A Rod of Iron
Christ's victory over Satan gives us peace, joy, and freedom, and He rules all nations with a 'rod of iron'.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the triumphant ascension of Christ, illustrating how He has defeated the powers of darkness and now rules with a 'rod of iron.' He explains that Satan and all his forces are bound and defeated, existing only by Christ's permission. Wilkerson reassures believers that Jesus holds all power and authority, offering freedom from sin and bondage through His sacrifice. The sermon highlights the certainty of Christ's victory and the peace and joy available to those who trust in Him. Ultimately, it calls for a clear understanding of Christ's dominion over all things.
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The apostle Paul writes of Christ's ascension into heaven: "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it" (Colossians 2:15). That's right! Staggering behind our Lord's triumphant procession was the prince of darkness himself, bound in chains. And behind the defeated devil -- underneath the wheels of the heavenly hosts -- were all the powers of darkness, bound and vanquished. They were being put to an open shame before all those who had died in faith before the cross.
"And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father" (Revelation 2:27). Jesus entered the gates carrying in His hand a scepter of righteousness, His "rod of iron" with which He rules all nations. Then, after His triumphant entrance, He took His rightful place on the throne in full possession of all power, authority and dominion.
What a glorious picture! Satan is not in control. Communism is not in control. Atheism is not in control. No, the enemies of Christ exist only by His permission. And right now they only continue to fill up their cups of iniquity. Jesus is in control of all things and one day, when He is ready, He will "break them with a rod of iron; [He] shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel" (Psalm 2:9).
Beloved, our understanding of Christ's victory over Satan and the dominion of sin cannot be a vague, confused theology. We must know and understand that Satan is totally defeated. He cannot hold us prisoner, and Christ has freed us by His blood from every bondage. Now He sits on His throne with all power and authority, offering us peace, joy and freedom.
Sermon Outline
- Christ's Victory Over Satan
- Jesus' Rightful Place on the Throne
- Satan's Limitations
- Our Freedom in Christ
- Understanding Christ's Victory
- Freedom from Bondage
Key Quotes
“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” — David Wilkerson
“He shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers” — David Wilkerson
“Jesus entered the gates carrying in His hand a scepter of righteousness, His 'rod of iron' with which He rules all nations” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We must understand and know that Satan is totally defeated and cannot hold us prisoner.
- Christ has freed us by His blood from every bondage, and we can experience peace, joy, and freedom.
- We should recognize that Satan's existence only continues by Christ's permission and that He will one day break the enemies of Christ with a 'rod of iron'.