As believers, we are not powerless in the face of spiritual battles. God has granted us authority over the forces of darkness, equipping us to stand firm against the devil and his schemes. This authority is not something we earn; it is given to us through our identity as children of God. But how do we practically walk in this authority and live out the victory Christ has already secured for us?
Today’s Scripture
“I said, ‘You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High.'” – Psalm 82:6 (NKJV)
Understanding Your Authority
In Psalm 82:6, God declares that we are “gods” and “children of the Most High.” This statement does not mean we are divine in the sense that God is, but it emphasizes the authority and dominion we have been given as His children. Through our relationship with God, we have access to His power, and we are called to exercise that power in our daily lives—especially in standing against the devil.
Authority Through Identity
Our authority over the devil comes directly from our identity as children of God. Just as Jesus walked in authority on earth, casting out demons and resisting the devil’s temptations, we too have been granted that same power. Luke 10:19 reassures us, “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.”
This authority is not based on our strength or merit but on Christ’s victory on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the powers of darkness, and now we walk in that victory. Colossians 2:15 confirms that Christ “disarmed principalities and powers” and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them. Our task is to enforce this victory in our own lives.
Walking in Your Authority
Knowing that you have authority over the devil is one thing, but walking in that authority is another. The devil is a defeated foe, but he seeks to deceive and oppress those who do not fully understand or exercise their authority. Here are three key ways to walk confidently in the authority God has given you:
1. Know Your Position in Christ
The first step to exercising your authority is understanding your position in Christ. You are not fighting for victory—you are fighting from victory. Ephesians 2:6 reminds us that God has “raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” This means you are seated with Christ in a position of power and authority, far above the forces of darkness. When you confront the devil, you are doing so from a place of victory, not defeat.
2. Use the Word of God
The Word of God is your most powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. When Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, He didn’t rely on His feelings or personal strength—He used Scripture. Each time the devil tried to deceive or tempt Him, Jesus responded with “It is written” (Matthew 4:1-11). Similarly, we must be rooted in the Word, using it to stand firm and resist the enemy’s lies.
Ephesians 6:17 refers to the Word of God as “the sword of the Spirit.” This weapon is powerful in dismantling the strongholds the devil tries to set up in our minds and lives. When you declare God’s promises and truth over your situation, the devil must flee.
3. Pray with Authority
Prayer is not just a means of communication with God; it’s a tool for exercising authority. James 5:16 tells us, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” When we pray, we are not begging God for victory—we are partnering with Him to enforce the authority He has given us.
Pray with confidence, knowing that God has already granted you the power to overcome the enemy. When you face spiritual opposition, command the devil to leave in the name of Jesus, and stand firm in the knowledge that he has no legal right to oppress or defeat you.
The Devil’s Defeat is Certain
It’s important to remember that the devil is already defeated. He may try to deceive, accuse, and tempt, but his fate has been sealed by Christ’s victory. Revelation 12:11 declares, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” The blood of Jesus has secured our victory, and as we stand in that truth, the devil has no choice but to flee.
When you face spiritual attacks, remember that the power of the devil is limited. He cannot harm or defeat you when you are walking in your God-given authority. Stand firm, resist his schemes, and declare the victory that Jesus has already won.
Conclusion
As a child of God, you have authority over the devil. This authority is not based on your strength or ability, but on your identity in Christ and His finished work on the cross. Walk in confidence, use the Word of God, pray with authority, and stand firm in the victory Christ has secured for you. The devil may try to deceive and oppress, but his power is no match for the authority you have in Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me authority over the devil through Christ’s victory. Help me to walk in that authority, using Your Word and prayer to resist the enemy. Remind me of my position in Christ and empower me to stand firm in the truth of Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
