“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” (Acts 19:13-16)
First notice the phrase “took it upon themselves”, meaning they did this on their own… next what they said “we exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches” in todays time this could be compared to those who say things and end it with “in Jesus name”, yet nothing happens… In Jesus name is not a magic phrase, it’s the authority given to those who are in covenant with Him! Many have no understanding of what covenant means, and this is crucial!
Even greater it’s simply those in real union with Jesus who are becoming like Him and reflect His glory! Demons flee simply being in His presence, and many times no words need to be said!
Deuteronomy 28 gives the blessings for those who are obedient (in covenant) and the curses for the disobedient (not in covenant). So look at this, “The Lord will cause you to be defeated before your enemies; you shall go out one way against them and flee seven ways before them; and you shall become troublesome to all the kingdoms of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:25). There were seven sons who were sent fleeing by the enemy, so seven ways!
They had no authority, why? They were not in covenant with Jesus! Even the demons knew it for they said “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” The word know in reference to Jesus is “ginosko” which means intimately know. So they KNOW who Jesus is! The word in reference to Paul is “epistamai”, which means to recognize or becoming acquainted with. So those in the demonic realm were coming to realize that Paul was in covenant with Jesus and had real authority of the Lord Jesus!
Let me ask you, do the demons know (epistamai) you, because you KNOW (ginosko) Jesus???
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)
Are you trampling serpents and scorpions in your own life? If not you will have no authority to in the lives of others!