Authority - 1

For the next several weeks we are going to talk about the authority you have as a believer. I see a definite need for review of our authority considering the days in which we are living.

In Matthew 8:5-10 we have the classic example of the centurion who was under authority and who was in authority over others. He understood authority, and Jesus used him as an example of the understanding of authority. Jesus pointed out that this centurion exercised the highest form of faith when he said: Speak the Word only, and my servant shall be healed. He knew that results must come when the one with authority speaks. Whatever He speaks, must be done.

Likewise, we as believers must know God—the authority we’re under and what He has done—to be able to exercise authority. Then we will understand authority. Also, we must learn to use our God-given authority by speaking the Word of God against the circumstances of life. Those circumstances will conform to God’s Word. Take your faith and take authority over circumstances and change what tomorrow brings for you.

Knowledge of this truth in the previous paragraph will set you free from the dominion of circumstances over your life.

Let’s look at the word authority and the words dominion and power. We must understand all three words. First, look at the word “power.” Power is the ability to perform. It is the energy available to make something work. Next, look at the word “dominion.” Dominion is supreme authority. Supreme means: Not exceeded by any other—holding power which cannot be overruled. And finally the word “authority.” Authority is the right to exercise power. It is lawful permission to execute power. It is the ability to bring judgment or justice for or against. Jesus had full power as a man and the ability of God to execute judgment FOR us AGAINST satan.

The value of authority depends on the force behind the user. So, the power is the force, the energy, the ability. And authority is the release of that energy, that ability, the exercising of that energy, that ability.

Adam’s authority was the direct power and ability from God which gave him dominion.

And we have our classic example of authority and power in the natural realm. You have a policeman who is not powerful enough to stop traffic but the authority of who he represents stops traffic. His badge represents, carries authority. Yet any one car out there is much more powerful than the policeman. Now, take that same policeman. Put him in a tank, and he not only has authority to stop traffic but also he has the power to do so if necessary.

We have authority here on earth because of being born here in a body. The authority is delegated---issued---to us by Jesus—the right to do what we do. The power is given us by the Holy Spirit. His ability brings it about. Our physical body gives us the right, the authority here on this earth. The Holy Spirit gives us the power.

God Himself is the force (power) behind our authority (right). You are made righteous (right with God) to exercise that power.

Ephesians 6:10 tells us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. We are not talking about being self-reliant. We are talking about relying on God for our power to exercise authority. We as believers must be thoroughly conscious of God’s divine power behind us and the authority He has given us to face the enemy without fear, panic, dread, doubt, unbelief. These are voices of a stranger that we do not follow.

We must be positive that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). He that is in us is the Godhead—Father, Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Colossians 2:9,10 tells us that in Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And we are complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power. The Father is in you (John 17:23). Jesus is in you (John 14:20). And the Holy Spirit is in you (John 14:17).