COMMENTS
Last time, I promised that we’d start talking about how to
use the truth to live in freedom. The
first step in that process is the critical one of recognizing our authority and
determining its source.
NOTES
At this point, we’ve learned that Satan longs to keep us in
bondage and that he tells us lies to accomplish that purpose. We’ve also learned that our God longs for us
to live free from those lies. We know
that He has all authority, even over
the one who is fully evil; but what authority do we have to stand against Satan?
The Bible answers that question by giving numerous
examples where Jesus gave authority over Satan to his followers. Here are some examples:
Matthew 10:1 & Luke 9:1:
Both of these passages tell of the time Jesus called his twelve
disciples to him and sent them out with the authority to drive out evil spirits
(demons) and to heal the sick.
Luke 10:1-18: That authority wasn’t
given only to the twelve apostles. Next,
Jesus sent out seventy-two others and gave them power to heal the sick. They “returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even
the demons submit to us in your name.’”
Jesus’ reply was, “I have given you authority…to overcome all the power
of the enemy…”
Matthew 16:15-19: In response to Jesus’
question about His identity, Peter said that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of
the living God.” After that acknowledgment,
Jesus stated: “…I will build my church,
and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
Please note several
important points in these passages:
1. The demons submitted when they were
commanded “in [Jesus’] name”. No other
name will work.
2. The authority they received was over all of Satan’s power? All of it! There’s nothing Satan can do that’s outside
of Christ’s reach—or mine when I’m in His will.
3. The church is not a building—we are Christ’s church! And He says that Hell (Satan) won’t overcome
His church.
Yes, Jesus
had authority over Satan, but He also passed that authority on to his
followers. He clearly wants us to
recognize that, once we have surrendered to Him, His authority is at work in us. We no longer have to be subject to Satan’s
attacks. If we are, how are we different
from unbelievers?
Recognition
and acceptance of this authority is absolutely
critical if you want to be victorious over Satan. When Satan sends his messengers to tell you
that you’re weak or ugly or unlovable or worthless or whatever he tells you, you have the power and authority in
the name of Jesus Christ to send those liars away.
No comments:
Post a Comment