See, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy (I)

There are two things that the enemy is desperate for us not to know. The first is our identity in Christ, and the second the authority that has been given to us. The two things are related, when we truly know who we are in Christ, we will also know our authority. And so in many ways we grow into the two things together, or not! Notice the tense of the verb in this quote from Luke 10:19. The authority has already been given. To whom is it given? The context of this verse is of the disciples being commanded to go, to preach the gospel and to heal the sick etc. (verses 3- 9). And since, through them, we too are commanded to do these things (Matthew 28:20), then the “you” in this verse is all who, with His help, are walking in obedience.

Seeking to walk in obedience is important here, when we walk in disobedience we are actually surrendering our authority, and giving the enemy all sorts of legal rights over us. I think of this is coming out from under the umbrella of His protection. We can of course repent, and we will be forgiven (1 John 1:9). But disobedience has consequences, and these may last long after we have turned in repentance and been reconciled. If, for example, a young girl fools around, gets pregnant and then repents, she will still be pregnant. And no matter what she does, there will be consequences (we reap what we sow Galatians 6:7). And one way or the other she will have to deal with them! But coming back to our authority, what exactly is it, and how does it work? According to Mounce’s Greek dictionary the word translated authority here, also means power, ability, faculty, energy, liberty, licence, dominion and jurisdiction.

The word “see” at the beginning of the sentence of our quote is also important. We need to see with the eyes of faith that this resource has already been given. For if we see it with the eyes of faith, then it is ours! And like so much else in the Christian life, we have to contend for it. In fact, we need a revelation of this truth, so what it is not just something that we know intellectually. And this is precisely what Paul prays for, for us in Ephesians 1:18, 19. He prays, among other things, that the eyes of our hearts might be enlightened in order that we might know the exceeding greatness of His power that is at work in us. We need to see it, we need to believe it, and we need to declare it. We do this many times, by praying back God’s Word to Him!

Father, thank You that You have already given us all power and authority over the Evil one. I declare this morning , that I am moving more and more into both the understanding and experience of Your power that is at work in me. So I come boldly before Your throne this morning and take authority over every device of the enemy to trip me up, and to make my walk harmless and ineffective for the Kingdom. I pray Kingdom come, Your will be done in my life for Your praise for Your glory in Jesus Name Amen