21st December 2023

21st December 2023


Pray (ACts)


Read (Romans 16v20)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


I'm certain that over this Christmas season you will have heard about the promise of God in Genesis 3v15. It states "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” By way of reminder, God spoke these words to none other than Satan. Don't miss this - God preached the Gospel to Satan.


In response to the fall of humanity and the entrance of sin and death into the world, the Lord promised that a child would come. This child would be bruised but he would not suffer a fatal blow. On the other hand, the child would bruise or crush the serpent's head. You can survive a blow to your heel but a crushing blow to the head is lethal.


We should never forget this promise. It was fulfilled at Calvary when Satan was comprehensively routed and it's full fulfilment will be seen at the last day when even death will be placed beneath Christ's feet. Paul didn't want the Romans to forget and so he counselled them that "the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." (v20a). Whatever they faced, they were to remember that Satan is a defeated foe who rages for he knows his time is short.


Brothers and sisters, we would do well to call this to mind. Let me stress today that Satan is not winning. I know the world is dark and if my eschatology is correct then it will get much darker, but even so, Satan will not win. He has been crushed decisively by Jesus and will be crushed further beneath the feet of the Saints of God (v20a).


Whatever trial or suffering befalls you in 2024, it will pass. One day, by faith in Christ, you will receive the unfading crown of glory and nothing that Satan can do will ever pluck you from the hand of Jesus. 


May the grace of our bruised but victorious Lord Jesus Christ be with you (v20b).  




Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC




Q21 Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect? The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, for ever.
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