Live Victoriously! - August 7th, 2011

And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 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. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Luke 10:18-20

History and Context:

Luke was a Doctor, an educated man. He is one of the few Biblical authors who was not a Jew or an apostle. He wrote both the book of Luke and the book of Acts. Luke meticulously researched the events surrounding Christ, talked to all the apostles who were with them and studied the manuscripts that were already written to put together this account of the life of Christ. Luke addresses the book to Theophilus but, as this name simple means "friend of God", many think it is a generic title rather than a specific person.

The Text:

This is the story in which Jesus sends out the seventy to minister to cities before Him and to proclaim that "the kingdom of God is near". When they return to Jesus they are extremely excited because they realized that they could command the demons and they would listen. This is Jesus' response. First He confirms that He did give them authority over the enemy, but He reminds them that the most important thing is that their names are written in heaven. In other words their salvation is more important then their ministry. Afterwards Jesus goes to the Father in prayer and thanks Him that He has revealed this knowledge to the disciples. Showing that the knowledge of the disciple's athority was important for them to understand.

The Challenge:

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever! (Hebrews 13:8) If He gave His disciples authority 2000 years ago, then He has given His disciples authority today. You have authority over all the power of the enemy! He only has as much power over you as you allow Him to have. Stop living defeated and start living victorious! If you have accepted Christ, then your name has been written in the book of life and you are a child of the Most High. It's time for the church to step up and live in their authority.

The Prayer:

Lord, thank you for writing my name in heaven! Thank you for giving me authority over all the power of the enemy! Help me to recognize that authority and to live in it. Help me to live victoriously. Thank you Lord! In Jesus' name, Amen.