The Believer's Authority

1. Believers Have Authority Over Satan and Demonic Forces

"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."

Understanding our authority. As believers in Christ, we have been given authority over Satan and his demonic forces. This authority is not reserved for a select few, but is available to all who are in Christ. It is crucial to understand that:

• Satan is a defeated foe, conquered by Jesus Christ
• We have the right and responsibility to exercise this authority
• Our authority is based on our position in Christ, not our own strength

Exercising our authority. To effectively use this authority, we must:

• Know what the Word of God says about our position in Christ
• Speak with confidence and faith, commanding evil spirits to leave
• Stand firm in the face of opposition, knowing that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world

2. The Power of Prayer: Praying the Ephesian Prayers

"I spent about six months praying this way during the winter of 1947-48. Then the first thing I was praying for started to happen."

Transformative prayer. The Ephesian prayers, found in Ephesians 1:15-23 and 3:14-21, are powerful tools for spiritual growth and understanding. By praying these prayers consistently:

• We gain deeper revelation of God's Word and our position in Christ
• Our spiritual understanding is enlightened
• We experience accelerated spiritual growth and effectiveness in ministry

Practical application. To harness the power of these prayers:

• Personalize them by inserting your name or "me" where appropriate
• Pray them consistently, multiple times a day if possible
• Expect and watch for changes in your spiritual understanding and effectiveness

3. Understanding the Source and Nature of Spiritual Authority

"Authority is delegated power."

Defining authority. Spiritual authority is not about personal power or strength, but about operating under the delegated power of God. This concept is crucial for effective spiritual warfare and ministry.

Key aspects of spiritual authority:

• It is given by God to believers through Jesus Christ
• It is based on the finished work of Christ on the cross
• It is exercised through faith and in alignment with God's Word

Practical implications. Understanding the nature of spiritual authority:

• Builds confidence in confronting spiritual opposition
• Shifts focus from personal ability to God's power working through us
• Encourages believers to step out in faith, knowing they are backed by God's authority

4. Seated with Christ: Our Position of Authority

"Positionally, that's where we are right now: We're seated with Christ in the place of authority in heavenly places."

Our spiritual position. As believers, we are not just hoping for a future heavenly position; we are already seated with Christ in heavenly places. This spiritual reality has profound implications for our daily lives and spiritual battles.

What it means to be seated with Christ:

• We share in His victory over Satan and demonic forces
• We have access to heavenly authority and resources
• We operate from a position of victory, not striving for victory

Living from this position. To fully benefit from our seated position with Christ:

• Meditate on and internalize this truth from Scripture
• Approach spiritual battles from a place of authority, not fear
• Continually renew your mind to align with this spiritual reality

5. Breaking the Power of the Devil Through Faith and Knowledge

"If you successfully resist Satan's attacks in one area, he will come against you in another area. You may as well get ready for these attacks, because they're coming."

Prepared for battle. Understanding that spiritual attacks are inevitable helps us to be prepared and not caught off guard. By combining faith with knowledge of our authority, we can effectively break the power of the devil in various areas of our lives.

Strategies for breaking the devil's power:

• Stay grounded in God's Word, building a strong foundation of faith
• Recognize the enemy's tactics and schemes
• Consistently exercise your authority through declarations and actions based on God's Word
• Maintain a stance of active resistance against the enemy's attempts to regain ground

6. The Armor of God: Spiritual Protection for Believers

"If believers take advantage of the spiritual armor provided for them, the enemy cannot defeat them."

Divine protection. The armor of God, described in Ephesians 6:10-17, provides comprehensive spiritual protection for believers. Each piece of armor represents a vital aspect of our spiritual defense and offense.

Components of the armor of God:

1. Belt of truth: Understanding and living by God's Word
2. Breastplate of righteousness: Christ's righteousness and our obedience
3. Shoes of the gospel of peace: Readiness to share the Good News
4. Shield of faith: Protection against the enemy's attacks
5. Helmet of salvation: Guarding our minds with the hope of salvation
6. Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God for offensive spiritual warfare

Practical application. To effectively use the armor of God:

• Put on each piece through prayer and meditation daily
• Understand the function and significance of each component
• Actively engage in spiritual warfare, using both defensive and offensive tactics

7. Exercising Authority in Daily Life and Ministry

"We've allowed the devil to cheat them out of every blessing they could enjoy. God didn't intend us to be poverty-stricken. He said we are to reign in life as kings."

Practical authority. Our spiritual authority is not just for special occasions or ministry settings; it's for everyday life. We are called to reign in life, exercising authority over circumstances, poverty, disease, and anything that hinders God's purposes.

Areas to exercise authority:

• Personal health and well-being
• Family relationships and protection
• Financial provision and stewardship
• Ministry effectiveness and impact

Steps to exercise authority:

1. Identify areas where the enemy has gained ground
2. Declare God's truth and promises over those areas
3. Take action in faith, aligning your behavior with your declarations
4. Persist in maintaining your authority, even when faced with resistance

8. The Limitations of Authority: Respecting Free Will

"You can't go around promiscuously exercising authority over the devil in somebody else. You've got authority over your own life and with your own family."

Boundaries of authority. While we have significant spiritual authority as believers, it's crucial to understand its limitations, particularly concerning the free will of others. Respecting these boundaries ensures we use our authority effectively and ethically.

Key principles:

• We have full authority over our own lives and immediate family
• We cannot override another person's will or choices
• Our authority is limited when dealing with those who choose to remain in bondage

Practical application:

• Focus on exercising authority in your own life and immediate sphere of influence
• When ministering to others, seek their cooperation and consent
• Pray for those who are not yet ready to receive deliverance or healing

9. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Exercising Spiritual Authority

"We know from the Word that we have spiritual authority, but we must depend upon the Holy Spirit to help us in ministering authority. We can't do it by ourselves."

Spirit-led authority. While we have been given authority as believers, the effective exercise of this authority is dependent on the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. This partnership ensures that we use our authority in alignment with God's will and timing.

The Holy Spirit's role in exercising authority:

• Provides discernment and wisdom in spiritual situations
• Empowers us to speak and act with divine authority
• Guides us in timing and approach when confronting spiritual issues

Cultivating sensitivity to the Spirit:

• Spend time in prayer and worship, developing intimacy with God
• Practice listening for the Holy Spirit's guidance in daily life
• Obey promptings and leadings, even when they don't make sense to your natural mind

10. Maintaining Faith and Persistence in Spiritual Warfare

"As Smith Wigglesworth often said, 'I'm not moved by what I see. I'm not moved by what I feel. I'm moved only by what I believe.'"

Unwavering faith. Spiritual warfare often requires persistence and unwavering faith, even when immediate results are not visible. This steadfast approach is crucial for long-term victory and effectiveness in exercising spiritual authority.

Keys to maintaining faith and persistence:

• Keep your focus on God's Word rather than circumstances
• Celebrate small victories and progress along the way
• Learn from setbacks, adjusting your approach as needed
• Surround yourself with supportive believers who understand spiritual warfare

Practical steps:

1. Regularly review and declare God's promises
2. Keep a journal of spiritual victories to encourage yourself in times of struggle
3. Develop a consistent prayer and Bible study routine to strengthen your faith
4. Seek mentorship from mature believers experienced in spiritual warfare

Last updated: October 16, 2024