Journal: Southern Baptist Journal of Theology
Volume: SBJT 25:2 (Summer 2021)
Article: Greater Is He: A Primer On Spiritual Warfare For Kingdom Advance
Author: Jason S. DeRouchie

SBJT 25:2 (Summer 2021) p. 21

Greater Is He: A Primer On Spiritual Warfare For Kingdom Advance1

Jason S. DeRouchie

Jason S. DeRouchie is Research Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri. He earned his PhD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has published numerous articles, and is the author, co-author, or editor of many books, including most recently How to Understand and Apply the Old Testament (P&R, 2017) and 40 Questions on Biblical Theology (Kregel, 2020). He has served as a pastor in two churches and frequently leads teams to train church leaders and to visit the poor in Africa’s horn. He is married to Teresa, and they have six children. For many of Dr. DeRouchie’s resources, see www.jasonderouchie.com.

Jesus Christ is an all-sovereign Savior (Dan 7:13–14; Matt 28:18; John 17:2; Acts 2:36), who is progressively realizing his saving reign through his church by making disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19–20; Acts 1:8). Christians’ hope is sure, for the living God in believers “is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Darkness is real, but in Christ we “have overcome” every evil force (4:4). He came “to proclaim liberty to the captives” and “to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18; cf. Isa 61:1 with 42:7; 49:9, 25). He came “to deliver us from the present evil age” (Gal 1:4) and to empower us “to open … eyes” so that Jews and Gentiles alike “may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God” (Acts 26:18). In Christ, believers enjoy “divine power to destroy strongholds” (2 Cor 10:4), and we must “take up the whole armor of God” in order to stand firm and help others stand firm in the evil day (Eph 6:13). Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” ( John 10:10