Dr. Wesley L. Duewel- There are essential prerequisites before anyone can safely and successfully execute the command of faith. The unregenerate, nonbelieving sons of Sceva tried to use it and were physically attacked and wounded by a demon-possessed person (Acts 19).
The prerequisites are very simple: You must be a true child of God. Any born-again believer has the authority to use Christ's name in prayer, praise, and command. Christ gives this authority to His own children only. (Google image, Seven sons of Sceva) [Interesting imaginary story given]
You must have in your life nothing grieving the Spirit of God. This authority is executed under the supervision of the Holy Spirit. Your lips speak the words, but the Holy Spirit and God's angels actually enforce them over Satan, his demons, and whatever else must yield to God. If angelic help is needed, God will take care of that. but if you hide unforgiveness or some other sin in your heart (Ps. 66:18; Matt. 6:15), do not expect the Spirit's help.
Your command must be in harmony with the will of God. You must not attempt to use this power for selfish ends. As a member of Christ's kingdom, you may reap the benefits, but your goal must be to glorify God and advance His kingdom. The only exception is an emergency when your safety is threatened. You and your body belong to God, so you are free to use Christ's name to protect yourself from imminent danger.
How can you know the will of God? Some life situations such as trial, sickness, or persecution may or may not be the clearly revealed will of God, though God may permit them for his ultimate glory. You may be sure, however, that other things are always in God's will--the salvation of a sinner, the growth of His church, the penetration of Satan's darkness by the gospel light.
In those situations in which we are not sure, it is as we prevail in prayer, perhaps even wrestling with the powers of darkness, that we come to a Spirit-given clear conviction of God's will. If we then perceive that Satan is hindering, we are authorized to rebuke him through the command of faith.
(Chapter 15, pp. 115-116, italics added for emphasis)
Today's Bible verses-
Philippians 4:8 (NIV) “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
"Oh, I want to please God! So after I read Paul’s advice, I looked to find where I could get untangled. — Spend more time in Bible study and prayer. Focus back on the might of our ALL-MIGHTY God. Remember God is our defender and we don’t battle with flesh and blood. Through Christ we are given His power and His strength for any and every battle. God’s heavenly forces are bigger than any earthly or demonic forces. There is nothing impossible with God and He is ALL-powerful." Lisa BuffaloeToday's Popular post-
Andrew Murray- "Be not drunk with wine . . . but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" (Ephesians 5:18-19).
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