POWER OVER DEMONIC OPPOSITION

POWER OVER DEMONIC OPPOSITION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 13:6-12

Key Verse: “Thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season.” (Acts 13:11)

Supporting Texts: Luke 10:19; Mark 16:17-18; 1 John 4:4; Ephesians 6:12; Philippians 2:9-10

Description: The power of the Holy Spirit enables believers to silence and subdue every form of demonic resistance.

INTRODUCTION:
In every move of God, there is always demonic resistance. The devil constantly tries to oppose the spread of the gospel and the advancement of God’s kingdom. Yet, the authority of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life is greater than any satanic opposition.

Paul’s encounter with Elymas the sorcerer in Acts 13 demonstrates the superiority of divine power over the forces of darkness. Elymas sought to hinder the salvation of the proconsul, but Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, declared God’s judgement, and the sorcerer was struck blind. This was not an act of cruelty but a display of divine justice.

The lesson is clear: Spirit-filled believers are not powerless before the enemy. When the forces of darkness rise, we must stand firm in the authority of Christ and demonstrate the victory already given to us.

1. DEMONIC FORCES OPPOSE THE GOSPEL
The devil always raises opposition against the preaching of Christ.

a) Satan uses human agents (Acts 13:8). Elymas represents those whom Satan uses to resist the truth and hinder the salvation of souls.

b) The goal of the enemy is deception (2 Corinthians 4:4) The devil blinds people’s minds so they cannot see the light of the gospel.

c) Demonic influence thrives in ignorance (Hosea 4:6) Many fall under satanic manipulation because they lack spiritual understanding.

d) Believers must discern and confront spiritual opposition (Ephesians 6:12) Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers.

Biblical Example: Pharaoh’s magicians opposed Moses by imitating God’s signs but were ultimately defeated (Exodus 7:10-12).

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS BELIEVERS FOR VICTORY
Without the Holy Spirit, no believer can overcome demonic power.

a) The Holy Spirit gives discernment (Acts 13:9-10) Paul recognised Elymas’s true nature and addressed the evil spirit operating through him.

b) Divine authority comes through spiritual empowerment (Luke 10:19). Jesus has given us power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.

c) The Holy Spirit releases boldness to confront evil (Acts 4:31). When filled with the Spirit, believers can face opposition fearlessly.

d) Power is demonstrated when we act in obedience (Acts 13:11). Paul spoke as led by the Spirit, and the power of God manifested instantly.

Biblical Example: David, filled with faith and courage, faced Goliath in God’s power and prevailed (1 Samuel 17:45-50).

3. DIVINE JUDGEMENT SILENCES DEMONIC POWERS
God will not allow His work to be hindered without consequence.

a) Paul pronounced judgement under divine inspiration (Acts 13:11). The blindness of Elymas symbolised the spiritual blindness of all who oppose God’s truth.

b) Judgement reveals God’s supremacy over darkness (Psalm 9:16). When God acts, His righteousness is displayed before all men.

c) The punishment of evil brings fear and reverence (Acts 5:11). God’s interventions cause people to respect His power and authority.

d) The enemy’s downfall confirms God’s presence (Isaiah 41:10-11). Those who rise against God’s servants will fall in shame.

Biblical Example: King Herod was struck by an angel for exalting himself against God’s glory (Acts 12:21-23).

4. DIVINE POWER BRINGS CONVERSION AND GLORY TO GOD
The ultimate purpose of divine power is the salvation of souls and the glory of God.

a) The proconsul believed after witnessing God’s power (Acts 13:12). Miraculous signs confirm the truth of the gospel and lead people to faith.

b) Power encounters break the hold of darkness (Mark 16:20).As God confirms His word with signs, the kingdom of Satan loses ground.

c) The gospel advances where the Holy Spirit moves (Acts 9:31). When the Spirit is active, growth and revival follow.

d) Every manifestation of God’s power glorifies Jesus (Philippians 2:9-10). The name of Jesus is exalted above all names, and every knee must bow.

Biblical Example: The deliverance of Paul and Silas in prison led to the salvation of the jailer and his household (Acts 16:25-34).

CONCLUSION:
The encounter between Paul and Elymas reveals that demonic opposition is real, but it cannot withstand the power of the Holy Spirit. Every believer has been given authority through Jesus Christ to overcome and silence the works of darkness.

We are not to run from demonic confrontation but to stand boldly, filled with the Spirit, and proclaim the victory of Christ. When God’s power is displayed, souls are saved, and His name is glorified.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, fill me afresh with Your Spirit and power.
2. Father, give me spiritual discernment to identify demonic resistance.
3. Every power opposing my destiny, be silenced in Jesus’ name.
4. Lord, empower me to stand boldly against all evil forces.
5. Every Elymas in my path, be rendered powerless by the Holy Ghost.
6. Father, let Your judgement fall upon every force hindering the gospel.
7. Lord, confirm Your Word in my life with signs and wonders.
8. Holy Spirit, use me to bring souls out of darkness into light.
9. Every satanic voice speaking against my progress, be silenced forever.
10. Lord, let Your power be evident in my life and ministry.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall walk in divine power and authority!
2. Every demonic force standing against you shall bow!
3. You are rising above every form of satanic opposition!
4. The Holy Spirit shall fill you with boldness and victory!
5. Every Elymas in your life shall be struck down by divine power!
6. You shall operate in the authority of Christ with great results!
7. No weapon formed against your destiny shall prosper!
8. The Lord will use you to demonstrate His power to your generation!
9. The gospel in your mouth shall produce signs, wonders, and conversions!
10. You shall overcome every opposition and glorify God with your testimony!