Got Authority? Part 3: Satan

Got Authority? Part 3:Satan

All authority has been given. Let’s talk about Satan’s authority. What authority does he have and why? Does he have authority over us?

The World

“The devil led him [Jesus] up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, ‘I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.’ ” Luke 4:5-7 NIV

Jesus refused to worship Satan, but He didn’t dispute his authority over the world. 

So, just how did Satan get this authority? Did God give it to him? Let’s go back to the Garden.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:27-28

God gave man authority over the earth. Man lost that authority with the fall. In the book of Revelation, Jesus gets it back.

Christians

Look at the two dominions mentioned in the following verses (my emphasis).

Paul related Jesus’ words to King Agrippa, “ ‘I [Jesus] am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ ” Acts 26:17-18

 “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” Ephesians 2:1-2

“For he [God] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14 NIV

When we were saved, we changed both our kingdom and the authority under which we serve. Satan’s not the boss of us anymore.

Unless

Unless we yield to him. A scene from The Princess Bride illustrates this well. Wesley is mostly dead but confronts Prince Humperdinck in Buttercup’s chambers. Wesley can barely stand. Prince Humperdinck has his sword drawn and could easily kill Wesley and be done with him forever. Yet, Wesley bluffs and Humperdinck lays down his sword without a fight. (Yes, I know Wesley’s the good guy and Humperdinck is the villain, but go with me.)

Authority is given. You owe your allegiance to the King of Kings, not the enemy. Let the enemy bluff. Don’t give him authority in your life. Don’t drop your sword.

Workout of the Week: Got Authority? Part 3:Satan

Memory Verse: “For he [God] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14 NIV

Meditation Passage: Luke 4:1-13

Do It: Don’t drop your sword. 

March’s Spiritual Discipline: Fasting

How’s the fasting coming? Any insights or breakthroughs? Our church practices a Daniel fast ever January. What’s a Daniel fast? Basically no meats, no sweets, no dairy. Lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Click here for an official list.

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