Jesus triumphed over Satan and all his demons through His work of redemption, particularly by canceling the power of sin at the cross. (Matt. 12:28-29; Eph. 1:19-23; Col. 2:13-15) Satan is already condemned. (John 12:31; 16:11; Rev. 20:7-10)
The principle of authority is that we are in the kingdom of Christ. Jesus is Lord and head of all power and authority. Satan has absolutely no legitimate authority over the believer. We are /free/ from Satan’s claims upon us. All sins are forgiven, all condemnation is ended, all cultic vows, promises, covenants, etc., were broken when a person comes into Christ's sphere of authority (Col. 1:13-14; 2:9-15). One must never compromise this principle by saying that sin gives a demon legal right to invade a believer or attach itself to your soul. Believe in God; disbelieve Satan.
Our primary weapons against demonic stratagems are faithful application of the fundamentals of the faith (Eph. 6:10-20; 1 Pet. 5:6-9). Light expels darkness.
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hmmm... Jeff your ministry is great and I have no intention to pick at this or pick it apart, but what about when God told Peter in the bible that because of his pride in claiming to be the greatest that Satan had asked for him but Jesus told Peter he would pray for him so that he would not stumble? Honestly asking. And Paul stated that he had een left with a thorn in his side to buffet him? Though I agree a lamb covered with the blood of the true lamb, the lord Jesus Christ and repentent not openly unrepentently sinning has given all authority to God, but a Christian with a sinful habit in their life that is unrepentent has opened doors to that spirit that can only be closed again through genuine repentence and the blood of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe that the Bible teaches God told Peter that because of his pride in claiming to be the greatest that satan had asked for him. Satan desired to sift Peter, just as he desires every Christian. That is his nature and purpose. Notice that God allows this (Satan has to ask permission). Satan has no authority in a Christian's life. Jesus' prayer was answered in that Peter did fall temporarily. He repented and became one of the greatest men of God in all of history.
ReplyDeleteAs for Paul, his thorn was God ordained. Paul prayed and God replied that His grace was sufficient. God allowed the messenger to buffet for Paul's benefit; to keep him from becoming proud.
An unrepentant Christian is actually opening the door for God to discipline him/her. He loves us enough to discipline us. Does this include the demonic? I would say yes. The Christian has laid down his breastplate of righteousness and is walking in disobedience. Does this mean that a demon needs to be cast out of a Christian? I would say no; due to the reality that the demon is not inside of the Christian. The Holy Spirit is. The Christian indeed needs to repent.
If a Christian has a sin issue, he has a heart issue with God. But, Scripture teaches us that Christians do not practice sin. They practice righteousness 1 John 2:29 But when we do sin, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
God already has all authority in the universe. We don't give Him authority. He is God.