Can Christians really “bind satan” or “take authority over him?”


These days it is not uncommon to hear people “praying against Satan,” “binding Satan,” or “taking authority over the Devil.” One question always comes to mind, does the Bible really teach this? If not, what does the Bible teach about him and the Christian’s relationship to him? The answer is that the Bible does not teach that Christians can do any of the three. Here are some things that the Bible does teach about Satan and our relationship to him, not in any particular order:


  1. Even the angels do not speak against the Devil

Jude 9 (NKJV)


In the original language Michael is referred to as an arche angelos, which means a chief or ruling angel. Michael may well be the most powerful of the angels and, yet, he appeals to the Lord as opposed to challenging him directly. If a chief/ruling angel dares not speak against the devil, who are we to do so?

  1. The demons know Jesus and they know who belongs to Him including who has His authority. The consequences of trying to misuse Christ’s authority can get ugly rather quickly.

Acts 19:11-16 (KJV)

11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:



So the sons of Sceva, trying to use authority they did not have, were literally beaten and overcome by the demonized man. If you think someone is being demonized, it is best to pray for them; leave the casting out to the Holy Spirit.

  1. Christians are commanded to resist the Devil

James 4:7 (KJV)


We, as Christians, are to resist the devil. How do we do this? We resist the Devil in the same way Jesus did, with Scripture. When wicked thoughts come, or situations place us in a position to be tempted, the surest way to deal with that is to stand on the Scripture and trust Jesus to deliver you from the situation.


There is so much that could be said on the topic of Christians and their relationship to the devil, but this will serve as a starting point for you.

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