We Have Authority—It’s time to start using it!

I mentioned in a recent post about God’s power in us that I’ve been working on writing some posts about spiritual warfare and encountering Satan and evil spiritual and supernatural forces. Some of the most important things we need to know when engaging in spiritual warfare is that we have power and authority from God. Therefore, this post is primarily going to be focusing on instruction on the authority that God gives us and encouragement to start using that authority.

It’s so important that we discuss authority because if we don’t know we have it, we won’t use it. This is like a $100 bill in your pocket that you don’t know is there! If you don’t use it, it won’t do you any good. It reminds me of the time when I had sold my college textbooks back to the bookstore at the end of the semester and pocketed my refund. I packed that pair of pants away and forgot that the money was in my pocket. Several months went by when that money would have come in really handy. I had the money the whole time. I just wasn’t aware of it and didn’t use it. That is, until one day when I wore those pants again and stuck my hand in my pocket. That was a great day!

What IS authority and why is it important?

Authority is delegated power. It’s a power granted to one person by someone else who is IN authority. Authority is being in charge, in control, or in command. The person in authority is the one legally giving the orders, and the ones to whom those orders are given MUST comply.

As a Christian, we have authority over the enemy, given to us by God (more about this throughout the post).

This is important because if God gave us authority over the enemy, that then means WE are the ones in charge and the enemy must comply. Or as a child might put it, the devil is “not the boss of us” or our situations and circumstances. Therefore, we need to stop acting like he is and stop acting like we’re powerless.

There needs to be authority for things to be in place. Satan always wants to stop it. However, the devil and his forces HAVE to recognize our influence as believers.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 (KJV)

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (NIV)

Where does authority come from?

If authority is delegated power, then where does it come from? All authority comes from God.

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” Romans 13:1 (NLT)

The value of authority rests in the power behind it. God is the power behind our influence. When we use our God-given authority, HIS power backs us up.

Even Jesus was under God’s authority. He was not out doing his own works in his own name. Jesus does what God does or God’s will.

“So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.” John 5:19 (NLT)

“I can do nothing on my own. I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will.” John 5:30 (NLT)

We are also under God’s authority. James 4:7 says that we should submit ourselves to God, then resist the devil and he will flee. To “submit” here indicates that to get our power and influence we have to obey and follow the one who gives it to us. Subordinates not obeying or submitting their upper authority will get their own power revoked. This means that we have to FIRST be submitted to God under HIS authority (to his teaching and his Word), just as Jesus was. We must follow and obey God and his Word. This submission to a higher authority then gives us our authority within which we operate and have power, God’s power working with and through us.

How authority works on the earth…Is God REALLY in control?

I’ve always been taught to be careful of saying that God controls everything. God is sovereign, but he does not always assume control. He has the power to control, but he has handed the authority over to mankind. Dominion was given to Adam upon creation. When Adam and Eve sinned they transferred that authority over to sin and to Satan who then became the “god” of this world. This why we see bad things happen on the earth. However, Jesus came and took that authority back and then restored it to his followers. I once read it this way….

God gives authority to man (Adam)

Adam then gives authority to sin

Abraham releases faith

Faith raises Jesus

Jesus takes back authority

Jesus assigns authority to believers

We shouldn’t use “God is in control” as an excuse to sit back and let somebody else do the work of spiritual warfare.

God gave authority to man at creation

God ordained that man was meant for authority, and authority belongs to man.

“Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”” Genesis 1:26-28 (NLT)

“And furthermore, it is not angels who will control the future world we are talking about. For in one place the Scriptures say, “What are mere mortals that you should think about them, or a son of man that you should care for him? Yet for a little while you made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them authority over all things.” Now when it says “all things,” it means nothing is left out. But we have not yet seen all things put under their authority.” Hebrews 2:5-8 (NLT)

God “leased” the earth

We could say that God “leased” the earth and everything in it to Adam. (Genesis 1:26-dominion). This is somewhat like vacationing at a rental house—we don’t own it. The earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24:1-ownership). Adam just used it. Adam sinned which “sub-leased” the earth to Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4-Satan is god of this world).

“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT)

“You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.” Ephesians 2:2 (NLT)

“I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me” John 14:30 (NLT)

“We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19 (NLT)

It’s a legal matter. God made a legal binding contract with Adam giving him authority. Adam legally gave that power and influence away by breaking a law given to him. Satan then legally picked up that authority that was transferred to him because of sin. Jesus, who was sinless, then came and legally obtained that authority back from Satan for his followers.

Authority restored

Jesus came to restore authority (give the lease back) to those who believe. Because of Adam’s offense, sin was made master of humanity and kept us from authority. Jesus came to give back authority.

“For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.

Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.

God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:17-21 (NLT)

Jesus was known for his authority

A distinguishing characteristic of Jesus’ ministry was his authority.

“When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.” Matthew 7:28-29 (NLT)

“The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law.” Mark 1:22 (NLT)

“What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!” Mark 1:27 (NLT)

“There, too, the people were amazed at his teaching, for he spoke with authority.” Luke 4:32 (NLT)

In Matthew 8:5-13 a Roman centurion, who was a Gentile, recognized the authority of Jesus. This Roman soldier was one of only a couple of people in the Bible whom Jesus said had “great faith”. This man understood the power and influence of Jesus because he, himself, was a man under authority and knew the power of authority.

Jesus disciples also recognized that he even had authority over nature and the elements. In Mark 4:35-41 he used authority over a storm and caused it to quiet.

“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39 (NLT)

“The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”” Mark 4:41 (NLT)

Then in multiple places throughout the New Testament, we can see Jesus’ authority over sickness, disease, demons and evil spirits, and even death.

Identifying with Christ=identifying with his authority and power

When we identify with Christ we identify with, and gain, the authority that comes with him. Our place is in heaven at the right hand of God. The ascension of Christ put us in the place of authority with Christ!

“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.” Ephesians 1:19-22 (NLT)

“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” Ephesians 2:6 (NIV)

Authority is transferred to believers

Jesus speaks before he leaves the earth and goes to heaven. Jesus says that he has been given all authority in heaven and on earth and he transferred his authority to his disciples, and subsequently to us. Now we can walk in influence too. Jesus tells us to go walk in this authority.

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19 (NIV)

“Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)

“Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.” Luke 10:19 (NLT)

We are people of authority. Jesus showed his disciples how to have authority, and they did. We’ve got to get stronger in authority. When we do not exercise our influence Satan steps in.

Use authority in order for it to work

The key is that we have to actually USE the authority in order for it to work. Remember the $100 bill in our pocket? Otherwise, Satan will come in as a thief and trespass, steal, and destroy what belongs to us (John 10:10). He will wreak havoc wherever he can because he can…unless we stand up to him with our authority. THEN he legally has to back down.

It is our responsibility to resist the devil, NOT God’s

It is our responsibility to resist the devil, NOT God’s.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (ESV)

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 (NLT)

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:13 (NLT)

“and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:27 (NIV)

“Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:9 (NIV)

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19 (NIV)

We have a part and a role. God will not do everything for us. Sometimes we have to step out in faith and do our part first and use our authority before God will do his part. For example, in Exodus 14 Moses and the Israelites are at the Red Sea with the Pharaoh and his troops at their backs. The people started crying out, and God basically said, “Why do you cry to me? Go ahead. YOU do something.”

“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.” Exodus 14:15-16 (NLT)

I’ve been taught that Moses’ rod represented something physical to demonstrate authority (Exodus 4:1-2). The rod didn’t work until Moses took it and used it. Similarly, we have to use our authority or it won’t do any good.

I have mental strength over Satan!

I like how the Amplified version of Luke 10:19 says that Jesus even gave us “mental strength” over the enemy. That is something I’ve felt like I often lacked. According to this verse though, I was never lacking it. I just needed to use what God already gave me. Not only did He give me authority. He gave me the strength and power to use it.

“Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.” Luke 10:19 (AMP)

We have power, strength and authority—let’s start using it!

Take Some Practical Steps to Use Your God-Given Authority:

• First recognize where authority came from and the power behind it. All authority comes from God and is back by the power of heaven.

• Then, be empowered! God gave YOU, and all believers, authority.

It was lost and transferred to the enemy at one point, BUT…Jesus got it back. You have authority over ALL the power of the enemy.

• Lastly, you have to use it for it to work. Start using your authority. Resist the enemy!

Don’t wait for God to do the resisting for you. YOU do it! Don’t be idle or lazy. Walk in your authority. Then remember too, that God and the power and authority of heaven are backing you up!

Where do you need to start using your God-given authority? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below!

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If you know anyone that could benefit from this, please pay it forward!  Share this post via the sharing links below.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)