Many believers want to know how to bind and loose spiritual things. Where did the idea of binding and loosing spirits or “the supernatural” come from? Is it biblical for a person to “speak the word” of binding and loosing?
While studying the life of Jesus, I came across an interesting piece of information about the “scribes” of His day. Now, if I told you I knew a man who was a scribe by profession, that might not help you understand his role at all. We do not use the term today, although we understand it has something to do with writing.
Scribes wrote binding documents and loosing documents. Like a clerk today, the scribes wrote up the documents that would issue a penalty to which a person would be bound. Or they might write up papers that loose someone from incarceration, probation, or some other obligation. The “binding and loosing,” however, is never under the clerk’s arbitrary authority. The clerk writes only what has been decreed from the judge.
The reason this thought caught my attention is that it does not seem in sync with so much that is promoted as spiritual warfare. People are told to decree and declare certain things that must happen because we are speaking them into existence. Yet this sounds a lot like a clerk who has mistaken self for being a judge. We do not come in our own authority, we simply act on His.
The implications of binding and loosing spirits
Through the years, I have noticed issues arise among those who do the “binding and loosing” so much—things they blame on the devil being after them and such. If I wrote up a document freeing someone from jail without authorization from the judge, I would be in big trouble. I could be arrested for writing up papers that would get a person arrested or issuing a search warrant the judge did not agree to. Could some of the negative effects of “spiritual warfare” be caused by the believer stepping out of bounds?
The point, then, is that we must operate in proper authority. Jesus commanded demons to flee. The decree had already been issued—the power of the evil one was broken in Israel, the place where Jesus was sent. As a man, Jesus worked only within the realm of authority He had been given.
He only healed one man among many infirm people in Bethesda. He said another time, “I only do what I see my Father doing” and “I only speak what I hear from my Father.” What about us? Do we charge into areas angels fear to tread because we think the authority is our own? We should only do what the Judge authorizes.
Where is God working in your life? Has He commissioned you to take on every dark force you choose? Has He granted you the right to walk into the hospital and heal every person?
We have authority to bind and loose
Let’s examine the scriptures where the phrase “binding and loosing” comes from. In Matthew 16, Simon Peter had just received a glimpse of who Jesus is. Jesus congratulated him because Peter had not come up with this information on his own authority but it came from the great Judge—the Father in heaven. You see, no one has private revelations—everything comes from the One who knows all things and decrees all things.
Likewise, the power of binding and loosing was given to Peter personally at that moment (and thus to all who walk in revelation of who Jesus is). In the Literal Translation, Jesus said, “And whatever you bind on earth shall occur, having been bound in Heaven. And whatever you may loose on the earth shall be, having been loosed in Heaven.” (Matthew 16:19, LITV). So these things only occur if authorized from Heaven.
It appears that shortly after hearing this statement, Peter started taking “judgment” into his own hands. As Jesus spoke of what Heaven declared about His coming death, Peter tried “binding” (forbidding) Jesus’s words by saying, “Don’t talk like that!” His rebuke was unauthorized. Whatever is not from God is in rebellion against Him. Jesus turned and told Peter not to get ahead of Him: “Go behind me, Satan!” and critiqued him for not speaking that which was of God but of men (Matthew 16:21-23).
Whose authority do you come with?
Are you binding and loosing spirits? Are you acting on an order from the Judge or are you being a vigilante, taking supernatural matters into your own hands? I can tell you of horror stories of those who go out and confront the demonic kingdom in their own will, by their own edict. Demons tremble and run when the Lord pronounces doom on them. They retaliate when well-meaning people think they have the right to stir things up.
Yes, there is power in Jesus. However, we should never step out of His realm. He has given you a certain region where you are to work (II Corinthians 10:13). He has given you certain spiritual strengths where you may operate, but not outside those bounds (Matthew 25:15; Romans 12:6; I Corinthians 12:11; I Peter 4:10). There is a time for action to be taken among the believers, but only as the Judge decrees (I Corinthians 5:4-5).
Listen to the Judge. What is He speaking? Are you acting on what you see Him doing? Are you speaking what came from the Bench or what originated from your flesh? What He says goes. Pray. Listen. Then speak with authority and watch your effective prayers accomplish much.
Please comment below to share your experience with binding and loosing spirits.
33 thoughts on “Are you acting on your own authority?”
I really enjoyed this article.
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makes good sense, when a person walks into church or on the streets to be wise , and not foolish. I came out of church over 4 weeks ago at dusk, went over to get into my truck, out in the street was a form standing, similar to a man with a auburn color. I didn’t engage it .
From that time, it seems like TROUBLE has hit almost every church family. About a week ago I looked for this disturber of the peace . No avail , I am placing my self on a set time of prayer and fasting. Not going to look for it, because that’s my Fathers job .
When the time comes to engage, it will be according to His word .
I ask the Lord who this was ,
If I heard His voice, like I feel I did , his job was the spirit of failure:
In the town , people’s homes, because all the problems on church folks, was to discourage, weaken our faith, and make everyone feel like a failure.
We are not failures,
We are OVERCOMERS …
This is a wonderful article. I have done a short study on demons.We need to know. We need to know if its God or the enemy. We might be trying to bind or loosen God when it is in fact God trying to help or reveal something to us. Knowing the voice of God is very important. Awhile back I ask to teach me the difference between his voice and the devils.
Yes, we truly don’t want to fight against what the Judge has decreed. This is why John said not to pray for the sin unto death, for example.
This is absolutely correct !
You can’t just go and do as you please .
There are realms & authorities , ranks & levels that you have to deal with .
You have to know who you are , where you are , your rank & what the Lord is instructing you to do & never do what you aren’t released or authorized to do. The angels understand this , we need to learn it. Other forces are aware too.
They know and recognize our rank & weight but we often don’t .
This is a very critical & important topic , especially when dealing with the spirit realm & warfare . Much for us to learn & understand & become sensitive to & aware of. This is a very important read .
Thank you. One definitely doesn’t go into a fight without first sizing up the opponent.
As I read, I couldn’t help but think about the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19, who tried to do exactly what you’re talking about. It is vital that we operate within the realm that God has set for us so we don’t set ourselves up for failure, which can the open up a window for the devil to bring condemnation, which will hurt our spiritual self-esteem. The other thing to remember is there’s always someone watching us and we don’t want to potentially damage our witness by “biting off more than we can chew.” I can’t wait to share this with our millennial class and get they’re feedback!
Yes, you describe the challenge quite well.
I thought this was an interesting article. I agree that we should always remember that we are to operate and use the authority that God has given us and there has to be discretion and discernment of spirits. But, I think if anything, we have an extreme lack of Christians taking authority over things in our lives and in the lives of our families. One aspect that we are not considering is that every Holy Spirit filled Christian needs to understand the Kingdom of God and that it is to be operating constantly in our lives. When we truly understand the Kingdom of God and our authority, we will use that power and authority correctly. Our problem is not that we have too many people incorrectly trying to bind and loose…our problem is that we don’t have enough Christians using this concept. We have a serious problem of Christians walking in defeat and not experiencing the victory over the enemy in their lives and in their families and in the world around them.
I firmly believe in the concept of binding and loosing. I have experienced it many, many times. In one instance, I was in a Walmart parking lot. A couple cars over, there was a man with a vile spirit. He was on a rampage spewing obscenities non-stop. I have heard people swear before and use quite a few words in one conversation, but this was totally different. He was rampaging. I think he seriously could have hurt someone. I was loading groceries quickly in my car and then I felt the Holy Spirit urge me to take authority over this situation. I whispered under my breath, “In the name of Jesus, I bind this vile spirit and I command it to cease and desist right now. I loose the peace of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name amen.” There was no way that man heard me, but the demonic spirits in him heard me. A very frightened woman that was with him was on the receiving end of his rampage. His back was to me. As soon as I whispered those words, his head spun around and he stared at me in shock and a little fear. He immediately stopped everything. He opened his car door and sat down quietly in the car and shut the door. The shocked woman got in and backed the car out. I did not cast any demons out. It would have not been a permanent fix to his situation, because he had no desire to be free. But, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that I have the Kingdom of God operating in my life. Everywhere I go, that power and authority is with me and I can change the spiritual atmosphere wherever I go, IF I choose to do so. The problem is we don’t realize that we CAN and we SHOULD be doing this. When we walk in a room, the spiritual atmosphere should change.
After I told my hubby about what happened, he had a similar experience at work the next week and he decided he was going to do the same thing. He whispered the command and had the same results happen. We don’t have to put up with the enemy running around calling the shots and making life miserable.
I have used binding and loosing in church services as well. There was an immediate change in the spiritual atmosphere in the church service.
I do home health care and experienced a demonic encounter from an elderly lady when she was near to passing. The woman had rejected God her entire life and when the end came she was very tormented. I bound those spirits from acting out and they were silent to the moment she passed. Her family members were Christians and, though she rejected Christ to the last moment, binding those spirits from acting out brought peace to the family.
I encourage others to pray about this Kingdom of God concept and ask Him to reveal the knowledge you need and operate in His authority and power. Don’t get full of yourself and think it is you…that would surely lead to a fall. But, recognize who you are in Christ and start making a change in this world. The Kingdom of God operating in the disciples and Christ is what drew people to them. They could feel the change in the atmosphere around them.
Everywhere my feet trod, the Kingdom of God is right there and operating.
Thank you for bringing balance to this conversation.
As I was writing, I thought of the family. This is indeed a jurisdiction the Lord has given to us. Parents need to know to start here and not abandon family to go do some great work elsewhere.
This whole topic has drawn me to reexamine the word “apostle.” Of course, it means ‘sent one.’ When the Lord sends us, He is giving us jurisdiction in a place. I cannot walk into any town and just “take over.”
I have encountered and cast out demons on many occasions…The first characteristic Jesus said of Christians is that they will cast out demons. He said we will tread upon serpents and scorpions and no power of Satan will harm us. I find it disconcerting to say the least that in Pentecost there is such a lack of spiritual warfare and taking authority over demonic forces by the people of God. Much of this has to do with the fact that we have been conditioned to let the pastor and so called ministers to do all the preaching teaching and evangelism while we sit passively in a pew. This must and will change as everything that can be shaken will be shaken. Do you really think that we should be afraid of engaging a demon or force of evil that is more than we can handle? Do you not know that He who is in us is greater than he that is in the world? Have you no faith that yes we will make mistakes but He will never leave us not forsake us? I pray that you will grow a spiritual backbone and repent of injecting so much doubt and fear of the devil into your article! God Bless!
You are so right about many believers not doing a spiritual work because they are waiting on the clergy to do ministry stuff.
Your assessment of my faith and resolve miss the mark, however. This is not a discussion of if we will engage forces of evil, but of how.
For example, Paul was heading to do ministry in one area, but the Spirit stopped him. He was not authorized to work there, at least yet. The Lord then gave him understanding by a dream to go to Philippi. There he had a decree from the Lord to bind and loose (forbid and permit) so to speak, and he began to declare the good news, doing significant damage to the devil’s kingdom.
I enjoyed the article… I agree many make the mistakes of going out on their own not being called by God but because they want notariety for doing such things…. they end up in trouble ….
Many are called but rush out to soon…. they don’t take the time to prepare….again in trouble…
This article is awesome…. brings much insite and revelation… thank you for sharing !
Your comment reminds of someone I started to become close to. He began with a strong desire to work miracles and operate in the supernatural. Somehow the cart got ahead of the horse and now he is far out there in doctrine and doing very questionable things. So sad.
Thanks for the article. I believe that He directs us very specifically with His authority to bind and loose in circumstances and situations outside of areas like family where we have already been given His authority. I agree wholeheartedly that we can’t go around willy nilly binding and loosing as WE see fit. As I heard one minister say on this subject, he doesn’t get involved in this unless HE specifically feels the Lord directing Him to do so. Listening and sensitivity to His voice are surely a must. That’s why I cease not to seek His face and know His voice just as Jesus did. Thanks again!
We must focus more on seeing Jesus!
100% Amen.
God help us to follow Your lead and work WITH you not (even unknowingly) against You in Jesus name.
Sometimes people try to pray a Christian’s benefit on an unbeliever. That is only if God says yes, this is my sunshine on this unbeliever. His word has commands attached to alot of His promises.
People would think it strange if you walked into a place you dont work and demanded that companies benefits and yet people think they can demand God give them His benefit wothout serving Him.
Great illustration!
This is arevelation to me I’ve always tried binding and loosing and not considering that mane God didn’t want it to go that way or just didn’t want it .I thank you for this what seems to be a better understanding my way didn’t get a good response most of the time Please send more info on this subject if you have time thank you
Bro Fred
Excellent article! I think there is a ditch on both sides here, as on the one hand people can go too far and bite off more than they can chew, and on the other hand some do not exercise the authority that we have in Christ. Being Spirit led is the answer! We must walk in the Spirit, and go where the Lord leads. Let any binding and loosing be in the prophetic realm as God anoints you to speak.
So true. We do not want to dampen enthusiasm, just better focus our efforts.
Amen, amen, and amen!! What a great article! When we focus on crucifying our own flesh daily through the practice of the inward disciplines He is able to do great things in us, for us, and through us. Then when the Devil or one of his minions shows up all one has to do is simply resist him (e.g. by praying the Word aloud) and he will flee soon enough. That is preferred over getting into a tussle with an opponent one does not see.
Very deep. My thoughts are i would have the authority to bind and loose an addiction so to speak if its in Gods timing but not my own? Or i would always have that authority since addictions are of the flesh? So i guess now im questioning…wouldnt an addiction as such be Gods will for us to loose? When i think of binding and loosing thats what i think of…an addiction or action of the flesh or maybe an illness. God doesn’t give us sicknesses and such so i dont think it just wouldnt be his will for those in us to be bound and lost.
Don’t get me wrong, I believe in binding and loosing. It’s just that as one who’s got that T-shirt so to speak I find it better to practice those inward disciplines. Then when trouble comes ’round I say something like:
“Lord I am trusting you to take me the remaining distance between my very best efforts, at crucifying this ole stinkin’ flesh through the inward disciplines, and victory over this temptation. If my very best were enough what glory would you receive, but oh Lord I lean on you right now, on the power that’s in your name, and by your promise to make a way o Lord, activate that 1st John 3:9 power that you have placed in me, I stand firm in it Lord, the victory is ours in Jesus’ name”.
The best part is have not spent a millisecond in conversation with that nasty ole Devil.”
But again, I do believe in spiritual warfare as when on extremely rare occassions one can be felt bothering me. Buddy, I find that scarry and believe you me I get pleading the blood, casting out spirits, and everything else in our arsenal. 🙂
Thank you Bro. Koren.
Will definitely study this.
Very informative! I appreciate your wisdom and clarity on this subject. I enjoy all your posts.
Thank you!
Daniel Koren,
Excellent article!
As I am off Facebook (except for my book site) I am just reading this in messenger.
Actually, I was amazed as the Lord had already led me in prayer this morning , and in His Word, regarding this very topic. And you are correct that ‘as in heaven’ should things be done on earth: And done so as authority given by His Spirit—according to His Word.
The focus the Lord brought to my attention during devotion:
Some love the power of ‘binding and loosening’ than being true lovers of God.
Yes, God does give His people power. Yes, that power should be accessed by His people to reach and deliver souls . . . but done so—as God directs and authorizes. For when the ‘big event comes, it had better be a God authority—given:
“Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”
Acts 19:13-16 KJV
http://bible.com/1/act.19.13-16.kjv
➡️ Even Paul did not ‘jump to binding’ without using Wisdom: He waited several days:
“The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.”
Acts 16:17-18 KJV
http://bible.com/1/act.16.17-18.kjv
Yes, This is a good article: We do need His authority and guidance and timing—as we work in and through His presence.
Loved your article,
Lora.
Good to hear from you. Great insights!
Thank you.
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