Luke 10:19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
“Dunamis” is the Greek word for ‘Power’ which means “the ability or capacity to do something”. Power is strength, capability or force. Authority on the other hand is “Exousia” in Greek, meaning “the right or permission to exercise power”. Kenneth E Hagin beautifully illustrates the difference between “Dunamis/Power” and “Exousia/Authority” with a simple example. A traffic policeman, who stops an 80 ton truck, does not have the power to stop it by raising his hands. The truck could run over him but he has the authority to do so. Hence the 160,000 pound/80ton truck stops when the 140 pound traffic officer raises his hands. The illustration accurately depicts the distinction between power and authority of a believer.
Our physical power or ability is not greater than the demonic realm but we have the right or authority in Christ to subdue the enemy under our feet. We have authority over the demonic realm to overpower the evil forces. Jesus taught us how to exercise our authority. Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father (Luke 9:42). Evil spirits can be noisy, violent or intimidating but at our rebuke they have to leave. Jesus has given us the authority to subdue the “dunamis/power” of the diabolical forces with “exousia/authority”.
Exercise your authority over all the powers of the enemy.
- Respond: The negative threats and insinuations from the demons must be demolished by retorting at them. Snap the pessimistic thoughts that strike you like missiles in your mind, with the Word of God. When the fear of a deadly disease grips your heart, respond to it immediately, “By His stripes I am healed”. Words of faith will demolish and destroy the powers of hell.
- Resist: Resist the devil ceaselessly with the sword the Word of God and he will flee.
- Rebuke: Do not hide from negative thoughts – rebuke it with the Word of God. Faith overpowers fear.
Believers have authority over all the powers of hell.
Prayer: Jesus my King, help me to live with the awareness that hell is under my feet. Amen.
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