AUTHORITY IN CHRIST

AUTHORITY IN CHRIST

FOCUS VERSE:  Luke 10: 19 - I have given you authority …..  To overcome all the power of the enemy.

DECLARATION: I walk in divine authority today; nothing shall by any means harm me.

Our authority comes from the victory of Christ Jesus:  Jesus has never told us to work hard or pray earnestly to earn authority but He has taught us - I have given you authority.  Given, not secured, not self-generated, but delegated.  An ambassador does not go about his work on his own authority but that which is delegated from the head of the country he represents.  

Matthew 28: 18 and 19 - And Jesus said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.

Here, we see Jesus crucified on the cross, lying helpless and yet contradictory to this, He taught His disciples - “All authority has been given to Me”.  Meaning, over Pontius Pilate, over Herod, over the High Priest, Governors, Emperor, etc.  

Ephesians 1: 20 and 21 - That He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
Colossians 2: 15 - He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him.

Thus we understand that we do not need to fight for victory, but we fight in prayer from victory gained for us on the Cross of Calvary.

Spiritual authority requires spiritual submission:  You cannot receive authority without submission or surrender.  The centurion who came to receive healing from Jesus understood this principle very well and hence requested Jesus to “only say the word”.  

James 4: 7 - Submit yourselves therefore to God.  resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Only when you surrender and stand in total submission will the authority flow.  

John 15: 5 - I am the vine; you are the branches.  Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
Romans 6: 13 - Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life,and your members to god as instruments for righteousness.

Authority without submission becomes presumption.

Authority must be exercised by faith:  After the ascension of Jesus, He delegated authority to His disciples, but they had to work it by faith.  There was no sceptre or rod of authiryt passed on but delegation was by word of mouth.  The disciples received it by faith and acted upon it.  Faith activates what God has already provided.  Operate this authority over demon spirits and to heal.  

Mark 11: 22 - And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God”.
Acts 3: 6 - But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”
Ephesians 6: 16 - In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.

Many believers are in fear of using their authority even though it is inside of them.  Their understanding is that only a few blessed people have this authority.  This is the reason they run to others to be prayed over to receive a breakthrough.

Authority is given for Kingdom purpose:  To fulfill the purposes of His Kingdom, we have been given authority.  In Luke chapter 9, the twelve apostles were  chosen and given authority.  In the next chapter we read that 72 more persons were chosen and given authority.  This is to preach the Gospel in every village, town and city - to heal the sick, to drive away demon spirits, etc.  authority may also be misused.  Authority is given to advance the Gospel, to defeat the works of darkness, serve people, to free the captives, to bring glory to Jesus.  

Acts 1: 8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come uon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Mark 16: 17 - And these signs will accompany those who believe; in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues.
1 Peter 4: 11 - Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as jone who serves by the strength that Gof supplies - in jorder tht iln everything God may ne glorified through Jesus Christ.  To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.  Amen.

The highest use of authority is service.  Even government officials are given authority - to serve the people and the country.  Because you have been given authority, walk with confidence.  You have been given dominion, do not live intimidated by fear, lies of the devil, oppression, etc.  Remember - (i) Jesus has won the victory.  (ii) He has given you the authority. (iii) He is with me.
So stand firm in faith under Jesus’ delegated authority.  


GOD BLESS YOU ALL!