Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).
Jesus has delegated to us His own authority over Satan and his helpers! The word authority in the above verse means delegated authority. It’s an authority given to us by another.
A police officer controlling traffic on the street is operating under delegated authority. He doesn’t have personal power to stop those heavy vehicles. But when he holds up his hand, the drivers of the vehicles recognize his delegated authority! The drivers recognize that behind the police officer is the power of the city or state that he represents.
When we use the name of Jesus, Satan recognizes the power behind that name. The believer that knows his rights and privileges in Christ has a very real authority over satanic forces.
Satan thought he had defeated Jesus when he had him killed. But Jesus’ death brought us His resurrection power! But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:7-8).
Notice the victory that Jesus gained over Satan: God disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it the cross (Colossians 2:15 – Amplified).The Message paraphrase of this verse says it well: He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets.
We are now seated in heavenly places in Christ. That simply means that we share His authority. According to Ephesians 1, Jesus is seated at a place that is far above all principality, power, might, and dominion. And we are seated with Him in that place of authority!
Philippians 2 reveals that God has given Jesus the name that is above every name. And at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven, on earth, and under the earth! Men, angels, and demons must bow to that name.
When sickness, disease, poverty, oppression, depression, or fear seek to move into your life, use your delegated authority and command them to leave you in Jesus’ name! Don’t be passive when spiritual attacks come your way. Fight the fight of faith. You have authority over these things. For backing you is the authority of the throne of God. Satan is a defeated foe!
We often don’t realize that much of our personal trouble is satanic or demonic in origin. Paul said that we don’t fight against human enemies alone, but against demonic forces he called principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in the heavenly realm (Ephesians 6:10-12).
In my personal prayer time I regularly command Satan and his demonic forces to stop hindering God’s plans for my life and the plans God has for Victory church. In my prayer times for our church services, I command the powers of darkness assigned to hinder them to stop in the name of Jesus.
James 4:7 (J.B. Phillips Translation) reads: Be humble then before God. But resist the devil and you’ll find he’ll run away from you. I am constantly in prayer commanding Satan and his forces to take their hands off of this person and that person. I never tell the person. But I often see the effects.
If you are a parent, command demonic forces to stop harassing your children and seeking to lead them away from God and into wrong things. Stand your ground. If you are married, take authority over every demonic force seeking to hinder your spouse and your marriage. Stop being complacent about this. We’re in a battle. Pick up your spiritual weapons and use them!
Jesus said: Believe me, whatever you forbid upon earth will be what is forbidden in Heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be what is permitted in Heaven (Matthew 18:18-J.B. Phillips). Take your place of authority today, and run the enemy out of your life and family. Use your delegated authority.