the influence of evil in a fallen world.
An accuser. Revelation 12:10 calls him the accuser of God’s people. But Romans 8:1 assures those in Christ that there is no condemnation.
An adversary seeking to devour. First Peter 5:8 urges believers to remain watchful and spiritually alert.
These descriptions are not given to frighten us. They help us recognise the contrast between Satan’s nature and the goodness of God.
Here Is the Good News We Must Remember
Satan is not God’s equal. He is a created being. His opposition is real, but his power is not unlimited.
First John 4:4 gives believers a wonderful assurance: the One who is in us is greater than the one in the world. We can face spiritual opposition with our trust firmly placed in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Our confidence is not in what we know about the enemy. It is in the Lord to whom we belong.
Who Are the Subjects of This Kingdom?
The Bible also describes spiritual forces operating in opposition to God. Ephesians 6:12 refers to principalities, powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness. These are not simply human opponents.
Where did these spiritual beings come from? Revelation 12:7–9 describes war in heaven involving Michael and his angels and Satan and his angels. Satan and his angels were defeated and cast out. Jude 6 also refers to angels who abandoned their proper place.
The Growing Deep and Strong® curriculum teaches that these are rebellious beings who turned away from God’s original created order. They are not equal to the Lord or His authority.
Your Key Takeaway
The Kingdom of Darkness is real, but Jesus Christ has brought believers into the Kingdom of Light. Understanding our enemy helps us stay alert; knowing our Saviour helps us stand in confidence.
Next Week: The Activities of Demons
In Article 4, we will look at what Scripture teaches about the activities of demons and their influence on people. We will also explore the good news of the freedom and protection found in Jesus Christ.
A Bible That Helps You Grow
We recommend the New King James Version (NKJV) Spirit-Filled Life Bible. It is the study Bible used in our Laying the Foundation discipleship curriculum, and its study notes, cross-references and practical teaching features can help you discover biblical truths for yourself.
Continue Your Discipleship Journey
This article is part of the Growing Deep and Strong® weekly teaching series, drawn from our Laying the Foundation curriculum. Explore more biblical teaching and discover our vision for New Christian Training Centres at www.growingdeepandstrong.com.
Keep growing. Keep discovering. Keep becoming strong in Christ.
Carl is a follower of Jesus Christ; Founder and Author of the Christian Discipleship and Leadership program called the Growing Deep and Strong® Series. He is also the Founder and Director of Find Your Destiny™.
His mandate is to be a catalyst and facilitator in developing people who will become leaders and disciplers of others and to create an environment that creates leaders that transform nations.
