PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 4:31-37
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!” (Luke 4:36)
Angels and demons have one power; they are messengers and they can communicate.
But impure spirits convey dark, negative, deceptive and destructive messages.
They wield the power of the lie, and too often we believe the lies.
The authority and power of Jesus was not an amazing superpower.
Jesus knew the truth and rejected the lie: “Be quiet, come out of him!” (v.35)
We have this ability to speak truth and silence the lie, if we know the truth (Jesus).
Do we allow the message of Jesus to dwell in us so richly that we recognize the lies?
Do we take every thought captive to Jesus, so that we can discern the spirits?
By ourselves we cannot resist Satan’s lies; we need Jesus to find this power and authority.
“Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
Sadly, this is not a one time thing; we will be tempted with lies for the rest of our lives.
This man became free, but lying spirits would return (Luke 11:21-26); would he refuse them?
Jesus gives us the power and authority to refuse the lies… but will we accept it?
When impure spirits come at you, will they find your heart and mind unguarded?
PRAYER
Lord, you have the authority and power of the truth, and I have it with you. Help me to silence the lies and renew your truth!
Jesus had authority and He spoke with authority. He is King! Yet Jesus used his authority carefully. He used it to heal those who had faith in him. I too by being connected with him have been given authority to bless others – even strangers and people whose faith commitments I do not know. I represent Jesus if I am truly a Christian. It’s awesome when I think of it. I too must be careful not to judge or flaunt my knowing Jesus. Holy Spirit – gift divine – guide my thoughts and ways I pray!
When Jesus spoke, His word had authority. Others spoke like the religious leaders but they spoke with delegated authority like thus says the Lord. Jesus commanded and the spirits obeyed. His word was/is power and life giving. That word needs to be my guardian and guide in my living for Jesus.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way
Still You’re there right beside me
Nothing will I fear as long as you are near
Please be near me to the end
[Chorus]
I will not forget your love for me
And yet my heart forever is wandering
Jesus be my guide, hold me to Your side
And I will love You to the end