03-15-13 Rebuking

To Rebuke: A strong expression of disapproval, as by one in authority; reprimand; reprove sharply.

So, we've learned that repenting is asking for forgiveness and turning away from the sin, renouncing is totally separating ourselves from any contact with that sin. What about rebuking? Should we rebuke the demonic and their influences in our lives? What about rebuking satan? Of course.

First of all, let's see what Jesus did.

Mark 4:39 He (Jesus) got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

This isn't talking about rebuking the enemy, but it is talking about the AUTHORITY Jesus has that even the natural elements obeyed His command.

Luke 9:42 Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father.

Ok, now this is more like it. There was this boy, who had maybe epilepsy or something like that. Whatever it was, Jesus discerned that it was an impure or unclean spirit in Him. Jesus used His AUTHORITY given to Him by Father to rebuke the spirit (sending it away from the boy), and the boy was healed.

Mark 1:25 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

Or what about this one? Some guy came into the church where Jesus was at and (the demonic) recognized him as the Son of God. Well, Jesus wasn't into letting that be fully known to everyone quiet yet. He rebuked the demon and the demon left the man.

Ok, two more verses Matthew 10:1 "Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness."

Luke 10:17-20 "The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

What did He just do and say? Well, first He gave the authority He had to rebuke (drive out the enemy) and to heal to His disciples. Then He said to the 72 additional disciples (representing us) that He has given US His authority to overcome ALL the power of the enemy. The demons listened to them because they knew their AUTHORITY. But Jesus warned them / us not to get all worked up about casting out demons - like that should be the norm... really. But to rejoice because they / we are His.

"But wait, what about where it says that we shouldn't rebuke satan? Well, it doesn't quite say that. It was talking about Michael the archangel and we don't really know what authority he has. So, he said 'The Lord rebuke you (send you away)."

Jude 9 But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you."

Well, one thing we should know is that satan is a created being, not God's opposite. He is not all-powerful. He is not all-knowing. He is not everywhere. So, the chances of satan himself being around is quite slim. But his demonic horde are all around... trying to wreak havoc wherever they can get a foothold.

What's this mean to us. Well, it means that WE HAVE THE AUTHORITY to tell the demonic influences in our lives to get out of our lives. We don't need to go running to someone else all the time (though there are times when another believer is helpful). We can tell the enemy to flee in the Name of Jesus', because we bear the Name of Jesus' inside of us - and they MUST flee.

Isn't that good news? And Jesus is right there beside us with huge smile... saying well done.

So, let's get rid of the enemy's influences in our lives and shut those doors once and for all. It's not only possible - it's our heritage!

I'll finish with a quote from St. Augustine, "He who confesses and condemns his sins, already acts with God. God condemns your sins: if you also condemn them, you are linked on to God."