The life of Jesus Christ offers us an unparalleled example of how divine preparation equips us to face and overcome the enemy. Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus was divinely prepared through a series of events that not only empowered Him but also provide a blueprint for our own spiritual journeys. Central to this preparation was the work of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, whose role is crucial in empowering believers to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. Let us explore how Jesus was prepared and how we, as followers of Christ, can be equipped to overcome the enemy.
1. Obedience to God’s Will: The Foundation of Victory
Jesus’ journey of divine preparation begins with His unwavering obedience to God. When Jesus approached John the Baptist to be baptized, John, recognizing Jesus’ sinlessness and divinity, resisted, saying, “Why are you doing this? I’m the one who needs to be baptized by you, and yet you come to be baptized by me?” (Matthew 3:14-15, TPT). But Jesus responded, “It is only right to do all that God requires.”
Jesus’ baptism was an act of obedience that demonstrated His complete submission to the Father’s will. This was not just a ritual act but a profound affirmation of His mission and identity as the Son of God. In the same way, our own obedience to God’s will is the first step in our divine preparation. When we align ourselves with what God requires, we open the door for His power to be manifest in our lives.
2. The Holy Spirit: The Empowering Presence
As Jesus came up out of the water, “the heavenly realm opened up over him and he saw the Holy Spirit descend out of the heavens and rest upon him in the form of a dove” (Matthew 3:16, TPT). This was a powerful moment where the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, came upon Jesus to empower Him for His earthly ministry.
The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but a divine person who plays an active role in the lives of believers. When we are born again—having accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior—the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. But beyond this indwelling, there is also the baptism of the Holy Spirit, a subsequent experience where the Spirit empowers believers for service and spiritual warfare.
Romans 8:26-27 (TPT) highlights the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in our lives: “And in a similar way, the Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, at times we don’t even know how to pray or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words.”
Just as the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus, He empowers us today, providing the strength, wisdom, and guidance we need to fulfill our calling and resist the enemy’s attacks.
3. Led by the Spirit: The Path of Preparation
Following His baptism, “the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to experience the ordeal of testing by the accuser” (Matthew 4:1, TPT). The wilderness was not a place of defeat but of divine preparation. It was here, in solitude and fasting, that Jesus confronted the enemy and emerged victorious.
The leading of the Holy Spirit is crucial in our spiritual journey. Romans 8:14 (TPT) declares, “The mature children of God are those who are moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit.” This verse emphasizes that being led by the Spirit is not just an occasional event but a defining characteristic of those who are truly sons and daughters of God.
The Holy Spirit often guides us into seasons of testing and preparation, not to harm us, but to strengthen us. These wilderness experiences teach us to rely completely on God, deepening our dependence on His power rather than our own.
Fasting, as Jesus demonstrated, is a powerful spiritual discipline that prepares us for battle. It aligns our spirit with God’s Spirit, sharpening our sensitivity to His voice and fortifying us against the enemy’s schemes. It is in these moments of surrender and reliance on God that we are most prepared to face spiritual challenges.
4. The Word of God: The Weapon of Victory
When the enemy tempted Jesus, each challenge was met with the authoritative declaration of God’s Word. Jesus countered every temptation with Scripture, saying, “It is written…” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10, TPT). This shows us the power of the Word of God as the ultimate weapon against the enemy.
The Word of God is not just a collection of ancient texts; it is living and active, “sharper than any double-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). For us to overcome the enemy, we must be deeply rooted in Scripture, knowing it intimately, and correctly applying it in our lives. The enemy’s lies can only be defeated by the truth of God’s Word, and it is through the Holy Spirit that we gain the insight and understanding to wield this truth effectively.
Jesus’ refusal to misuse His power or take shortcuts in His mission teaches us the importance of integrity and faithfulness. By standing firm on the truth of Scripture and submitting to God’s will, Jesus demonstrated how we, too, can resist the devil and overcome.
5. Resisting the Devil: The Promise of Victory
After Jesus resisted Satan’s temptations, “the accuser left him, and angels suddenly gathered around Jesus to minister to his needs” (Matthew 4:11, TPT). This moment of victory was not just a personal triumph for Jesus but a demonstration of the power and authority available to all who follow Him.
James 4:7 gives us a powerful directive and promise: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” The key to resisting the devil lies in our submission to God and our reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit. When we stand firm in our faith, the enemy has no choice but to flee.
Conclusion: Walking in Divine Preparation
Jesus’ time of preparation—His obedience to God, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, reliance on the Word, and victory over the enemy—serves as a model for our own spiritual journey. As believers, we are called to walk in this same divine preparation, empowered by the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us and leads us into all truth.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an essential experience for every believer, equipping us with the power we need to fulfill our divine calling and resist the enemy’s attacks. As we obey God’s will, immerse ourselves in His Word, and follow the Spirit’s leading, we are assured of victory in every spiritual battle.
Let us embrace this divine preparation, confident in the power of the Holy Spirit who empowers us, the Word of God that guides us, and the example of Christ that inspires us. Through Him, we are more than conquerors, equipped to overcome the enemy and fulfil our God-given purpose.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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