We live in a defeated world. Looking around us, we see a constant stream of chaos, evil, ungodliness, and depraved lifestyles. Most people think they have no control over this, and therefore have given up and succumbed to it. However, the exact opposite is true for the believer: we have the power to claim victory over the very things that defeat others.
There’s a devil loose in the world who is determined to destroy everything he can touch. However, he’s operating on borrowed time and he knows it. Jesus has defeated him, taken the authority he stole from Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, and given it back to us. The power we now have over the enemy comes straight from heaven.
Jesus replied, “While you were ministering, I watched Satan topple until he fell suddenly from heaven like lightning to the ground. Now you understand that I have imparted to you my authority to trample over his kingdom. You will trample upon every demon before you and overcome every power Satan possesses. Absolutely nothing will harm you as you walk in this authority. However, your real source of joy isn’t merely that these spirits submit to your authority, but that your names are written in the journals of heaven and that you belong to God’s kingdom. This is the true source of your authority” (Luke 10:18-20, TPT).
It’s important to note that Jesus mentioned ministering to others as a component of our authority. We’ve been delivered from destruction, but it’s our responsibility to tell others that the same deliverance is also available to them. God always makes a way when there is no way; the knowledge that there’s a way out of a situation offers desperately-needed hope and encouragement. This is the Great Commission we’ve been charged with. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20).
The power we wield is manifested in the spoken word. We defeat the enemy in spiritual battle by opening our mouths and speaking the Word of God in faith. Jesus’ work is done, Satan’s fate is sealed, and reminding him of that on a regular basis is a good battle plan. “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy” (Psalm 107:2). This works when defending ourselves against the enemy’s attacks; it also works when we go on the offensive on the battlefield to reach out to others and save lost souls.
The devil can’t stand knowing how highly God thinks of us, His children. God has given us access to everything we need for a victorious life. “…What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him...” (Hebrews 2:6-8). However, with great power comes great responsibility. As Christians, we must show others the same path to Jesus that we’ve been shown.