The Greatest Victory: The Resurrection Over Spiritual Warfare
April 20 , 2025
Dr. Bradford Reaves
Crossway Christian Fellowship
Colossians 2:13-15
Introduction: The Ultimate Battle and Victory
Every war has a defining battle that turns the tide of history.
• In World War II, it was D-Day—June 6, 1944. The Allies stormed the beaches of Normandy, and though the war was not over that day, the outcome was decided.
• In the American Revolution, it was Yorktown—the final battle where the British surrender was inevitable.
• But the greatest battle in history was not fought with swords, tanks, or weapons—it was fought on a cross and won in an empty tomb.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ was not just a miraculous event—it was a direct counterattack against the forces of Satan and the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15: “He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
At the cross, Satan thought he had won.
• The Son of God was betrayed, arrested, beaten, and crucified.
• His enemies mocked Him, saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself” (Mark 15:31).
• The disciples were scattered, afraid, and defeated.
But three days later, the tomb was empty.
This was not just a resurrection—it was a victory.
• Sin has been defeated.
• Death has lost its power.
• Satan’s authority has been broken.
The resurrection is the single greatest victory in spiritual warfare, proving that Christ has won and His kingdom will prevail.
Illustration: V-J Day and the Empty Tomb
On August 14, 1945, news broke that Japan had surrendered, bringing an end to World War II. It became known as V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day). Across the world, people celebrated in the streets, embracing, crying, and cheering. But the war had already been decided months earlier when the atomic bombs were dropped. The battle was over before the news reached the people.
Likewise, Jesus’ resurrection was our V-J Day—the moment the war against sin and death was over. The victory was won on the cross, but when the tomb was found empty, the world knew that the enemy had been defeated forever.
I. The Cross: Satan’s Apparent Victory Was His Ultimate Defeat
A. Satan’s Goal: To Kill the Messiah
From Genesis to the Gospels, Satan’s primary mission was to stop the plan of redemption.
• Herod sought to kill Jesus as a baby (Matthew 2:16-18).
• Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), trying to divert Him from the cross.
• The Pharisees were spiritually blinded and driven to orchestrate His crucifixion (John 8:44).
When Jesus breathed His last, Satan likely thought he had won. The Messiah was dead. The disciples had fled. The movement was over.
B. Colossians 2:13-15 – Jesus Disarmed the Powers of Darkness
“And you, who were dead in your trespasses… God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us… He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him.”
At the cross, Jesus not only paid for sin—He disarmed the demonic forces of this world.
• Sin gave Satan legal authority over humanity. Jesus took that authority away.
• Death was Satan’s greatest weapon. Jesus rendered it powerless.
• Demons trembled when Jesus approached. At the resurrection, He declared ultimate victory over them.
II. The Resurrection: The Crushing of Satan’s Head
A. The Power of Death is Broken
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 – “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?… Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Jesus’ resurrection is proof that death is not the end for believers. Satan lost the greatest weapon he had—eternal separation from God.
B. Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades
Revelation 1:17-18 – “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”
The keys represent authority. Before the cross, death held every person in bondage. After the resurrection, Jesus took authority over death, hell, and the grave.
C. Satan’s War Against Israel and the Messiah
Satan has always sought to destroy the people through whom the Messiah would come. If he could wipe out Israel, he could prevent God’s promises from being fulfilled.
1. Old Testament Attacks on Israel
• Pharaoh sought to kill all Hebrew baby boys (Exodus 1:16).
• Haman attempted to commit genocide against the Jews (Esther 3:6).
• Foreign empires continually sought to destroy Israel and wipe them from history.
2. The Ultimate Attack: The Cross
• Satan thought he could kill the Messiah through Rome and the Jewish leaders.
• Matthew 27:43 – “He trusts in God; let God deliver Him now, if He desires Him. For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
• The resurrection destroyed that plan. Instead of stopping God’s promises, it fulfilled them!
3. The End-Times War Against Israel
Even today, Satan’s hatred for Israel continues:
• Zechariah 12:3 – “On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves.”
• Revelation 12:13-17 – Satan, symbolized as the dragon, wages war against Israel.
• The rise of antisemitism worldwide is a spiritual battle, not just a political one.
D. The Resurrection Secured Israel’s Future
Jesus’ resurrection is proof that:
1. God’s covenant with Israel stands firm (Romans 11:29).
2. Satan has failed to stop God’s redemptive plan.
3. The Messiah will return to Israel to reign as King (Zechariah 14:4-9).
III. The Resurrection: The Crushing of Satan’s Head
A. The Power of Death is Broken
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 – “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?… Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Jesus’ resurrection is proof that death is not the end for believers. Satan lost the greatest weapon he had—eternal separation from God.
B. Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades
Revelation 1:17-18 – “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”
The keys represent authority. Before the cross, death held every person in bondage. After the resurrection, Jesus took authority over death, hell, and the grave.
C. How We Walk in Resurrection Power
1. Walk in the Authority of Christ
Luke 10:19 – “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”
2. Stand Against the Accuser
Revelation 12:10-11 – “The accuser of our brothers has been thrown down… and they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.”
3. Set Your Mind on Things Above
Colossians 3:1-2 – “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above… Set your minds on things above, not on things that are on earth.”
Conclusion: The Empty Tomb is Our Victory Banner
Illustration: The Raising of the Flag at Iwo Jima
One of the most iconic images in history is the raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima during World War II. It was a declaration that victory was secured, though battles still remained.
The empty tomb is our flag of victory—the declaration that Christ has triumphed over sin, death, and Satan.
Romans 16:20 – “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
Because of the resurrection, we do not fear the enemy—we trample him underfoot. We do not walk in defeat—we walk in resurrection power.
Final Call to Action:
1. If you do not know Christ, today is the day of salvation.
2. If you are a believer, walk in the resurrection power that is yours in Jesus Christ.
3. If you have been in spiritual bondage, come forward today—Jesus has already won your victory.
Church, the tomb is empty. The war is won. Walk in victory!
