Authority Over The Demonic Realm!

8.18.2024

Introduction

The spiritual battle right now is intense. The demonic isn’t hiding anymore. It’s out in the open.

Revelation 12:12 (NKJV)

12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

We are living in an uncanny time of disruption, unrest, challenge, and change!

To navigate this unprecedented time, we have been given by Jesus a spiritual authority that keeps us free and full of God’s life!

Adam transferred his God given authority over the earth to Satan.

Luke 4:5-6 (NKJV)

Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.

Jesus took that authority back as the Second Adam and gave it to the church!

Matthew 28:18-19 (NKJV)

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

This is YOU!

This is how God sees those who are in Christ! Listen carefully to your position:

Ephesians 1:15 – 2:7 (NKJV)

Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 2:1-6 (NKJV)

1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 1:12-20 (NKJV)

Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV)

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:7 (AMP)

Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:9-10 (NKJV)

For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Colossians 2:15 (NKJV)

Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

Disarmed

“This is an extremely graphic verse! It is a picture painted for us by the Holy Spirit—a glorious, vivid illustration of what happened the day Jesus defeated death, hell, and the grave! The word “spoiled” is the Greek word apekduomai, which means to strip off or to put off as one would put off his garments. This word could depict the disarming of an enemy—literally stripping his weaponry and artillery from him and leaving him without any weapons with which to respond. One scholar has noted that it refers to stripping one to the point of complete nakedness. By using this word, the Holy Spirit tells us that when Jesus arose from the dead, He thoroughly plundered the enemy!”

— Sparkling Gems From the Greek Vol. 1: 365 Greek Word Studies For Every Day Of The Year To Sharpen Your Understanding Of God’s Word by Rick Renner

https://a.co/iKf7eXe

Spectacle

“The word “shew” is taken from the word deigmatidzo, and it literally means to display or to expose something. It was used in classical Greek writing to denote the display of captives, weaponry, and trophies that were seized during war on foreign soil. Once the war was finished and the battle was won, the reigning emperor would return home and victoriously display and expose the treasures, trophies, weaponry, and captives that he had seized during his military conquest. This was a grand moment of celebration for the victor—but it was a humiliating experience for the defunct foe.”

— Sparkling Gems From the Greek Vol. 1: 365 Greek Word Studies For Every Day Of The Year To Sharpen Your Understanding Of God’s Word by Rick Renner

https://a.co/hsUVBda

Luke 10:19-20 (NKJV)

Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Philippians 2:8-11 (NKJV)

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

The main struggle today is a Spiritual Battle against the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan.

Beware of this and stay alert!

As Satan seeks to bring distractions worldwide, and then into your community, your home, your life – realize that He MUST obey the Word of God spoken out of your mouth.

God has given you authority over Satan, every fallen angel, which are called in scripture principalities and powers, and demon spirits of every kind and purpose.

These are pre-Jesus’ return days filled with confusion, distortions, lies, twisted truth, deceptions and delusions.

There is a scheme to get you off your game and into pursuing the wrong emphasis in your life, marriage, family, church life, and dreams.

Our goal MUST be to seek first the kingdom of God and His Righteousness – not seeking first our pleasure, comfort, dreams, goals, but seeking Jesus’ reign in us and in the world at large.

Jesus has sent every one of us on a mission he calls the GREAT COMMISSION! And that is to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every person – and to use words when necessary.

The way we live should be abnormal and counter to current trends!

Satan’s Schemes

Here is how I found out about subtle demonic intrusions into my life and how to counter them.

Years ago when I got heavily involved in mission work in other countries, primarily Africa and India, I noticed that thoughts would come and begin as subtle suggestions that turned into full blown attacks against my mind, my emotions and my willpower!

It began to happen over and over again as I took trip after trip. These were short two week trips (mostly) where we would teach pastors and then hold evangelistic meetings at night.

During these attacks, I would begin to feel agitated, fearful, and unsettled. Thoughts that I would never get back home, that no one cares about me, that nothing I was doing was really worthwhile would flood my mind. My emotions would begin to feel unsettled, worried and anxious, and would make me feel isolated, alone, abandoned, and helpless.

When these attacks came, I would immediately begin to repeat out loud if I could (in public I would speak them to myself quietly) the scriptures that promised that I was loved, blessed, redeemed, set free,full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus had already fought my battles for me and that I was already a winner and could not be discouraged or defeated. I commanded these thoughts to go in the name of Jesus, and would praise and thank God that His word is true!

Almost instantly, these attacks would lift, and the peace of God and the joy of the Lord would fill me!

Satan is doing the same thing today with millions and millions of people.

He wants you to let go of your faith in God and His Word, he wants to convince you that you will not get out of your current problems and that they will only get worse!

He will tell you that you will get sick and die, that life is not worth living, and nobody cares about you!

He will tell you that you will fail in life , and that tragedy is coming your way! All of it is a fraud and a lie!

We MUST be rooted in truth these days.

You have authority as a believer over Satan and all his emissaries!

Through the years, Satan and his cohorts have tried to convince me that I would never make it, that I would get sick & and die early, that I would fail financially and in ministry. Each time these attacks came, I would go to the Word, and say what God says about me out loud.

And every time, these thoughts and feelings would leave.

Exercise Your authority every single day!

The prerequisite is that you must be submitted to God!

James 4:7 (NKJV)

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Ephesians 4:27 (NKJV)

nor give place to the devil.

“Place”

Rick Renner – Sparkling Gems

When Paul told us to give the devil no place, that word “place” is the Greek word topos. It describes a specific, marked-off location. But rather than a physical location that we use a map to identify, this “place” may refer to a rough spot in our relationships, our finances, our thoughts, or our personal habits or to lingering areas of disobedience. Whatever it is, it’s an identifiable location that the devil seeks to find and use as an open door into our lives.”

— Sparkling Gems from the Greek Vol. 2: 365 New Gems To Equip And Empower You For Victory Every Day Of The Year by Rick Renner

Ephesians 4:27 (ERV)

Don’t give the devil a way to defeat you.

“Devil”

Rick Renner – Sparkling Gems

“The word “devil” in Ephesians 4: 27 leaves no question about the devil’s intention to attack us as believers. It is the Greek word diabolos, which is a compound of dia and ballo. The word dia means through, as in all the way through an object. This second part of the word “devil” is from the word ballo, which means to throw, to hurl, to inject, or even to beat. When these two words are compounded to form the word diabolos, the new word categorically means that the devil is one who strikes repetitiously—trying to find a way to break through into our worlds and mess up our lives.”

— Sparkling Gems from the Greek Vol. 2: 365 New Gems To Equip And Empower You For Victory Every Day Of The Year by Rick Renner

Action Points:

1. Are you aware of the spiritual authority you have over Satan, fallen angels, and demon spirits?

2. DO you actively resist negative thoughts and feelings, sickness and disease, and all forms of doubt and fear?

3. Are you submitted to God and His Word in how you live, what you do with your mind and body, and how you relate to others?

Here’s a list of 40 things that the demonic realm wants to use to control you. Resist them!

Remember, Satan and the demonic look to exacerbate or stretch weakness into control over you. Don’t allow it!

There is a fine line between flesh desires that come from sin and demonic intrusion.

1. Doubt – yourself, your friends, God.

2. Rejection thinking. Nobody cares about me. They don’t like me…self-pity goes right along with this.

3. Condemnation – thinking about what you did wrong in the past/ or what you should have done in the past. It Becomes an obsession.

4. Obsession with failure, defeat, or the negatives of the past.

5. Fear – chronic, not rooted in reality. False Evidence Appearing Real

6. Rebellion to established authority.

7. Lying – telling only part, but not the whole truth.

8. Thoughts of strife, discord, or offense. James 3:16.

9. Erratic thoughts out of nowhere creating self-doubt or doubts about others.

10. Compulsive desires to binge eat, to lust, to overwork, to overdo whatever. The Holy Spirit gives self-control.

11. Overcompensating in some way.

12. Constant worry thoughts.

13. Lust. Thoughts about illicit sex/ homosexuality/ compulsion to view pornography.

14. Gossip. Having to repeat salacious tales about others…can become an obsessive habit.

15. Sudden distrust in people that have given you no reason to distrust them.

16. Accusing thoughts about yourself.

17. Accusing thoughts about others.

18. Compulsive, uncontrolled anger.

19. Disunity. Seeking to pit one person against another. Seeking to create doubt about a person or group. Galatians 5:20 – variance, disputes, quarreling. Romans 1:29 – debate, quarreling.

20. Thoughts of compromise with the flesh and known sinful things.

21. Overwhelming panicky emotions. (Panic attacks)

22. Self-doubt.

23. Thoughts that nobody loves me, nobody cares about me.

24. Excessive pride in looks, work, church activity. Excessively wanting to be seen, known, heard…

25. Rigidity – (spiritual) a compulsion to be overly strict when grace should be given.

26. Feelings of loneliness and detachment.

27. Thoughts that you do not fit in anywhere.

28. Judgmental, angry thoughts about others.

29. Thoughts that question God’s love, faithfulness, and Word.

30. Selfish thoughts – Why didn’t they include me/ Why was I left out.

31. Thoughts like – You/they don’t care about me.

32. Hopelessness. Nothing will get better/improve.

33. Lack of ability to focus.

34. Lack of desire to read the Word/pray/ attend church.

35. Thoughts of isolation.

36. Thoughts and feelings of panic.

37. Over-religiousness – spiritual involvement to the neglect of personal needs, family, friends, work, etc.

38. Duplicity – Acting one way in public, another way in private.

39. Suicidal thoughts.

40. Compulsion to drink, smoke marijuana, and use drugs.