“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
– Romans 16:20a
Main Thought: The apostle Paul is bringing the Romans epistle to a close. He has spoken of, and magnified, the great doctrines of the grace of God, justification by faith alone, the sovereignty of God in salvation, the transforming sanctification of the Christian, and many others. As he begins to close this book, he reminds this persecuted church to remember that no matter what they are experiencing now, the peace of God and the triumph of Christ and the church is sure to them. This statement, however, is not just a statement to the believers and Church of that day, but it is a reminder to all believers of two things: 1) All believers have peace with God the Father through the precious blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We once were sinners, enemies of God (Colossians 1:21), but In Romans 5:1, Paul tells us “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” and Ephesians 2:13 says “But now in Christ Jesus you who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Paul is reminding them, and us, that we are in right standing with God the Father because of Christ’s death for us. 2) The second part of this phrase is a reminder of the promise of Genesis 3:15, which came immediately following Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden. In the Garden of Eden, our Lord prophesied that the seed of the woman, speaking of Christ himself, would be bruised on his heel, speaking of His death. However, the bruising of the serpent’s head here speaks of a fatal, crushing blow. The Church is reminded that the crushing defeat of Satan is sure and he is already a defeated foe. Christ subjected himself to death so “that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14). We do not fear Satan because he has already been vanquished. Listen to the words of Martin Luther’s great hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God: “For still our ancient foe, doth seek to work us woe, his craft and power are great and armed with cruel hate…the prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him, his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure…the body they may kill, God’s truth abideth still; His kingdom is forever.” What great reassurance for all of us in this short verse, reaffirming to us the peace and reconciliation we have with God for all eternity, and the sure, eternal victory over Satan secured for us by our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank God and bow the knee to our Lord today for these great promises.
David Webber
David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.
More from David Webber
Isaiah 41:17-18
“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” – Isaiah 41:17-18
Psalm 29:2
“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.” – Psalm 29:2
Hebrews 10:14
“For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” – Hebrews 10:14
Isaiah 25:8-9
“He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of the people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” – Isaiah 25:8-9
2 Corinthians 1:22
“… and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” – 2 Corinthians 1:22
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Psalm 30:4-5
“Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” – Psalm 30:4-5
Psalm 4:7
“You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.” – Psalm 4:7
Mark 15:37-38
“And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” – Mark 15:37-38
1 Peter 1:13
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:13