Spiritual Warfare By Pete BriscoeSample

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Demons are invisible, but they aren’t invincible. So how do we take them down? Is there a formula?

In Acts 19, Luke tells us that many were convinced that a simple phrase was the secret. They’d go around town saying, “In the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” (Acts 19:13). One day, seven sons of a Jewish high priest were doing just this when an evil spirit answered them:

“Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. (Acts 19:15-16)

Their formula didn’t add up quite right, did it?

Knowing someone who knows someone who knows Jesus does not grant you immediate access to the authority of Jesus. If you aren’t in Christ – if you yourself aren’t indwelled by the Spirit of Jesus who is all authority – then demonic bullies are stronger and smarter than you. You can throw Jesus’ name out there, but it won’t make a bit of a difference.

The right question isn’t, “What would Jesus do so I can replicate it?” Power and authority aren’t a formula. It’s a presence.

So let’s scrap “What would Jesus do?” and replace it with “What will Jesus do?”

Ah, since you asked, let me answer. What Jesus did on earth then, He’ll do on earth now through the power of His indwelling Spirit who resides in all believers.

With you in Christ and Christ in you, there resides in you a greater strength; and in the presence of that strength, demons become wimps.

How does it work? Simply walk into a room or down the street of a Philippine town.

Who are you? You are a child of God, filled with His Spirit. As a result, all power and authority keep you. Walk like it.

Jesus, Image of the Invisible God, give me the courage to purposefully enter relationships and situations that will require that I lean into deeper dependence upon Your indwelling Spirit. Thank You for direct access. Such intimacy makes me brave. Amen.