23 April 2025
“Now the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20a, CSB). Mark Penrith draws our eyes to the certainty of this promise, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” This is not wishful thinking. It is settled truth. God Himself will act. The outcome is not in doubt. The command to avoid deception rests on this unshakable foundation.
Mark helps us feel the weight of who God is, “Hear the title. The God of peace. Not the God of anxiety. Not the God of panic. The God of peace.” Yet this same God “is about to do something violent. He will crush.” There is no contradiction here. God makes war on the Serpent so that His people may have peace. You do not need to live in fear. You stand under the rule of a God who has already determined the end.
This promise reaches back to the beginning. Mark explains, “Romans 16:20 reaches back to the garden. Genesis 3:15. The ancient promise.” What God declared in Eden finds its fulfilment in Christ. “At the cross, the woman’s offspring crushed the Serpent’s head.” The decisive blow has already been struck. The enemy still moves, but his defeat is certain. The cross guarantees the outcome.
Mark presses this truth into daily life, “We avoid deceivers because we know who wins.” That changes everything. Obedience is not a fearful retreat. “We do not run from the Serpent in terror. We walk away in triumph.” You are not trying to secure victory. You are living in light of a victory already won. This gives courage when compromise feels easier. It gives clarity when voices pull you away from truth.
There is also a personal dimension to this promise. Mark highlights it, “And notice where this crushing takes place. Under your feet.” You are not a spectator. You share in Christ’s victory. This should shape how you lead your family. Help your children see that obedience is not about fear of losing, but confidence in Christ’s triumph. Teach them to stand firm because Jesus has already won.
When pressure comes today, remember this promise. The end is settled. Choose obedience with confidence. Stand firm in truth. Walk away from deception. You belong to the Victor.
Lord, help me to live in the confidence of Your victory. Strengthen me to choose obedience and to stand firm in truth. Amen.