Category Archives: Destroy

Radiant cross above an open stone tomb overlooking a sunlit valley
Bible, Destroy, Devil, Eternal Life, Eternity, Hebrews, Scripture, Subdue

DOOMED DEVIL

HEBREWS 2:14

“Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, so that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,”

You may know that I am a University of Georgia football fan. I went to school there and follow the bulldogs during the season. Last week was a special victory over a rival team in the same conference. I can’t say we destroyed them since the game was a close one. We were able to subdue them just enough to squeak out a win. I’ll take it. A “W” is a “W.”

Don’t you just love today’s verse? Jesus came to destroy the devil at his own game – the game of death. Jesus conquered death and the grave and rose again the third day. The Greek word for “destroy” is katargeó which means to totally render idle, to subdue. Jesus threw the devil into neutral. He lost his power over the grave and death. In Romans this word is translated “nullify.” We know that the devil’s ultimate defeat will come later at the end of Christ’s 1,000 year reign. That will be the end of Satan. But right now, Jesus has made him toothless.

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

This is certainly a Promise to claim. What better promise could we receive than the promise that Jesus was and is victorious over the devil? And because of His victory, we also walk in victory. Once we turn to Jesus and follow Him, the devil has lost all claims on us. Do you understand what this means? Because your life now belongs to Christ, the devil cannot claim it. You cannot lose something that you no longer have. And he certainly can’t grab anything out of the hand of God, can he?

We see this spelled out in 2 Timothy 1:10, “but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” Isn’t that great? By abolishing death (spiritual death), Jesus brought life. We see this also 1 John 3:8b, “The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” Jesus fulfilled His mission by destroying the prince of this world.

We will all die physically one day unless Jesus returns in our lifetime (and that could happen). I do not fear my physical death. Now, I would love to choose how I go, but the act of death doesn’t frighten me. Why? Because my spiritual death has been abolished. The Lamb of God paid the price for my sins and once I received Him, I was made secure eternally. The saying is true – Born once, die twice; Born twice, die once. Are you ready?

Father, I praise You for Christ’s victory over our adversary and the promise of eternal life with You.

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Defensive football player tackling opponent who is dropping the ball on a football field.
Bible, Destroy, Destruction, Jesus, Judging, Judgment, Romans, Scripture

DON’T BE A DESTROYER

ROMANS 14:15

“For if because of food your brother or sister is hurt, you are no longer walking in accordance with love. Do not destroy with your choice of food that person for whom Christ died.”

When I was in high school, I played football (real football, not soccer, lol). I loved to destroy people! I had the privilege to play linebacker on defense. That position usually gets the most tackles in a game. During my freshman year I was still dressing out for the Junior Varsity team, as well as the varsity. I practiced all week with the varsity squad and played JV on Thursday nights. After a week of playing with the “big boys” those Thursday night games were like shooting ducks in a barrel. I dominated and destroyed many an opponent.

That is NOT what Paul is talking about in today’s verse when he writes about destroying others. That destruction is mainly done with words through judgment of others or unkind or even mean words and actions. Paul is not letting up on this judgment thing. He reminds us that every person we think we have the right to judge is a person Christ died for. They are precious in His sight.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “destroy” is apóllymi “(from apó, ‘away from,’ which intensifies ollymi, ‘to destroy’) – properly, fully destroy, cutting off entirely (note the force of the prefix, apó). Apóllymi (‘violently/completely perish’) implies permanent (absolute) destruction, i.e. to cancel out (remove); ‘to die, with the implication of ruin and destruction’ (L & N, 1, 23.106); cause to be lost (utterly perish) by experiencing a miserable end.” (HELPS Word-studies). I know that was a long definition, but I wanted you to see the weight of this word. Paul is saying our judgmental attitudes toward others can totally destroy them.

This is the same word used in John 10:10 where it says the devil comes to kill, steal and destroy. Just as he wants to totally destroy you, your judgments can have the same effect. How is that possible, Carl? Your judgmental attitudes can push someone away from Christ. They see you, who profess to be a follower of Jesus, acting that way and decide they want no part of Him. Supposedly Gandhi once said that if it weren’t for Christians, he would become one. Obviously, some “Christian” had not been very Christlike to him.

Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” The word “perish” is apóllymi. God does not want this for anyone. So, He certainly doesn’t want us destroying someone. We should desire that everyone we meet come to a saving knowledge of the Lord. Watch your words. Watch your actions.

Keep me from ever saying or doing anything that would push someone away from You, O God. 

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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