Authority Over Demons

AUTHORITY OVER SATAN

We must understand the nature and origin of our problems, circumstances, and attacks in life.                  Many mistakenly think that their trials and tribulations come from God. Here are several scriptures that will prove this:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).

3That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.  4For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.  5For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain (1 Thessalonians 3:3-5).

31And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren (Luke 22:31-32).

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (James 1:13).

Demons

There is a devil also known as Satan or Lucifer. He was once an angel who led the other angels in worship to God. These angels are now Satan’s fallen angels who operate in the heavenlies             (Ephesians 6:12).

This means Satan is not on the level of God but was created by God; therefore he is not all-powerful. He can only be in one place at one time, and he does not know everything as God does. He also has demons all over the world who assist him.

Demons are disembodied spirits or evil spirits who are controlled by Satan.  They are assigned by him to carry out Satan’s evil plans and purposes against God’s purposes, plans and people.

Demons are real personalities; able to think, speak, act and create evil circumstances in the lives of God’s people (Luke 4:41, Acts 8:7, Matthew 8:28-31).

They are spirit beings, invisible persons without bodies always seeking human beings they can use to manifest their evil desires (Matthew 8:16, Luke 9:38-42).

Demons possess supernatural strength and are large in number (Mark 5:1-13).

Demons have names such as: evil spirits, unclean spirits, deaf spirits, dumb spirits, spirits of infirmity, familiar spirits, devils, etc.  (Mark 9:25, Matthew 12:22, Luke 13:11).

Demons dwell on earth at this present time.  They are not in hell and will not go there until their future judgment (Matthew 12:43-45, Matthew 8:29).

Demons are the source of most sicknesses and diseases (Matthew 4:23-24; 8:16; Luke 7:21; 13:16; Acts 10:38).

Demons attack and wage war against the minds of men with fear, oppression, depression, worry and they are responsible for emotional and mental breakdown, insanity and suicide                        (II Timothy 1:7, Isaiah 61:3, Mark 5:1-15, I Peter 5:7-9).

Demons desire to steal anything that represents the life of God in our lives.  They seek to steal our peace, joy, health, emotional stability, finances, and family relationships.

Their desire is to ultimately destroy our lives or even kill us if we cooperate with them (John 10:10,            1 Peter 5:7-9, I Corinthians 5:5). If it steals from you, attempts to kill you or tries to destroy you, it is of Satan.

Satan and demons do have the ability to bring death before the time because of the cooperation of believers in sin, ignorance of the Word of God, and neglect of applying the truth of God’s Word.  This is why God calls death an enemy. (Hebrews 2:14 [Satan had the power of death],                  John 8:44 [The devil is a murderer], I Corinthians 5:5 [Satan destroys the flesh], I Corinthians 15:25-26 [The last enemy of Jesus is death])

Demons seek to ensnare, enslave or take people captive with unclean habits such as alcoholism, drug abuse, smoking, sexual immorality, perversion, pornography, etc. (John 8:34, Romans 6:16).

Two Mistakes Christians Make Concerning Satan and Demons

A) Trying to see a demon in everything (a calorie demon, chewing gum demon, etc.)

B) Or thinking that there are no demons and ignoring them altogether.

All Christians are the target of demon spirits and satanic attack because they do not want to see us carry out our God-ordained purpose in the earth.

A Christian can never be possessed by a demon, because to be possessed, a demon(s) would have to control us in all three areas (spirit, soul and body).  A Christian’s spirit has been indwelt by the Holy Spirit once they are saved, therefore they cannot have possession of a Christian.  However, a Christian can have demonic activity in his life: depression, oppression, obsession, fear, anger, lust, but never possession; neither the devil nor any demon is greater than the indwelling Holy Spirit.  (Ephesians 1:13, I John 4:4)

Most of the problems Christians have are a result of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21).

The works of the flesh (maybe secret sins) yielded to, abided by and embraced by Christians are decision of the will (choice).  If believers continue in a sin or a particular work of the flesh, it will give demons an opportunity to come in and build a stronghold, then prayer for deliverance is needed.

Our Authority Over Satan and Demons

God has given every born-again believer His authority in the earth.

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).

Does the church of the Lord Jesus Christ have (or need) any less authority today than it had in the first century?  It would be preposterous to think so, wouldn’t it?  The value of our authority rest on the power that is behind that authority.  God Himself is the power behind out authority!  The devil and his forces are obliged to recognize our authority!  The believer who thoroughly understands that the power of God is backing him can exercise his authority and face the enemy fearlessly.  What is authority?  Authority is delegated power.

Policemen who direct traffic during the rush hour just raise their hands and the cars stop.  These men don’t have the physical power to stop the vehicles if the drivers choose not to stop.  But they don’t use their own strength to stop traffic; they are strong in the authority that is vested in them by the government they serve.  People recognize that authority and stop their cars.  Blessed be God, there’s authority that’s vested in us by the Lord Jesus Christ!

Paul told believers to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10). That means you can step out in front of the devil and in the Name of Jesus, hold up your hand, and tell him not to come any closer.  Use your authority!  A person who has authority has higher rank and power over a subordinate.  Example:  Employer over an employee. Through Christ, we outrank Satan and he is compelled to obey us through Jesus’ name.



Proofs Believers Have Authority Over Satan and Demons

I. Jesus defeated Satan and all his principalities and powers (demons) when He was resurrected from
   the dead; Jesus took Satan’s power and control over man away from him. He spoiled them or disarmed
   them of their power:  fear, oppression, depression, sickness, lack, sin, habits, etc.

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it (Colossians 2:15).

II. Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection from the grave destroyed (not annihilated, but loosened
    and dissolved) Satan’s works.  Any work that originates from Satan has no legal right against Christians
    who know their authority or rights.

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son
of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil (I John 3:8).

III. God says believers can cast out devils by the Spirit of God and by the name of Jesus.  This means
     God’s kingdom (and those who are ruled by His kingdom) is greater than Satan’s kingdom.  If we are given
     authority to cast out or tell spirits where to go, this means we have authority over them.

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you
            (Matthew 12:28).

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (Mark 16:17)

IV. Jesus gave the first 12 disciples the authority and power over unclean spirits. Men who did not have
     the Holy Ghost in them, neither the use of Jesus’ blood because He had not died yet, had authority through
     His Name over demons.

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease           (Matthew 10:1).

V. The 70 disciples confirmed that demons were subject to them through Jesus’ name.  Not just the 12;
     but the 70.

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name (Luke 10:17).

VI. Jesus said that we have the divine power and ability to tread on (trample or walk on) serpents and
     scorpions (demons and evil spirits), or any of their power.  None of Satan’s power has to harm us.
     We have authority over any power of the enemy.

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power               of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).

VII. God has called Christians to reign in life or to rule as kings through Jesus Christ.  We cannot rule in
      life if Satan has authority and control over us.

For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) (Romans 5:17).

VIII. Because of Jesus’ position and access to the throne of God, He rules above all evil spiritual
       heavenly rulers, authorities, powers and lords; He has a title superior to all titles of authority in this
       world and in the next.  Everything that has a name, the rule of Christ is above it: cancer, high blood
       pressure, heart problems, poverty, lack, fear, sin, alcoholism is subject to the name of Christ.  Every single
       thing because He says all things from Satan’s kingdom are under His feet.

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (Ephesians 1:21).

IX. We have that same access to God’s throne as Jesus does because, positionally, we are seated with
      Christ in heavenly places, and we are joint heirs with Him (Romans 8:17).

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
(Ephesians 2:6).

      Because of our union with Christ, God has raised us, His body, His church to sit with Him on high to rule
      with Him in heavenly places.  We are not waiting for it to happen; he has given us that authority now.

X. The church has been given the same authority as Jesus by virtue of us being seated with Him.
     Therefore, according to Ephesians 4:27, how is the devil able to get a place (room, foothold) in our lives?
     We give him a place by our ignorance of the Word or our sin. When we consistently live in sin, we give
     Satan an opening into our lives to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).

Neither give place to the devil (Ephesians 4:27).

We know [absolutely] that anyone born of God does not [deliberately and knowingly] practice committing sin, but the One Who was begotten of God carefully watches over and protects him [Christ's divine presence within him preserves him against the evil], and the wicked one does not lay hold (get a grip) on him or touch [him] (I John 5:18, AMP).

XI. If Satan has authority over us then there would be no way we could resist him (withstand, stand up
     to, stand immoveable, take a stand against). But God says we can resist him.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

XII. Whenever Jesus wanted to resist the devil, he resisted him with the Word of God, when He would
      say it is written.  This is how the believer is to resist the devil or cast down imaginations, thoughts he
      brings to our minds.

Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God (Matthew 4:7).

XIII. Therefore, Christians do not have to fight Satan ourselves.  Jesus has already defeated him.
        We are only told to fight the good fight of faith. We use our faith against him with our words.

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses (I Timothy 6:12).

XIV. We are told in the Word of God that we can quench Satan’s fiery darts (thoughts, attacks). Speak
        God’s Word for every wrong thought he sends to our minds.

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16).

XV. Satan is called the god of this world.  Meaning he rules the world’s systems. Yet, God says if we are
       born of God, then we can overcome Satan’s influences over the world through our faith.

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (I John 5:4).

XVI. All three realms (heaven, earth and things under earth/hell) are affected by the name of Jesus.
        All the circumstances and situations of life in all three realms must submit or surrender to the name of
        Jesus.

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth,        
 and things under the earth; (Phillipians 2:10).

         All oppression, fear, sickness, depression, worry, sin, debt, habits, curses, pride, anger or any other circumstance associated with Satan’s kingdom must surrender to the name of Jesus.

XVII. The Word of God says we have already overcome the wicked one because of what Jesus has
         already done on the cross for us.  We are able to overcome him because of the Word that abides in
         us.
I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one (1 John 2:13).

XVIII. It is because of the presence of the Lord through the Holy Ghost in us (the greater one in us)
            that we are able to overcome he (satan) that is in the world.

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (I John 4:4).

XIX. Jesus, the Lamb of God, the testimony we give of what He did in His Word, and His blood applied
        by our words in faith, gives us the weapon we need to overcome the devil.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Revelation 12:11).

             Notice that the word overcome is mentioned several times.  This was the intent of our Pastor in naming
        the church. World Overcomers reminds us of who we are and who Christ has made us to be.

XX. Even the Old Testament saints had authority over Satan his kingdom and their enemies.  It also
       prophesied of Jesus delegating His authority to Zion (the church) in the future (Psalm 91:13; Psalm 110:2).

XXII. How Do We Exercise Our Authority Using Our Faith?

Authority energizes faith and releases God’s power into our circumstances.  When we pray in the name of Jesus and believe and speak His Word, our faith is ignited by our God-given authority and the Holy Spirit moves to perform His Word.  God gave us faith and now we must use it through our authority in Jesus’ name.  The more we use our faith, the more we begin to understand it and grow in it.

The centurion soldier who had a sick servant demonstrates what one who has authority does.                  He speaks the Word and he expects those under him to go and obey.

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.  For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth;             and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it               (Matthew 8:8-9).

The only way people who are under authority can carry out orders they must be told what to do.
In verse 4, the soldier said “SPEAK THE WORD ONLY.”  In verse 5, he says, “I SAY” to this man.  Saying or speaking is involved in faith and in you having authority.  A soldier cannot carry out the orders of his sergeant unless the orders are spoken to be heard.  Demons respond to words, especially God’s Word, in your mouth.  This is what must be done in order to see mountains (obstacles) removed?  (Mark 11:23)

Faith involves speaking to the mountains (obstacles, circumstances, and problems). Notice how many times the faith scripture emphasizes say or saith.

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.  For verily I say unto you,  That whosoever shall  say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.  Therefore I say unto you,           What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them (Mark 11:22-24).

C. The epistles and the Apostle Paul also define the spirit of faith as believing and speaking.

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; (II Corinthians 4:13).

D. Faith and authority are released through words.  When we fully accept and recognize the authority
                 that has been given to us through His finished work on the cross and resurrection and we begin to
                 release the power that stands behind His great and mighty Name,
                 then we will begin to see the victory, success, blessings, and prosperity in our lives that the Bible
    promises.  Joshua 1:8 gives three (3) keys to being prosperous and successful in life.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein:            for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success
(Joshua 1:8).
               
     Meditating on God’s Word in an area gets it in your heart.

E. A SAMPLE STATEMENT OF AUTHORITY IN FAITH

The following confession of faith is a demonstration of how to exercise our authority by faith.              Let’s stand and do these. Teacher should use other areas.

SICKNESS AND DISEASE

I take authority over sickness and disease and I command it to leave my body in the name of Jesus.  I command that spirit of infirmity to cease and desist from its maneuvers and operation in my body.  I am healed by His stripes.  Jesus took my infirmities and bore my sicknesses and I believe I receive my healing in Jesus’ name.

ON THE JOB

I take authority over every demonic spirit ruling through my boss or coworkers. I bind that spirit that attempts to harass me. I command you to be gone in Jesus’ name. I overcome you by the blood of the Lamb. I have the favor of God on my life on my job. Every evil spirit is subject to me through Jesus’ name.

The greatest book on the subject of authority over Satan is called The Believer’s Authority by Kenneth Hagin. It is a must–read classic for understanding how to operate in your authority.            Please purchase a copy in Christian bookstore. Or at rhema.org/store.