By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.”

My friends, have you ever meditated on how God led Jesus to victory over Satan’s schemes? As I continue learning what it truly means to believe in Jesus daily, God revealed to me a profound yet simple truth that reflects a surrendered life to His will: obedience.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus repeatedly demonstrated and declared that He came to do the will of the Father who sent Him. His life was marked by surrender, humility, and obedience.

The word obedience sounds simple, yet in today’s complex world, it is often portrayed as evil, controlling, or condescending. But there is freedom and peace in obedience when you can trust the One you obey, knowing He has your best interests in mind.

Have you ever thought about what led Satan and the fallen angels to be cast out of heaven? Their refusal to obey the boundaries God established for them. In his jealousy and bitterness toward God’s love for humanity, Satan then used that same spirit of disobedience to lead humanity away from our Father and Creator.

My friends, in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4, Satan attempted the very same scheme with Jesus after He had been baptized and received the Holy Spirit of God.

Think about that for a moment and ask yourself: why would the enemy treat you any differently? His tactics have not changed; he only adapts them to fit each generation and group.

So, what was one of the first acts of obedience Jesus demonstrated at the beginning of His ministry? Baptism.

In the Gospel of Matthew 3:15, Jesus told John the Baptist:

“It is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”

Then, in Matthew 3:16, the Spirit of God descended like a dove, confirming that Jesus belonged to the Father and was walking in obedience to Him.

My friend, if Jesus was baptized to begin His ministry, how much more should we obey His command? God’s instructions are not suggestions to negotiate or alter. If Jesus is truly Lord, then His authority calls for obedience.

Jesus said in the Gospel of John 3:5:

“No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”

Baptism is not merely symbolic; it is a declaration that we are no longer our own. It is a surrender to the authority of Jesus Christ and identification with His death and resurrection.

Meditate on these passages:

• Acts 2:38 — Repent and be baptized
• 1 Peter 3:21 — A pledge of a clear conscience
• Romans 6:3–4 — Buried and raised to new life

My friends, God alone has the authority to make exceptions to His instructions because salvation belongs to Him. Many use exceptions in Scripture to justify different paths to salvation, but those moments revealed God’s authority, not a change in His command.

For example:

• Luke 23:42–43 — The thief on the cross
• Acts 10:44–48 — The Holy Spirit fell upon those hearing the message

These moments displayed God’s sovereignty and purpose for His glory.

Another misunderstood teaching is the sinner’s prayer. I wrote about this in my book because I personally said the sinner’s prayer several times in my spiritual journey, hoping something would change, yet nothing did.

Later, God revealed to me that Revelation 3:20 was spoken to believers who had drifted from fellowship with Him, not as a formula for salvation.

Romans 10:9–10 is also often misunderstood. Yes, belief is necessary, because true belief leads us to seek Jesus, obey Him, and live under His authority. Context matters.

If the Apostle Paul were teaching that confession alone was enough, it would contradict Romans 6 and even the words of Jesus Himself, who said we must be born of water and the Spirit.

So how did Jesus resist Satan?

He lived in obedience, prayer, surrender, and dependence on the Word of God. Hebrews 4:15 says He was tempted in every way, yet without sin.

My friend, temptation is not the sin—giving in is.

And Jesus did not leave us powerless:

• John 14:26 — The Holy Spirit teaches
• John 16:13 — The Spirit guides into truth
• John 6:63 — “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.”

Without the Holy Spirit, we are vulnerable to deception.

So how did God lead Jesus to victory? Through obedience and the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus obeyed the Father completely, and the Spirit led Him to victory on our behalf.

My friend, to say we are Christians, believers, or disciples of Jesus means that obedience to His commands is not debatable. Following His commands opens our lives to the gift of the Holy Spirit of God, who leads us through the maze of life and guides us into victory through Jesus Christ, our Captain and Lord.

Weekly Scripture Philippians 2:5–8 NIV