Twice in complimenting the young men in the faith, John declares that they have victory over the evil one (1 Jhn. 2: 13, 14). An ancient analogy for that can be found in Joshua. Upon defeating the confederation of five kings, Joshua summons all the men to the cave where these monarchs had been interred. He then instructs the commanders, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings” (10: 24). With their feet on the necks of these adversaries, Joshua exhorted them, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight” (10: 25).
Our victory in Christ, in effect, has placed the foot of our conquest on the neck of the Adversary. He is a defeated foe, shamed and conquered at the Cross (Heb. 2: 14 – 15). Unfortunately we too often look like the conquered rather than the conquerors.
Fear is Satan’s greatest weapon. “Do not be afraid,” was Joshua’s commanding counsel. Fear makes imaginary foes real and real foes bigger than they are. Fear forgets the promise of God and is captive to a thought process minus God.
Discouragement, said Joshua, is a close relative to fear. If Satan cannot scare us into staying out of the good fight of faith he will seek to discourage us in the fight. Demoralized disciples lie in the ditches along every road the Christian pilgrim travels.
Weakness makes us vulnerable to Satan so Joshua demanded strength from his men. The paltry flesh of men and women is no match for the supernatural energy of Satan and his demons. Spiritual victory requires spiritual power.
Courage is the living demonstration of fearlessness. Joshua began his brief instructions demanding they not fear and ended them by commanding they live like they have no fear. Fear is a snare to the soul (Prv. 29: 25).
We have no reason to fear the Devil and his demons since we stand with our foot upon their neck. “[T]he LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight” is the Lord’s unfailing promise to every solider on the field of battle.