We’ve spent the previous four studies looking at our relationship with God, and how it touches every aspect of our lives. And now that we understand where we stand, we can move on to the topic of authority.

Authority is another one of those topics that are critical to a successful Christian life, but rarely gets the attention it needs. The scriptures are clear that we have a spiritual enemy, and that we are called to stand in times of attack or pressure. But the scriptures do not call us to stand without any power or recourse.

In truth, Jesus paid a very high price to redeem us, and bring us into a new and better covenant with better promises (Hebrews 8:6) — these promises are not ethereal, nor are they relegated to some unknown future time when we get to heaven. These promises are for here and now when we need them the most. Yet many believers are left completely unaware of all that they have to believe in, due to the aspect of our authority in Christ never being mentioned.

So today we are going to explore the authority Jesus has given to us, for the very purpose of defending and overcoming the spiritual enemy.

Let’s get started!

Real Authority for a Real Enemy

As I mentioned during the introduction, the topic of spiritual authority doesn’t get much mention today; and there’s several reasons for that. I’ve asked before, why  the topic of authority isn’t mentioned. And some of the reasons I’ve heard are:

• That spiritual authority is only for later up in heaven
• That spiritual authority was just for the original disciples
• That spiritual authority is somehow nullified if we commit sin

And what these reasons have in common, is that they are exclusionary, meaning that they exclude believers from the availability of God’s authority, and leave them defenseless against a real spiritual enemy.

Think about it. If you’re convinced that spiritual authority isn’t for you, then what’s left? If you think you have no way to spiritually defend yourself or to fight back, then submission is the only option left. And that’s precisely where many believers find themselves today.

Over the course of this series we are going to examine each of these beliefs with what the scripture says about our spiritual authority, because we do have a very real and active spiritual enemy, and God has not left us defenseless — in-fact we have the mightiest spiritual weapons that anyone can have… the trouble is many of us don’t know about it, or have been deceived into thinking that we don’t have it.

And we’ll also explore what this authority looks like and how to use it in daily life.

Authority For Here and Now

So, the first thing for us to look at is when spiritual authority is given, and when it is active. 

In Luke 24:49, Jesus tells His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, which He will send, and He also gives an extra detail:

“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father on you: but tarry you in the city of Jerusalem, until you be endued with power from on high.”

The promise of the Father which Jesus is referring to in this verse, is indeed the Holy Spirit. We know this from other scriptures, such as John 14:26, Acts 1:4, Acts 2:33, and Ephesians 1:13.

Notice, though, what Jesus says at the end of the verse… that when the Holy Spirit comes, they will be endued with power from on high. That word power, also means authority.

It’s the Holy Spirit that gives believers authority.

Now some may say that just was for the original disciples or apostles. I’ve heard this line of thinking countless times— the problem with that view, is that Luke 24:49 isn’t the only time Jesus mentions the Holy Spirit giving believers power and authority. In Mark 16:17-18, Jesus says this:

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

Notice here that Jesus doesn’t say these signs shall follow these twelve disciples, or my seventy apostles.

Rather, Jesus says these signs shall follow them that believe. The only qualifier here is belief on Jesus Christ. Included here are such things as healing the sick, and casting out devils. I would certainly call that power and authority.

God’s Armor

Of course the most obvious demonstration of authority is the armor of God given to us. Besides the many defensive pieces of armor, we are also given The Sword of the Spirit, in Ephesians 6:17-18, which is defined as the Word of God (Jesus), and by praying in the Spirit (which as we saw in our previous verses, is empowered by the Holy Spirit.)

God gave us His armor, and His sword (Jesus) together with His spirit of power. Now, why? As the scripture says in Ephesians 6:11 as God’s armor is introduced, that we are to put on His armor to withstand and stand against the spiritual forces and spiritual enemies. This detail about the purpose of God’s armor informs us about another point of our authority… that it’s intended for the here and now, since we have no spiritual enemies up in heaven!

Join Me Next Time

In the next segment, we’ll explore how to make use of this God-given  spiritual authority in daily life, and answer some common questions and objections regarding its use.

I look forward to thriving with you again.

Be blessed.