7th September 2026

Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: AUTHORITY OVER THE ENEMY

THEME SCRIPTURE: "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." —Luke 10:19 (KJV)

PREPARATORY QUESTION
Do I live like someone with power over the enemy, or like someone hoping to survive him?

We've seen that authority is received (John 20) and sustained through abiding (John 15). Now we see its target. This authority isn't abstract — it's aimed directly at the works of the enemy.

Jesus spoke this to seventy disciples returning from ministry, amazed that even demons submitted to them in His name. His response wasn't to inflate their excitement but to correct their focus: rejoice not that spirits obey you, but that your names are written in heaven (v.20). Authority is real, but it's not the point — relationship with God is.

Still, the authority stands. "Serpents and scorpions" aren't primarily about literal creatures; they represent the enemy's tactics — deception, poison, sudden attack. Jesus says believers have power over these, not power that avoids conflict, but power that overcomes it.

Notice the posture: to *tread*. Not to flee, not to negotiate, not to merely endure. Treading implies confrontation from a position of victory already secured. This is why Paul later writes that we wrestle not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12) — the battle is real, but so is the outcome.

Many believers live defensively, hoping the enemy leaves them alone. But Scripture describes offense, not survival. You were not left to cower before what already lost.

This authority isn't for recklessness or spiritual showmanship. It's for resisting temptation, standing firm under pressure, and refusing to let fear or deception govern your decisions. It shows up in ordinary moments — resisting a besetting sin, refusing anxiety's grip, speaking truth over confusion.

 

Key Takeaway
You are not positioned to merely endure spiritual attack — you are equipped to overcome it.

Beloved, stop negotiating with what you have authority over. Recognize the enemy's tactics, stand your ground, and walk today as one already victorious, not one still waiting to win.

God bless you more.

FURTHER READING
- Ephesians 6:10-13
- James 4:7
- 1 Peter 5:8-9
- Colossians 2:15

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD
1. Where have I been living defensively instead of walking in the authority I already have?
2. What specific "serpent" — a pattern, temptation, or lie — do I need to confront rather than tolerate?
3. Am I more focused on spiritual results than on my relationship with God?

PRAYER
Father, thank You for authority over the enemy's schemes. Forgive me for the times I've cowered instead of stood. Sharpen my discernment to recognize deception, and strengthen my resolve to resist it. Let my life reflect victory already won in Christ — not fear, but firm, confident faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.