A good battle plan includes a study of the enemy. What’s their location? What are their strengths? What are their weaknesses? What is their method of attack? The list goes on. Now granted, our primary study must be about God. The Bible is his love letter to us, and we never want “to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest” in the devils and his demons.[1] But we must be aware of who the enemy is. Today, let’s consider three passages from the Gospel of John where Satan is described as “the ruler of this world.”

John 12.31
Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.

God is sovereign over all. He holds all authority in heaven and earth. Nothing is done without God’s permission. And as the title, “ruler of this world,” suggests, Satan exercises significant power and influence. In Genesis 1, this power and influence were given to man. Humans were created to have “dominion” over the earth (Genesis 1:28-30). But then came Genesis 3. Satan initiated humanity’s rebellion and usurped our authority. Now, “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19).

Satan continues his work. He is behind every war, every atrocity, every despicable act. He desires to distract, disrupt, disable, and destroy on the worldwide stage. He is trying to devour us as well. On our own, we are no match for him. But remember, greater is he that is in you than he who is “in the world” (1 John 4:4). While Satan still holds sway, he is a defeated foe.

Satan was behind the cross, but Jesus made it clear that “the ruler of this world” had no power over him (John 14:30). Jesus said, “now will the ruler of this world be cast out.” “Cast out” means “driven out” or “expelled.” What seems to be the defeat of Jesus at the cross was the defeat of Satan (Colossians 2:15 NIV). Jesus said, “the ruler of this world is judged” (John 16:11).

Satan will continue to pursue and harass us. But we depend on the One who defeated sin and death to give us all we need to stay strong in the battle!

Father,
Thank you for the defeat of Satan at the cross. Help us live in that life of victory. Help us depend on your strength. Help us move through our struggles and experience your might through the accomplished work of Jesus. In his name, we pray. Amen.

[1] C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters (HarperOne, 1942), ix.