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Sermon #159 — Romans Series
Title: The Devil Doomed
Text: Romans 16:20 Subject: Sure Triumph Over Satan Reading: Revelation 20:1-15
(Revelation 20:1-15) And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. (2) And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, (3) And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
(4) And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (5) But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
(6) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (7) And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, (8) And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. (9) And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. (10) And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
(11) And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
(12) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (13) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (14) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
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Introduction
After finishing my cobalt treatments for cancer forty-two years ago, I had chemotherapy treatments for months. Needless to say, by the time I was well-into the chemotherapy, I was sapped of all physical strength. I was only twenty-six years old, but I was whipped physically, mentally, and in great measure emotionally. I had always been strong as an ox, but no more. One day, just when I needed it, I got a card from a friend in the church Shelby and I were members of in my hometown, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Bro. Bill Debusk. It had nothing in it except a Scripture text reference, a reference I did not immediately recall. So I opened my Bible to the passage, Romans 16:20. I have never forgotten the text again. The Lord has graciously brought it to my mind countless times through the day almost every day for more than forty-two years.
I want you to open your Bibles to that blessed text — Romans 16:20. May God the Holy Ghost be pleased to write it upon your heart as he has on my own.
(Romans 16:20) And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Here the Lord God announces The Devil Doomed and promises us victory over the prince of darkness.
Proposition: This is GodŐs promise to every saved sinner, to every believer. — No matter what your trial might be, no matter what temptations you may endure, God our Savior will crush Satan under your feet. — The DevilŐs doom is sure.
Yes, Satan is in a rage. He goes about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. His rage is directed against GodŐs elect, Christ and his church. But, as Martin Luther put itÉ
ŇHis rage we can endure, For, lo, his doom is sure!Ó
Context
LetŐs begin in verse 17, so that we get the promise of verse 20 in its context.
(Romans 16:17) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Always beware of those who cause division in the church of God, seeking to turn your hearts and minds away from the gospel of Christ. Those who leave the gospel, leave Christ, and leave his church are never content to go alone. They seek to divide brethren and seek to divide you from the Savior. Beware of such evil, wicked men.
In verse 18 the apostle tells us about the wickedness of all such men. False teachers are rarely easy to spot. They do not usually come dressed in a devilŐs costume. They do not always stand before you with their eyes bugged out in anger like Corey Booker, beating his chest and saying ŇI am Spartacus.Ó They usually come with smooth talk and sweet words of blessing. They are not innocent men taken up with an intellectual error. They are positively wicked, evil men with evil designs.
(Romans 16:18) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Mark these self-serving devils and avoid them. They are motivated by nothing but bondage to their own lusts.
In verse 19 Paul tells us that we must carefully avoid these deceivers and their doctrine for the honor of our God, for ChristŐs sake.
(Romans 16:19) For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
Because your faith in Christ is known to all, because you have a reputation for believing the gospel, if false teachers get the upper hand with you, if these deceivers turn you away from Christ, the reproach and blasphemy of his name will be great. DonŐt let that happen! The greater your reputation for obedience, the more damage can be done if you get sucked in by their craftiness. So be vigilant for your obedience is known to all. You have a great responsibility.
Good and Evil
In the light of all this, Paul says, ŇI would have you wise unto that which is good and simple concerning evil.Ó He is sayingÉ
Paul has addressed the evils we face and must deal with in this world: false doctrine, false prophets, divisions, offenses, and all the trials and temptations we endure from our adversary, the Devil. Now, in verse 20, he saysÉ
(Romans 16:20) And — (There is another thing we must never forget, not for a moment.) — And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Do not be tricked or lured into any evil, false doctrine or evil way. The great head of all evil, Satan, is going to be crushed by our God beneath our feet. His doom is sure! Press on in your battle against all that is false and destructive because the father of all lies and destruction will be soon destroyed.
My text is a broad, general, glorious promise about the triumph of Christ and his church over the Satan. — ŇThe God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.Ó This is not a promise referring to any specific evil, but a promise referring to all evil. It is not a promise referring to any specific trial, but a promise referring to all trials. It is a promise referring to the evil you now face. It is a promise referring to the evil you now endure. Be vigilant, always vigilant, because Satan is about to lose, his doom is sure.
Divisions: Our text speaks of three things. 1. The God of Peace 2. The Crushing of Satan 3. The Grace of Christ
The God of Peace
1st — Paul was inspired to call to our attention the fact that he who is our God is the God of peace, not the God of confusion. It is certainly true that the gospel of God always causes divisions among men. No man can preach the gospel of Christ and not have to deal with that fact. á Will worshippers despise free grace. á Flesh adorers hate total depravity. á Free will, work-monger Arminians are enraged by unconditional election. á God hating religionists, trampling the blood of Christ under their feet as a common thing, will not tolerate effectual, limited atonement — particular redemption. á The preaching of irresistible grace is a call to war in almost any church.
Illustration: Our Lord Jesus Christ preached away his crowd in John 6.
Yes, the truth of God causes divisions among men, but not in GodŐs house and not among GodŐs people.
(1 Corinthians 14:33) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
He who is our God is the God of peace. Satan always seeks to destroy peace and cause scandalous divisions among the saints of God. He does so, more than any other way, by perverting truth. á By Denying the Gospel á By Taking Something from the Gospel á By Adding Something to the Gospel
He who is our God, the God of peace, is distinctly our God. He has undertaken our cause. And, in the end, he will accomplish peace for us. á He made peace for us by the sacrifice of his Son in our stead (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). á He gives us peace by reconciling us to him with the gift of faith in Christ (Romans 5:1-11). á He sustains us in peace, assuring us of his wise and good providence (Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:4-9).
(Philippians 4:4-9) Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (5) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (6) Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (9) Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
The Crushing of Satan
2nd — The apostle, writing by inspiration of God the Holy Ghost, assures us that Ňthe God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.Ó Our adversary, the Devil, is a beaten enemy.
LetŐs get the larger picture of what the New Testament says about the defeat of Satan. In Genesis 3:15, God promised that the seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent.
(Genesis 3:15) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
God sent his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, into the world to fulfil that promise (1 John 3:8; Hebrews 2:14).
(1 John 3:8) For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
(Hebrews 2:14) Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.
Four Conquests of Christ — The work of Christ in destroying the devil may be observed in four things, four, mighty conquests of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. Satan has been decisively defeated in the death and resurrection of Christ (Revelation 20:1-6; John 12:31-32; 16:11; Colossians 2:14-15).
(Revelation 20:1-6) And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. (2) And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, (3) And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. (4) And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (5) But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. (6) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
(John 12:31-32) Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. (32) And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
(John 16:11) The prince of this world is judged.
(Colossians 2:14-) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; (15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
By nailing our sins to the cross our blessed Savior took all the damning accusations of Satan out of his hands (Zechariah 3:1-9). Now, all the defanged and declawed black lion of hell can do is roar against us! He cannot condemn. Because it is God who justifies us, none can condemn (Romans 8:33-34).
(Romans 8:33-34) Who shall lay anything to the charge of GodŐs elect? It is God that justifieth. (34) Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
2. Satan is conquered by our almighty Savior every time one of his elect is saved by his omnipotent mercy and irresistible grace (Mark 3:27).
(Mark 3:27) No man can enter into a strong manŐs house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
Illustration: The Gadarene
3. Satan is being defeated now by our great Savior through saved sinners who believe and speak the Word of God, wearing the whole armor of God (2 Corinthians 4:4-6; Ephesians 6:12-13; Revelation 12:11).
(2 Corinthians 4:4-6) The God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for JesusŐ sake. (6) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
(Ephesians 6:12-13) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
(Revelation 12:11) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
The victory is ChristŐs. It is his work. We embrace and apply the victory by faith in him. In our battles against the devil, by believing and wielding the Word of God, we are victors over the enemy (1 John 5:4-5; 2 Timothy 2:24-26). — Trusting him, we win! á Triumphing over Trials! á Triumphing over Foes! á Triumphing over Temptations! á Triumphing over Falls!
(1 John 5:4-5) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (5) Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
(2 Timothy 2:24-26) And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, (25) In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; (26) And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
4. Satan will finally be vanquished and thrown into the Lake of Fire, never to torment or even trouble us again (1 Corinthians 15:25-28; Revelation 20:10; 21:7; 22:1-5).
Romans 16:20 is a glorious promise to beleaguered saints in all times and places where it seems as if evil has the upper hand and Satan is not only a roaring, but a devouring, lion! DonŐt give up! Victory is sure! Christ is going to win. And when Christ wins, we win! á Satan has been put under our RedeemerŐs feet. á He shall be put under our feet!
(1 Corinthians 15:25-28) For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. (26) The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (27) For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. (28) And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
(Revelation 20:10) And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
(Revelation 21:1-7) And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. (2) And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (3) And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. (4) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (5) And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. (6) And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. (7) He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
(Revelation 22:1-5) And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. (2) In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (3) And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: (4) And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. (5) And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
The Grace of Christ
3rd — In the meantime, while we are still involved in the conflict, we are assured of the grace of Christ we must have. — Grace for the battle is ours! — ŇThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.Ó It arrives every day in just the right amount for the battle we face. It is new every morning. Great is his faithfulness!
But when will the victory come? When will the God of peace bruise Satan under our feet? — Shortly! What does that mean? Paul wrote those words 2000 years ago. á Unexpectedly! á Suddenly! á Soon! It is not for us to know the timeÉ á When our current trial will end. á When our foes will be vanquished. á When our present trouble will be over. á When our Lord will come again. — It seems to me that the Lord has so arranged things that every generation has reason to believe that ChristŐs glorious second advent is at hand. That is how he would have us live, expecting the God of peace to bruise Satan under our feet right now. á It is for us to trust God our Savior (Titus 2:11-14).
(Titus 2:11-14) For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
(Romans 16:20) And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
ŇAnd though this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us: The Prince of Darkness grim, We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, For lo! his doom is sure, One little word shall fell him!Ó
Amen.
Don Fortner
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Pastor FortnerŐs
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