They Know Your Authority – Luke 10:19
By Pastor Joel – Open Heaven Christian Church – Fisher, Arkansas
A Biblical Study on the Authority of Every Believer Over Demonic Spirits
Key Verse
Luke 10:19
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Introduction
One of Satan’s greatest victories is not merely possessing or oppressing people—it is persuading Christians that they are powerless against him. Many believers have accepted the lie that casting out demons was only for Jesus or the apostles. Yet when we carefully study the Scriptures, we discover something very different.
The kingdom of darkness knows the authority that Jesus Christ has given His followers. Demons recognize it. Satan recognizes it. Hell recognizes it.
The tragedy is that many Christians do not.
As Hosea wrote:
Hosea 4:6
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”
This lack of knowledge leaves many believers intimidated instead of victorious and leaves many suffering people trapped in spiritual bondage when Christ desires to set them free.
Chapter 1
Jesus Came to Destroy the Devil’s Work
Deliverance ministry is not a side ministry of Jesus—it is one of the central demonstrations of His Kingdom.
John tells us why Jesus came.
1 John 3:8
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
Every time Jesus cast out a demon, He demonstrated that Satan’s kingdom was being defeated.
Jesus Himself declared:
Luke 11:20
“But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.”
Every deliverance is a visible reminder that Jesus is still King.
Chapter 2
Jesus Gave His Authority to Believers
Many Christians believe that only Jesus had authority over demons.
That is not what Scripture teaches.
Jesus intentionally shared His authority with His disciples.
Luke 9:1
“Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.”
Notice two words:
Power
and
Authority
These are different.
The Greek Words
The New Testament uses two important Greek words.
Exousia (ἐξουσία)
Meaning:
delegated authority
legal right
permission to act
governmental spiritual authority
A police officer may weigh only 180 pounds.
A semi-truck weighs 80,000 pounds.
The truck has more power, but the officer has more authority.
When the officer raises his hand, the truck stops—not because of the officer’s strength, but because of the authority backing him is recognized by the person driving the truck and is subject to laws of the land that govern and must be respected and obeyed.
The office knows he has completely possess the authority to direct traffic, and is backed by the authority given to him when he was commissioned to enforce the law of the land, the officer also know that if he points the driver of the semi truck to one direction he must stop and obey the officer or the driver will face great consequences for disobeying the law of the land.
Believers possess Christ’s authority to drive out devils, and when the demon disobeys a command, they face great consequences of being tormented before their time, meaning before the time that they will be cast into the lake of fire on judgment day as mentioned in Revelation 20:10 “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
An example of this is when Jesus cast out a devil in a synagogue and the demon spoke in fear because the demon recognized that Jesus knew who He was and the authority Jesus had to torment and destroy them before their time.
Mark 1:23-26
“23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. 26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.”
Notice what the demon said. “art thou come to destroy us?”
Those present in the synagogue were shocked because Jesus taught with “authority”, and not as a religious scribe. Jesus used His authority and cast out the devil in the presence of all in the synagogue.
Mark 1:22 “And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.”
Jesus went from synagogue to synagogue casting out devils.
Mark 1:36-39
“36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. 37 And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. 38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. 39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.”
The word power in the Greek is Dynamis (δύναμις)
Meaning:
miraculous power
supernatural ability
mighty works
Jesus gives believers both authority and power over unclean spirits to cast them out so people can be free and healed.
Matthew 10:1 “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”
Authority tells demons to leave, the power of the Holy Spirit drives them out.
The Holy Spirit provides the supernatural power that accomplishes it. The Holy Spirit is the one who is driving out the demon, this is the “Dynamis” power of the Holy Spirit.
In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus confirms how demons are cast out. Jesus said it is the Holy Spirit that is casting out the demon. When a person is receiving deliverance from demons, the Kingdom of God has come to them.
Matthew 12:28 “But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.”
Chapter 3
Demons Recognize Authority
Interestingly, demons never questioned whether Jesus possessed authority.
They knew.
Immediately.
Mark 1:24
“Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.”
Another example:
Luke 4:34
“…I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.”
The demons knew Jesus before many people did.
James makes another startling statement.
James 2:19
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”
Demons are not atheists.
They believe.
They tremble.
They know the authority of Jesus Christ.
Chapter 4
The Authority Continues Through the Church
Some argue that authority over demons ended with the apostles.
The Bible says otherwise.
Jesus declared:
Mark 16:17
“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils…”
Notice the wording.
Not:
“The apostles.”
Not:
“The pastors.”
Not:
“The missionaries.”
But:
“Them that believe.”
Every believer has authority because every believer belongs to Christ.
Chapter 5
Why Deliverance Ministers Are Often Misunderstood
One question is asked repeatedly.
“Why do people think deliverance ministers are strange?”
The answer may be more spiritual than many realize.
Satan has no reason to fear churches that never confront his kingdom.
But believers who consistently help people find freedom through Christ directly threaten the enemy’s work.
Paul reminds us:
Ephesians 6:12
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Notice:
Our battle is not against people.
People are never the enemy.
Spiritual forces are.
If Satan can persuade people that anyone involved in biblical deliverance is “crazy,” “dangerous,” or “extreme,” then many people who desperately need freedom may never seek help.
This does not mean that everyone who disagrees with deliverance ministry is influenced by demons, nor does it mean every deliverance minister teaches sound doctrine. Scripture calls believers to test every teaching and every spirit (1 John 4:1). Yet it is also true that Satan seeks to discredit any ministry that faithfully exposes and resists his work.
Throughout history, many servants of God were misunderstood.
Jesus was accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub.
Matthew 12:24
“But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.”
The religious leaders attacked the ministry because they could not deny the miracle.
Jesus answered that accusation by exposing its impossibility.
Matthew 12:26
“And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?”
Satan does not fight his own kingdom.
Jesus was overthrowing it.
Chapter 6
The Enemy Wants Christians Ignorant
The devil works hard to hide biblical truth.
Paul explains why.
2 Corinthians 4:4
“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not…”
Blindness is one of Satan’s greatest weapons.
If believers never learn about their authority…
they never use it.
If captives never learn Christ can set them free…
many remain in bondage.
Knowledge of God’s Word exposes the lies of darkness.
Chapter 7
Exercising Authority Properly
Authority is never rooted in pride.
It is rooted in submission.
James gives the divine order.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Notice the sequence.
Submit first.
Resist second.
Victory follows.
Deliverance is never about human greatness.
It is about Christ’s greatness.
Chapter 8
Lessons from the Sons of Sceva
Authority cannot be borrowed.
It comes through a genuine relationship with Jesus.
Acts records an important warning.
Acts 19:13-16
“Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus… And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?”
The sons of Sceva attempted to use Jesus’ name as a formula without submitting to His Lordship.
The result was disastrous.
This passage teaches that spiritual authority is not magic.
It flows from belonging to Christ and walking in obedience to Him.
Chapter 9
Jesus Is Still Setting Captives Free
Jesus has never stopped delivering people.
The Holy Spirit still convicts.
The gospel still saves.
The name of Jesus still carries authority.
The devil still fears it.
The question every believer should ask is not:
“Do demons know I have authority?”
They already know.
The better question is:
Do I believe what Jesus has said about the authority He has given me?
Walking in Wisdom and Discernment
As believers, we should avoid two extremes. One is denying the reality of spiritual warfare altogether. The other is attributing every problem or every disagreement to demonic activity. The Bible calls us to be sober, discerning, and grounded in God’s Word.
When ministering to someone seeking freedom, our confidence should never rest in dramatic methods or personal experience. It rests in Jesus Christ, the authority of His name, the truth of Scripture, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and the proclamation of the gospel. Deliverance is not an end in itself—it points people to a life of repentance, discipleship, and faithful obedience to Christ.
Final Encouragement
Jesus never intended His Church to retreat from the kingdom of darkness.
He intended His Church to advance against it.
Matthew 16:18
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Gates are defensive structures. Jesus pictured His Church advancing, not hiding. As we proclaim the gospel, pray for the oppressed, and minister in His name according to Scripture, we do so with confidence—not in ourselves, but in the One who has “all power… in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18).
Never forget:
The authority belongs to Jesus.
He has delegated that authority to His people.
Walk humbly.
Stay close to Christ.
Stand on His Word.
And let every act of ministry point people to the Savior who still sets captives free.
