In Luke the tenth chapter, Jesus sent out seventy men to tell the people about the Gospel, the good news. He sent them out in twos and gave them special instructions before going. He told them that the harvest is great, but the laborers are few.
He said that He was sending them out as lambs among wolves and he told them to pack light. He said, “Don’t take a money bag, a sack or sandals.” He gave them other specific instructions and then He told them to heal the sick.
Well, the seventy men went out in pairs and followed the instructions given by Jesus. The result was they had great success. In fact, they had such great success that when they returned to Jesus, the Bible says in Luke 10:17 that they returned with joy and excitement. They bragged to Jesus that even the demons were subject to them.
Then Jesus said to them in Luke 10:18-20, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Here, Jesus gave authority to the seventy and then later in Mark, chapter 16, Jesus gave authority over the forces of darkness to all who believe in Him.
Today many Christians are living lives less than what they should because they do not know their authority. They allow the prince of darkness to torment them and distract them. This should not be. We as Christians have been given authority over the forces of darkness.
On the other hand, there are Christians who have sought a closer walk with God. They have studied the Word and have come to the knowledge of the truth. They realize that they have authority over Satan and all his demonic forces, and they take this authority and are set free from the traps Satan sets for us.
But we must be careful with our authority. We must know the limits and not get goofy. When a Christian operates out of his own mind instead of the Word of God, he can create some real strange doctrines. And strange doctrines do not attract people to Jesus. Instead, it turns them away.
For example, the other day I heard a Christian praying. In the middle of his prayer he began taking authority over the works of the devil. He said, “Satan, I bind you in the name of Jesus and I cast you back to hell from whence you came.”
Well, all the people standing around looked impressed. After all, this man had just sent Satan back to hell. Come on now. Let’s get real!
We have not been given the authority to cast Satan into hell at this time. When we try to, we are overstepping the limits of our authority and our words are of no effect. Sure, saying things like “I cast you back to hell from whence you came” sounds real religious, but it’s not biblical. We are not given authority to cast Satan into hell today. God will do that when it’s time.
As Christians we must know the fine line between taking authority over Satan and overstepping that authority. One way is of God. The other way is witchcraft.
Jesus gave believers authority over the forces of darkness. Let’s use it properly.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.