Authority

The greatest weapon that we as believers possess in regard to spiritual warfare is understanding and walking in the authority of Jesus Christ the Messiah. 

Most of us don’t fully understand the power and importance of spiritual authority in our lives, but we must in order to truly play our part in ushering in the Kingdom of God.

The narrative of God’s authority working throughout the earth starts, of course, in Genesis. In the beginning(Gen 1), God created man and placed him in the garden of Eden. He gave to Adam and his wife Eve authority to rule and govern the earth, to cultivate and take dominion over all things, and to establish order for the glory of God’s Kingdom. The first couple did this well, operating in their God given gift to rule, for a time.

Then along came that great deceiver, Satan. At the time Lucifer had no power or authority himself. He had been cast down from heaven and was now an embittered wanderer, powerless yet sly and cunning. All he had were lies and deception. When he convinced the woman and then the man to disobey God, they unknowingly took the authority that God had given them and handed it over to the devil. By disobeying the sovereign Lord they obeyed Satan, and transferred their authority to him. 

This is why Satan has been referred to as the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4)(John 12:31). From that moment on he was given, by man, authority over the earth to rain down death and destruction. It was this way for thousands of years. Until Jesus.

When our Lord appeared on the scene 2000 years ago, living the perfect life, sacrificing Himself for mankind, and then raising to life again on the third day, He stepped into the place of all authority, stripping that authority from the enemy. “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew‬ ‭28:18‬ ‭NLT)‬‬ 

Sin is what cut us off from the fullness of God the Father, but because Jesus paid the full price for all sin, we are welcomed back into the family of God, and set in place alongside Jesus our King. “For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians‬ ‭2:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Since all authority has been given to Jesus, and He then grants that authority to those that believe in Him, we now walk in that authority and have access to all God has to give. 

Satan still has some power. He is a formidable enemy and still causes much chaos and destruction throughout our world. However, his power primarily comes from those who grant it to him by believing his lies and giving him authority in their lives. But his power is cut short when coming up against the Reigning King. Satan and all the forces of darkness must bow before the authority of Jesus Christ and those who are His representatives. 

We must remember that it is because of Jesus, and Jesus alone that we have access to this authority. Our power comes from Him because we call Him Lord. Without our savior we are powerless and exposed to the attacks of the enemy. He is our shield and our strength.

So, when we pray, when we battle, when we go about our everyday lives, we must confidently stand in the authority granted to us by Jesus Christ the Messiah. This faith, this belief and confidence will change your perspective on everything. The enemy is relentless and his attacks will continue to come, but we have a greater promise to stand firm on. If you call Jesus Christ your Lord then there is nothing in this world that you do not have the power to overcome.   

”What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?“ Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, giving them authority to cast out demons.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭3:14-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

-Jason