PASSAGES

Craig Wilson, Mission Bible Fellowship

Each article I have been walking through the Lord’s Prayer phrase by phrase. Rather than a rote prayer, the Lord’s Prayer is an outline of how we can learn how to pray, on our own, following the example of Jesus Christ.

In this phrase, Jesus teaches two important realities: 1. satan and evil exists, and 2. It is the Lord who triumphs over and delivers us from evil.

Through the Lord’s prayer we learn to look to the Lord and trust in His deliverance over the evil one. We see the right balance between being aware of satan, but at the same time living in peace trusting God’s power over evil.

C.S. Lewis is well known from the book series Chronicles of Narnia, but also wrote an amazing book called the Screwtape Letters. The basis of this book is a fictional account of a more experienced demon mentoring a lower demon in the work of carrying out satan’s plans.

In the introduction to the book, Lewis gives this important understanding:

“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.” – C.S. Lewis

When looking at the reality of satan and evil, we need to avoid the extremes. It is a terrible mistake to ignore the reality of spiritual warfare. Meaning, as the church, and as Christians, we face opposition against the purposes of God. In Ephesians chapter 6, the apostle Paul teaches about the nature of what we face as the church.

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

When we think of a battle and a war, we first think of earthly terms. And we do see that in our world. The presence of evil and the presence of satan is a reality. Paul speaks of powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil. With this are rulers and authorities, meaning these forces of evil have a source and a leader.

Right now, in our world, there are two competing kingdoms, with two rulers. Satan has been allowed to operate within the world. But His influence is limited and is in fact defeated.

These are the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. The Lord’s Prayer teaches believers to trust in God’s deliverance against the powers of this dark world, while we live within this world.

The fact is that humanity needs saving, we need to be delivered. This is first and foremost accomplished because of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ suffering on the cross, brutal death, and resurrection is the ultimate deliverance to save us.