Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10 to “be strong with the Lord’s mighty power.” So, we have no power outside of God. The Devil recognizes God’s power ONLY. A good example of this is in Acts 19:13-16 when some Jews were going around trying to cast out evil spirits. They didn’t even know or believe in Jesus, but they tried to use His name; it did not go well for them. Here is what happened:
13 "A team of Jews who were traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus. The incantation they used was this: ‘I command you by Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!’ 14 Seven sons of Sceva, leading priest, were doing this. 15 But when they tried it on a man possessed by an evil spirit, the spirit replied, ‘I know Jesus, and I know Paul; but who are you?’ 16 And he leaped on them and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and badly injured” (NLT).
Just as we can see and recognize demonic spirits in the Devil’s people, his spirits can see and recognize God in us. In v11 of Ephesians 6, Paul let us know why we should put on the whole armor of God: “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil” (NLT).
This is the only way we are going to defeat the enemy when he comes against us. Jesus gave him (the devil) the ultimate defeat when He died on the cross, went to hell, defeated death, hell and everything else He needed to and rose again with all power in His hands. Jesus said in Matthew 28:18 after He had rose from the dead:
“…All authority (power) has been given to Me in heaven and on earth" (NKJV).
In Luke 10:19, Jesus gave us that same power: “Behold, I give you the authority (power) to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (NKJV).
So, that is why we have that authority, to defeat the enemy when he comes; and he will come. The Bible let us know the enemy will come in Isaiah 54:17: “‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,' Says the Lord” (NKJV).
The weapon may form but it will not prosper. If you are in Christ, don’t allow the enemy to run over you, use your authority against him; he is already under your feet.
For the week of November 29th (we will take a break for Thanksgiving), in Part 2, I will discuss the weapons we are to use against the enemy (Ephesians 6:12).
Happy Thanksgiving!!
May God bless you and your family and keep you’ll safe this holiday season and always.
Dr. Hooks
References:
1. New Believer’s Bible (New Living Translation - NLT)
New Testament First Steps for New Christians
This Bible was distributed by Pastor Greg Laurie – below is his information and how to get a copy of this excellent bible. It is very easy to understand and a great study tool as you read the Bible.
Harvest Resources
6115 Arlington Ave.
Riverside, CA 92504
www.harvest.org
Phone: 951-510-3015
FAX: 951-351-8045
2. Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV)
Thomas Nelson, Inc. 1982
“No Weapon Formed Against” by Fred Hammond
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