“Authority of the Spiritual in the Physical”
Luke 8:22-39
Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. – Luke 8:32
For the Christian, the battle is spiritual. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” [Eph 6:12]
As you do a careful study Eph 6, you will notice that everything leads to prayer. While our spiritual armor is important [i.e., the breastplate, shield, helmet, and sword]; prayer is the battle. It is one thing to prepare for battle and quite another to enter it.
It is also good to know that because Jesus has all authority in spiritual battle, we, too, have the same. This will be displayed in even more detail when Jesus sends out the Twelve, with all authority, in Chapter 9.
This morning, however, we will see yet another example of Jesus’ authority over the spiritual realm. He will encounter a man possessed by demons [named Legion].
Two things should be observed in this encounter. Firstly, the demons acknowledge who Jesus is, “the Son of the Most High God.” It is more than many acknowledge today. But secondly, the demons are in submission to Him. They are no match for our Lord’s authority. It is an important truth to remember. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” [Jn 8:32]
There is, however, one more important reality to note. For the Christian, the spiritual authority that Jesus had over the spiritual realm has been delegated to you through the Holy Spirit. The great benefit is that you now have the authority of the Spirit working in your life; “because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” [1 Jn 4:4]
A Christian can never be demon-possessed, only deceived into thinking so. “For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?” [2 Cor 6:14-15] The answers to these rhetorical questions are nothing, none, and none, respectively.
A true believer in Christ has all authority over the spiritual realm of darkness. We would do well to know this Biblical truth and walk in it.
