You once told me I was talking badly about people who read straight from the Bible when I said they shouldn’t be rebuking Satan. I would like to know if you still feel this way. And if you do, I would like to know what scriptures confirm this. 

I understand it sounds like a warfare tactic, but I’ve never seen it used as one in the Bible. I have seen warnings against doing it. Jude 8-10 speaks of those who reject authority and revile angelic majesties and of Michael the archangel who refused to rebuke the devil because Satan was once an angelic majesty, but instead said, “ The Lord rebuke you.”

Even in Ephesians 6 when Paul spoke of being strong in the Lord he said nothing about declaring; nothing about decreeing. And did you notice Paul didn’t mention a thing about using authority over the devil? What was it he said? “In addition to all, take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish ALL the flaming missiles of the evil one.” Not a word about rebuking; not a word about binding; was Paul ignorant about Jesus giving Christians all authority in heaven and on earth, after it was given to Him? Or, are Christians today ignorant about faith being able to extinguish ALL the flaming missiles of the evil one? 

I really want to know what you think about this because, for one thing, you are accusing me of speaking badly about people who believe and teach rebuking the devil. Even if I mention a person’s name I am not speaking against that person. I am speaking about their unfounded and unbiblical beliefs. My war is against Satan, not the people influenced by him.

I’m not mad, not trying to cause trouble, just curious about your belief on this. If you don’t want to tell me, don’t tell me. If you don’t mind telling me, please send me a text or email.

My primary concern is you and all others who believe things that aren’t in the Bible. We are to destroy speculations and lofty things raised up against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Rebuking the devil is a speculation and a lofty thought. It’s speculative in that it assumes each Christian has authority over Satan and it’s lofty because it is lifting oneself up to the level of the risen Christ who was given all authority in heaven and on earth AFTER He was resurrected. While He was still on earth He was tempted by Satan and tormented by Satan’s followers. So, too, are all disciples of Christ to this day.

My secondary concern is me. There’s been a lot of bad things going around about me in our little town. 

I still believe your sweet heart has been touched and changed by the Son of God. I am not questioning that.

If you get time there is more on https://jondavidbanks.com/2024/01/06/the-full-armor-of-god-2/

Jon David Banks, God’s most unworthy servant