Christian Authority Concerning Angels

In our previous post, we began a discussion about Christian authority and whether we were created lower than angels. Now, let’s look at the second argument we mentioned: since the archangel Michael did not go against Satan when disputing over the body of Moses (Ju 9), this is an example many use to claim we do not have the authority to go against Satan either.

There is an important point to consider: Michael likely did not fight with Satan in this instance because of the difference in their rank, not necessarily because Michael was not willing, or able, to fight Satan. After all, we see that one future day Michael will fight and defeat Satan (Rv 12:7-9). Michael was likely putting Satan in his place, by implying with his words that God was superior to Satan and had the ultimate say. Since Satan was trying to use his authority being over Adam’s kingdom (see previous post), Michael was reminding Satan that his authority was limited.

In a previous post, I also showed how Christians work with angels and we each have a role in God’s ultimate plan (God Uses Both Christians and Angels to Accomplish His Plan). Our actions can be just as powerful as those of angels. In some ways, we are examples to them (1Co 4:9; 1Pt 1:12). Also, angels respond to God’s word, so when we pray God’s word, we activate angels as well because they obey his words, and his words do not return empty (Ps 103:20; Is 55:11).

There are many types and ranks of angels and each have their specific duties which God has given them (Partnering with Angels). Yet, while we may not be able to see them, we work with them to achieve God’s overarching plan. So, while they are more powerful than us humans in a physical sense, we have just as much responsibility and spiritual power if we work in concert with them obeying the will of Christ in our lives.

Besides, we often quote 1 John 4:4, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (NIV).” This implies that we do have authority through the Holy Spirit to go against Satan and the angels who follow him.

So, now that we have addressed the counterargument to the notion that we as followers of Christ have authority, what kind of authority do we actually have? We’ll explore that next time. I hope you come along with me for that discussion.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens