Satan is still alive and busy, but he is disarmed. He can do only that which is permitted by God (Job 1:12; 2:6). But because Satan is the author of sin and sin brings death, in this sense Satan exercises power in the realm of death.

Satan uses the fear of death as a terrible weapon to gain control over people. We who trust in Jesus Christ have once and for all been delivered from Satan’s authority and from the terrible fear of death, however. Through Jesus’ death, Satan has been defeated, or “rendered inoperative.” The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ have given us victory!

Verse for today: “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body” (2 Corinthians 4:10, NIV).

Consider: Acts 2:22-24; Romans 8:38-39; 1 Corinthians 15:42-58.

Action assignment: How often do you think about death? Today, every time you think about death, thank God also for the Resurrection. Keep track of how many times you do this.