Pre-Shiloh Teachings (Pt. 5) - Understanding Your Authority Over Demons
When our understanding is darkened, we alienate ourselves from aspects of Christ—including our authority. Let’s examine what Scripture reveals about demons and our legal right over them.
What We Need to Know About Demons
Looking at Matthew 12:43–45, we can observe the following about demons:
Demons are intelligent—they think logically.
They’re organized, have functions, and communicate.
They are not omniscient, omnipotent, or omnipresent.
They often work in gangs to build fortresses within people.
There are levels of wickedness.
They revisit former hosts—they don’t get tired.
They know Jesus is Lord (Acts 19) and recognize those who belong to Him.
Every Believer Has Authority
All believers are called to heal the sick and cast out demons—gifted or not. Anything that reinforces this truth is worth studying because it applies to all areas of life. If the spirit realm operates by legalities, we must understand authority—the right to act.
Psalm 49:20 – Without understanding, we live beneath our calling.
Jesus Sent Us — That’s Why We Have Authority
Based on these scriptures:
Mark 3:14–15
Matt. 10:1, 5–8
Luke 10:1, 17–19
Jesus didn’t wait until His disciples were mature before commissioning them. He gave them authority (not power) and sent them out early. This is why they were able to cast out demons because He gave them the right to, not the power. And when they returned, they testified that demons were subject to His name. Hence, their authority came from being sent—not their skill or experience and the power is in His name. This is the key difference:
Authority = the right to act (like a law enforcement badge)
Power = the ability to act (like a gun)
So Jesus gave them authority and that was enough.
Exodus 3:10; 7:1 – Moses had authority before Pharaoh because he was sent.
Matthew 16:15–17 – We can stand before demons because we are sent.
Even in Acts 19, Paul didn’t need to show up himself—items he sent carried the same effect. Why? Because they went in the name of Jesus. So why can we stand before any demon? Because we were sent by Jesus. And that’s more than enough.
What Grounds Our Authority
We’ve Been Made New - We’re kings and priests (Rev. 1:6). 1 Peter 2:9, Gen. 49:10 – Kings carry scepters—authority.
Our Position in the Spirit - We’re seated with Christ above principalities. Ephesians 1:19–22; 2:6; 6:12
The Blood of Jesus: Cleanses, blots out, speaks, and marks us as His.
Our Covenant: Our covenant makes us one with God. (Hebrews 8:6)
The Holy Spirit in Us: Jesus had power by the Spirit; so do we. (Acts 10:38)
Remember, You are not just safe—you are authorized. Let’s walk in that reality.