Things to Have (Part 1)

Although believers have authority of demonic spirits, they do not have authority over the human will. Believer's cannot just go around exercising authority over demonized people unless the demonized person truly wants help because they have authority over their own lives. When encountering the works of the devil and his gang there are some things that believers must have in their arsenal …

"When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick." (Matthew 8:16) First, believers must have a good understanding of God’s Word. In what is called the temptation of Christ it is recorded…

"Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,' and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.'" (Matthew 4:5-7) Satan tried to use God’s Word to tempt Jesus. But Jesus recognized what it was and responded with truth that was not twisted.

Let’s look at what Satan didn’t say concerning the scripture he used…
"For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone" (Psalm 91:11-12) This is the Word of God that Satan quoted. However, let's see in the same Psalm what he didn't say...

"Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;" (Psalms 91:9-10) and...
"You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot." (Psalms 91:13)

Now isn't that interesting. Satan tried to build a good case with scripture, though out of context and we can see why. God's promise is safety from evil and plagues, the epitome of Satan and treading upon the lion, cobra, young lion and serpent are all references to Satan and his gang. No wonder Satan took God's Word out of context.

The Point is, believers must have a good knowledge of God's Word and place their faith in the integrity of God's Word or they can be easily deceived. A good thing is that many in the church know God's but few put their faith in it. The Apostle Paul hit the nail on the head when he said, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love." (Galatians 5:6)
Not the knowledge of God's Word working through love, but faith working through love.