When Jesus sends out the seventy-two disciples to heal and proclaim the kingdom of God, He gives them authority over all the power of the enemy. They don’t get all power and authority, but they get authority for their task. They don’t get to be creator God and speak things into being, but they do have authority that allows them to command the demons to flee.

Here we see Paul with authority over the power of the enemy. He tells someone they will be blind for a time. It happens. When I was studying the believer’s authority, I noticed that what they were able to do was multiply the curse. They don’t speak wealth or easy travel. Paul is repeatedly shipwrecked. He never speaks away the storm. He does command demons and He speaks judgment a couple of times. Do be careful what you speak. We are to build up the Body, encourage and edify. But God’s two witnesses that we read about in Revelation, speak plagues.

One more warning with this authority: we are judged by the same measure with which we judge! Our heart toward people is always compassion and mercy until the Lord moves in His authority to speak otherwise.

Paul and Barnabas pronounce another judgment by shaking the dust off their feet. I find that a little sad since so many there were eager for their message of salvation. A few were able to ruin it.

Be one of the ones that brings Christ to a group of people, not one who drives Him off!

Paul, when preaching in the synagogue, says that Jesus frees everyone who believes. Have you been set free? The law never freed anyone. It bound people.

Our freedom isn’t to sin, but it’s our freedom from sin. The law didn’t keep us from sin. It pointed out the right way, but we couldn’t walk in it.

The freedom of the gospel is a new heart with God’s word written on it so that we are willing and able to walk in God’s ways.