“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.” – Luke 10:19 (NKJV).
Just as a warrior’s confidence comes from training, experience, strategy, and picking the right armour before battle, the believer’s victory over spiritual attacks flows from fully embracing and living in the truth of his new identity in Christ. The conscious understanding—that you are more than a conqueror—equips you to stand firm, resist the enemy, and prevail over his activities.
In today’s text, there is an important revelation that remains valid. The person who has received this authority needs to see themselves as God sees them. 1 Corinthians 15:57 and Romans 8:37 emphasise that the believer has been made victorious in Christ. Times of spiritual attacks and adversity are not moments to panic, but opportunities to enforce the victory that you have received in Christ. The first step to walking in victory is to have a clear understanding of your identity in Christ.
Christ already won the victory for you! This is not cliché—it’s your reality. In Philippians 2:9-11, when the Father raised Jesus, He gave Him a name that every other name bows to. Ephesians 1:20-23 echoes this and adds a compelling detail: Jesus’ dominion over the devil is for you. Guess what? Ephesians 2:5-6 says you were quickened, raised, and made to sit together with Christ. By your placement in Christ, what He received in His ascension, you also received at salvation.
In Acts 19:13-17, seven Jewish brothers, the sons of Sceva, observed Paul and saw how he cast out devils and performed miracles in the name of Jesus. When they tried to imitate this, the demon-possessed man assaulted and humiliated them. The name of Jesus is not a magic word anyone can use. The name of Jesus is the authority of Jesus vested in the believer, empowering them to live like Him on earth.
In Acts 3:1-9, Peter and John met a lame man at the gate of the temple. By the authority in the name of Jesus, Peter ministered healing to him. Unlike the sons of Sceva, Peter was a believer who understood the concept of spiritual authority. He didn’t use the name of Jesus as a spell. You also have the right to use the name in faith and get results because you are a son of God.
Say this: I know who I am. I have received authority in Christ. And by this authority, I am victorious over all the attacks of the enemy.
Bible Reading Plan: Proverbs 7-8, Romans 5:1-21