Did Jesus Give Us Any Power?

I was recently on a different site and my mouth flew open. I read a comment from someone that said, "You know we have no power over Satan". I understand that everyone is taught and receives the word of God differently but come on!

No power over Satan!

You fight this kind of argument with the word of God.

This is what Jesus gave to His disciples before sending them out: Luke 9:1,2

1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.


Power and authority over all demons. Not just the little ones or not all except Satan. It says all demons. So when someone says Christians have no power over Satan it tends to fire me up.


More Bible; Hebrews 13:8


8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.


So if this is true, and it is, how can Jesus give this power to His disciples and that not include us? Again, I do not want to fight other people's belief but this is wrong teaching. Denying this power gives the Deceiver way too much power over them.


I don't have all this figured out but read one more verse: Ephesians 6:10


10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Emphasis mine)


Notice the Bible does not say mighty awesome power of the devil. It says wiles! This is schemes, lies, deception, etc. The devil is very good at what he does. And what better way to fight the body of Christ, then to deceive them into thinking they have no power over him.


Satan already has many Christians not sure he even exists and some that acknowledge his existence, think they have no power. So my mouth is open in amazement. The power is in the name of Jesus and there is not one thing any demon can do against that name. I am not suggesting we all run around looking for demons. But what I am saying is quit running from them! The Bible says we need to stand, not run. Now it also does not tell us to fight either.


One last example: Acts 19:14-17


14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” 16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.


So you need to make sure you have the power before you start using the name of Jesus. So who has the power? Go back to Luke 9:1 and answer this question; Are you a disciple of Jesus? If you are a follower of Jesus you have it. Now believing that takes faith and that is a whole different topic.