Shake That Snake
- fccreative
- Sep 2
- 10 min read
Shaking Off Fear: Authority and Healing in Christ
Today, we gathered to honor the presence of God and to remember the power of the cross, where Jesus shed His blood to redeem us and restore our relationship with Him. We looked into Acts 28, where Paul, after surviving a shipwreck, is bitten by a viper on the island of Malta. Despite the attack, Paul simply shakes the snake off into the fire and suffers no harm. This moment is a powerful reminder that as believers, we have no reason to fear the enemy, who is often symbolized by the serpent. God has already handled the enemy’s position—he belongs under our feet, not in our minds or hearts. Through Christ, we are raised up and given authority over all the power of the enemy.
The enemy may try to attack us, especially when we draw closer to God, but his power has been disarmed. Just as a snake without venom cannot harm, the devil’s poison has been neutralized by the blood of Jesus. We are not called to chase after the enemy or live in fear, but to remain in the presence of God, where our authority is rooted. The attacks may come, but they cannot destroy us. Even when people misjudge us or speak against us, God is our vindicator. Their opinions may change, but our identity and victory in Christ remain secure.
Paul’s response to the snake bite is instructive. He does not panic or allow the attack to define him. Instead, he shakes it off and continues his mission. The very hand that was bitten becomes the hand that brings healing to others. This is a profound truth: God can turn our wounds into sources of healing and ministry. The places where we have been hurt can become the very places where God’s power flows through us to bless others. We are called to shake off offense, bitterness, and the opinions of others, and to step into the ministry and purpose God has for us. No matter what has bitten us—be it pain, betrayal, or trauma—God’s grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. Let us move forward, shake off every snake, and become vessels of healing and testimony for the glory of God.
Key Takeaways
1. The Enemy’s True Position
The enemy does not belong in our minds, on our backs, or whispering in our ears—his rightful place is under our feet. When we dwell in the secret place of God’s presence, we are elevated above the enemy’s reach. Our authority is not based on our own strength, but on our position in Christ, who has already triumphed over the serpent.
2. Authority Over the Enemy’s Power
God has not only given us power but also authority over all the works of the enemy. The difference between power and authority is crucial: the enemy may have some power, but he has no permission to operate in our lives unless we allow it. We are called to trample, not tiptoe, over the enemy—walking boldly in the authority Christ has given us, knowing that His victory is our victory.
3. Discerning Attacks from Judgment
Not every hardship or attack is a sign of God’s judgment. God’s judgment is unmistakable and inescapable, but attacks from the enemy are designed to distract and discourage. When the enemy’s weapons fail to destroy us, it is evidence of God’s protection and a reminder that we already have victory. We must learn to discern the difference and not internalize every attack as divine punishment.
4. Shaking Off Offense and Bitterness
Holding onto the bite—whether it’s offense, hurt, or the opinions of others—only leads to bitterness and toxicity. We are called to shake off every snake, refusing to let wounds define us or hinder our calling. The act of shaking it off is not denial, but a declaration that the attack will not have the final word in our lives.
5. Healing Flows from Our Wounds
The very place where we have been bitten, hurt, or wounded can become the source of healing for others. God specializes in turning our pain into power, our misery into ministry, and our trauma into testimony. When we surrender our wounds to God, He uses them to bring deliverance and hope to those around us—our greatest ministry often flows from our deepest pain.
Bible Study Guide
Acts 28:1-10 (ESV) — Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. And the native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him. And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.
Observation Questions
What did the natives of Malta assume about Paul when the viper bit him, and how did their opinion change after he suffered no harm?
According to the sermon, what is the significance of Paul shaking the snake off into the fire instead of panicking or letting it define him?
What did Paul do with the same hand that had been bitten by the snake, and why is this detail important in the story?
In the passage, what role does the fire play in both revealing the snake and in Paul’s response to the attack?
Interpretation Questions
The sermon says the enemy’s rightful place is “under our feet.” What does this mean for how believers should view spiritual attacks or temptations?
The difference between power and authority is highlighted in the sermon. Why is it important for believers to understand that they have authority over the enemy, not just power?
The people on Malta misjudged Paul, thinking his suffering was God’s judgment. How can believers discern the difference between God’s judgment and an attack from the enemy in their own lives?
The sermon teaches that God can use the very place of our wounds to bring healing to others. What does this suggest about how God works through our pain and past hurts?
Application Questions
The sermon says the enemy tries to get into our minds and hearts, but his place is under our feet. Are there specific thoughts or fears you’ve been letting “live in your head” that you need to put under your feet this week? What would it look like to do that?
When you face spiritual attacks or discouragement, do you tend to panic, withdraw, or “shake it off” like Paul did? What is one practical way you can respond differently the next time you feel attacked or misunderstood?
The difference between power and authority was explained in the sermon. Is there an area of your life where you’ve been acting like the enemy has authority he doesn’t actually have? How can you walk in the authority Christ has given you?
Have you ever held onto offense, bitterness, or the opinions of others after being “bitten” by a situation or person? What is one step you can take this week to “shake off” that offense and move forward?
The sermon says that God can turn our wounds into sources of healing for others. Can you think of a time when God used your pain or past hurt to help someone else? If not, is there a wound you need to surrender to God so He can use it for ministry?
The people on Malta changed their minds about Paul after seeing God’s protection. How do you handle it when people misjudge you or talk about you? What would it look like to trust God for your vindication instead of trying to defend yourself?
The sermon encourages us to stay close to the “fire” of God’s presence, even when attacks come. What is one way you can intentionally draw closer to God’s presence this week, especially if you’re facing challenges?
Devotional
Day 1: The Enemy Is Under Your Feet
God has already handled the position of the enemy, and as believers, we are not to live in fear of the devil’s schemes or presence. The serpent, first introduced in the Garden of Eden, was cursed by God to crawl on its belly and be underfoot, symbolizing that the enemy’s rightful place is beneath the authority of those who are in Christ. No matter how the enemy tries to whisper lies or get close, his only position is under your feet, and you are called to walk in that victory and authority, not allowing him to rise above his place in your life.
Genesis 3:14-15 (ESV)The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
Reflection: In what area of your life have you allowed the enemy to rise above his rightful place, and how can you intentionally put him back under your feet through prayer and faith today?
Day 2: You Have Authority Over the Enemy’s Power
God has not only handled the enemy’s position but has also disarmed his power, giving believers both the authority and ability to trample over all the power of the enemy. Through Christ, you have been given the right to walk boldly, not tiptoeing in fear, but trampling over every scheme, lie, and attack of the enemy. The devil may still have a bite, but his venom has been drained by the finished work of Jesus on the cross, and you are empowered to walk in freedom and victory, knowing that nothing shall by any means harm you.
Luke 10:18-19 (ESV)And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 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.”
Reflection: Where do you need to stop tiptoeing and start trampling in your spiritual walk, boldly exercising the authority Jesus has given you?
Day 3: Shake Off the Snake—Don’t Let Offense or Attacks Linger
When the enemy attacks, or when people judge and misunderstand you, you are not called to hold onto the pain, offense, or bitterness. Like Paul, who shook the viper off into the fire and suffered no harm, you are empowered to shake off every attack, every lie, every wound, and not let it poison your spirit. The bite may sting, but it does not have to define you or linger; you have the power in Christ to let go, forgive, and move forward into your destiny without carrying the weight of what was meant to harm you.
Acts 28:3-5 (ESV)When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.
Reflection: Is there a recent hurt, offense, or judgment from others that you are still holding onto? What would it look like for you to “shake it off” today and refuse to let it poison your heart?
Day 4: God Turns Your Wounds Into Healing for Others
The very place where you have been bitten, wounded, or hurt can become the place where God’s healing and power flow through you to others. Just as Paul used the same hand that was bitten by the viper to lay hands and heal the sick, God can transform your pain, trauma, and past into a testimony and ministry that brings deliverance and hope to those around you. Don’t let your wounds make you withdraw; instead, trust that God can use your story and your scars to bring healing to someone else who needs it.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Reflection: What is one area of pain or past hurt in your life that God might want to use as a source of healing or encouragement for someone else this week?
Day 5: Stay Close to the Fire—Press Into God’s Presence
The enemy often attacks when you are drawing closer to God, not when you are running cold or distant. The viper in Paul’s story only struck when he was near the fire, reminding us that spiritual attacks can intensify as we pursue God’s presence and purpose. Don’t let opposition or difficulty drive you away from the fire; instead, press in, keep seeking, keep worshiping, and let the presence of God be your protection and your strength. The safest place is always close to the fire of God’s presence.
Psalm 91:1-4 (ESV)He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can draw closer to the “fire” of God’s presence today, even if it means facing new challenges or opposition?
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