Luke 10 : 18 – 20

“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Authority, we were given authority to rule over all of earth’s creatures under God’s authority ( Genesis 1:26 ). But when Adam and Eve let a creature, the serpent ( informed by the devil), give us orders…. then all of creation fell into disorder and chaos. YET God has restored our authority through Jesus Christ.

Authority is defined by the Oxford American dictionary as ” the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience”

We don’t have to be afraid of the devil and his attacks, because God has given us power over demonic spirits through his Holy Spirit. We will never be helpless or at the mercy of the devil when we call on Jesus. Jesus has given us power to  give orders,  make decision, and enforce obedience under God’s authority. Satan cannot touch a hair on our head unless God allows it, and if God allows it, it’s because he has a bigger plan to destroy satan’s plan completely. In the story of Job, the devil has to go through God first before he can mess with Job. But at the end…  Satan stands condemned, Job restored, and God glorified.  Satan was allowed to put Jesus through suffering, but at the end…Satan is condemned, humanity saved, and God is glorified.

Matthew 18:18-20 ESV

Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Use your power for god.

Having authority doesn’t mean we are to become arrogant as Jesus said ” Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you” . But we should be glad of the relationship we have with God.  The power we are given is to glorify God, and to connect people to back to life.  Jesus didn’t come to use his authority for self-glory, but to glorify God in all he did. In contrast satan wants us to use our power for selfish gain, and become corrupted like him. Yet, we know as believers that our power is used to empower people to live a holy life before God.

Conclusion:

1. We have the right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience as children of God.  Don’t let any desire boss you around, but you call every ungodly desire back into submission with the sword of your mouth.
2. Our power isn’t for ourselves, but to empower, and give glory to God. We take pride in God alone.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, there is no one like you! We confess that we need you, we thank you for Jesus who has given us the power of the devil! Fill us with your Holy Spirit so we may glorify you , and live out the original purpose for which we were created as rulers under your authority. Amen.