Acts 16:17-18

 

 

 

This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, "These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation."  And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And he came out that very hour.

 

In this Scripture, we see that demonic spirits recognize those who belong to the Lord. We also see that Paul rebuked the demonic spirit operating in the girl, not the actual girl. Paul commanded the spirit to come out in the name of Jesus, demonstrating the authority and power we have been given in the name of Jesus and how to use this awesome privilege. We are to speak to the spirits controlling those who are working against us for evil, and not take offense against the person. We are to simply and straightforwardly cast out demonic spirits, not entertain dialogue with them or play any games. Just like Paul did, we are to exercise our authority and simply cast them out!