S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

There are some Christians who believe they not only have the authority to rebuke the devil, but also they must be about the business of rebuking him continually. There is no biblical basis for such...

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July 01 2013 • 9 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

penny frazier Supporter

To rebuke literally means to reprimand sharply. How did Jesus rebuke satan in Matt:4 when tempted? He spoke the word of God saying, "It is written." We as christians are to use the weapons of God which are not carnal (or natural) but spiritual found in Eph.6:10-18, and obey the commission Jesus gave to all his disciples, including us now who are under the new covenant of grace as found in Mark 16:15-18. We are to speak the word of God to rebuke the evil one who the word says is the god (little g) of this world. However Jesus has given the church the authority (we have his power of authority) to use his name (Luke 10:19) and rebuke the devil, for the word says in John 10:10 that the thief (satan) comes to steal, kill and destroy.

July 15 2018 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College & Dallas Seminary graduate, Pentair

It is my opinion that Christians may have the authority to rebuke Satan but do not need to as Michael has said. 

God has the job of doing it as expressed in the Bible: In the Book of Job (Job 1:6) Satan is among the sons of God and his assaults upon Job are divinely permitted. In Zechariah (Zechariah 3:1-2) Satan is also a servant of God. In both of these passages, there is a hint of opposition between God and Satan. In the former instance, Satan assails unsuccessfully the character of one whom God honors; while in the latter God explicitly rebukes Satan for his attitude toward Israel.

September 13 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Andrew Osakue Supporter Ex: Chief T. Officer, Fish Farmer, Bible Teacher, Men Leader

I wish to deviate from most of the answers so far rendered. 

Satan is a defeated foe. He lost his power and authority at the cross of Calvary. MT 28:18-20. 

Jesus handed over this power and authority to his disciples before ascending into heaven. 

As Jesus is, so are his disciples in this world. (1JN 4:17) 

The Spirit of Jesus dwells in all believers. (1 COR 3:16)

Greater is he who is in believer than he (satan) who is in the world. (1 JN 4:4) 

Believers are seated with Christ in heavenly places. (EPH 2:6) 

Christ rebuked satan twice. (MT 4:10, 16:23)

Christ gave authority to his disciples to raise the dead, heal the sick, cast out devils. (MT 10:8) 

Which is harsher? Rebuking the devil or casting him out? 

The authority the first Adam lost was restored by the second Adam - Jesus. 

Believers don’t know the power and authority they possess because they have not renewed their minds to the reality of who they are in Christ.

June 05 2025 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Do Christians have the authority to rebuke the Devil?

Sadly, we do not have the power to rebuke the Devil, but what we do have is the power to resist him. James 4:7 ESV: "Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

This means that a person can defeat Satan by obeying God rather than the Devil.

Eph 6:11 also tells us to "11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil."

The Bible clearly teaches that believers do not need to live in fear of Satan, because Christ has already won the decisive victory over him through His death and resurrection. However, Scripture also presents a balanced view of spiritual authority that avoids both fear and arrogance.

Jesus gave His disciples authority over evil spirits during His earthly ministry (Luke 9:1, Luke 10:19). The apostles also exercised authority over demons in Christ's name. These passages show that Satan and his forces are subject to God's power and that believers share in Christ's victory. Yet the New Testament emphasises resisting the Devil more than directly rebuking him.

The power does not come from personal strength, bold words, or spiritual confidence. It comes from a believer's relationship with Christ and obedience to Him.

Similarly, 1 Peter 5:8-9 warns Christians to be alert because the Devil prowls like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Peter's instruction is not to engage Satan in conversation or confrontation but to stand firm in the faith. The focus remains on trusting God rather than becoming preoccupied with the enemy.

Jude 9 is an important passage: even the archangel Michael, disputing with the Devil over the body of Moses, did not level a railing accusation against him. Instead, he said, "The Lord rebuke you." This example demonstrates humility and dependence upon God's authority. Michael did not rely on his own position or strength but left judgment to the Lord.

This helps Christians understand their authority correctly. Believers can oppose Satan, reject his temptations, pray against his influence, and command evil spirits in the name of Jesus where appropriate. However, Scripture does not encourage Christians to boast of their authority or treat spiritual warfare as a contest of personal power. The victory belongs to Christ, not to us.

Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the armour of God. Paul teaches believers to stand firm with truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, God's Word, and prayer. The emphasis is not on repeatedly rebuking the Devil but on remaining faithful and spiritually prepared. A Christian's strongest defence is a life rooted in Christ.

Therefore, Christians do have authority because they belong to Jesus Christ and share in His triumph over Satan. Yet they exercise that authority under God's authority, not independently. While believers may pray for the Lord to defeat Satan's work and may resist the Devil in Christ's name, Scripture consistently points to dependence on God rather than self-confidence. The safest and most biblical approach is to trust the Lord, stand firm in faith, and let God exercise His ultimate authority over the Devil.

As Christians walk closely with Christ, they need not fear Satan. The Devil is powerful, but he is not equal to God. Christ is Lord, His victory is complete, and believers can face spiritual opposition with confidence, humility, and trust in God's power.

1 day ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report