My Thoughts:
Speaking truth to power is a phrase I hear often. It reminds me of the various protest movements against governments that date back to the volatile 1960s. We see it today from groups on the political left and right.
It is great to have a democracy that, in theory, allows free speech. Although, the reality is that you could lose your job over your opinions.
Jesus taught his disciples to worship him in Spirit and Truth. He gave his disciples both then and now spiritual authority over the demonic.
The Apostle Paul taught that the real powers in charge occupy the spiritual realm. They influence political decisions and policies we see played out on earth. Many politicians are puppets serving their dark overlords.
We need to face it: monovalent entities are pulling the strings of their political puppets whose policies are counter to the Kingdom of God.
When we hear lies, we should counter them with the truth of Scripture, not our political opinions.
That is how we speak truth to power.
When the spiritual powers hear the proclamation of the gospel and when people receive it - they tremble.
Principalities and Powers are not fearful of believers who do not speak the truth in love. They scoff at our attempts to argue with the people they control.
Yelling at demons during a prayer meeting is not how we exercise spiritual authority. We pray to God and invite his presence to drive the darkness away. The proclamation of truth and prayer are effective ways to push darkness away. People who submit to Jesus through a lifestyle that reflects the values of the Kingdom see results. We have authority over demons, but our focus must be on God.
The Scripture:
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." - Ephesians 6:12 ESV (Read the whole chapter)
"Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." - Ephesians 5: 11
"Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” - Luke 10:19-20
Note: In Luke 10:19-20 Jesus is talking about ground-level spiritual warfare. Disciples of Jesus have the power and authority to cast demons out of people and sometimes places. We have not been - given the authority to cast out evil cosmic powers in the heavenly realms. Those Powers that influence cities, states, and governments can only be - removed through the proclamation of the gospel, repentance, and prayer.
Here is the Apostle Paul's spiritual battle plan:
"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." - Ephesians 6: 13-20
