A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (January 18, 2017)
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (James 2:19)
We have just completed a three-part series on “You Do Something About the Devil”. We could have just as easily labelled that series “The Authority of the Believer”. I want to wrap-up this series with a clear understanding that you, as a born-again, spirit filled believer in Jesus Christ, have been delegated certain authority, but that authority is worthless unless you are willing to use it.
Let’s look at the definition of authority. Webster’s New World Dictionary defines authority as the power or right to give commands and take action. The Greek word used in the New Testament for authority is exousia which means delegated influence or authority.
Now, think about the proper use and/or non-use of authority in our own geo-political, educational, and social world that we live in today. Weakness always emboldens our adversaries whether that adversary is the devil, a foreign power, a bully, or even the rebellion in our own children. That is why the Bible tells us to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6-7), to be a doer of the Word and not merely a hearer (James 1:22), to not spare the rod (Proverbs 13:24), etc. The proper exercise of delegated authority (not abuse or excessive force) is a good thing, not a bad thing. Without the proper exercise of authority our family, our society, and our world would decline into rebellion and anarchy.
In the politically correct society that we live in today one of the main trains of thought has been to refrain from and/or restrict the use of authority at all levels including the family, schools, police, and military levels. This has led to an appearance of weakness and has emboldened our foreign and domestic adversaries who will keep pushing the limits until someone says “no more”. That is the same way it is spiritually! The devil will always keep pushing the limits until you stand up, exercise your delegated authority, and say “No More!”
I will never forget the first demon possessed man I had to deal with. He was a Priest from South America that had been deeply embroiled in witchcraft. This was an unplanned event. If I knew this was going to happen beforehand I probably would have ran the other way. I was not trained in deliverance. I did not know what to say, but I did know how to pray in the Spirit so I did that. As soon as I did that the Lord spoke to me and said to stop praying and speak to this demonic force. I did just that and told this demon that I knew who he was, and he knew who I was, and we were not staying in the same room together. I told (commanded, not requested) him to leave! Guess what, he left, and the man was delivered.
That encounter taught me a great lesson in the authority that we have “In Christ”. You have that same authority and power within you. You just have to exercise that authority.
Just also remember, the enemy will always try to question your authority. As I was driving away from the above incident the enemy fired this question at me, “Who do you think you are saying you know who I am?” The Holy Spirit shot right back and reminded me of a scripture in Acts where the Sons of Sceva were trying to cast out devils in the name of Jesus who Paul preached about (they did not personally know Jesus). The demons responded with, “Jesus we know, and Paul we know, but who are ye?” (Acts 19:15) It did not go well with the Sons of Sceva.
Here is the revelation! The demons knew who Paul was, not just Jesus. If you are a born again, spirit filled believer (just like Paul), the demons know who you are too and they are subject to your authority. Now that you know that, you are responsible for it. Be strong and courageous!!!
