Understanding our Spiritual Authority
Years ago, I visited Argentina when the nation was experiencing a season of awakening. There were many conversions, and numerous believers were delivered and filled with the Spirit. I noticed that the leaders of this movement used their spiritual authority both in meetings and in their cities to take ground from the enemy and free people to experience God. This is an important key for us to learn, and it is also important for us to have wisdom in how we exercise our authority.
Believers, being united with Christ, are given authority over the spiritual realm. This enables us to live victorious lives and to wage spiritual warfare. When Jesus went to heaven, He gave authority to all believers to act in His name.
Our authority to represent Him is tied first of all to our task of fulfilling the great commission.
Matthew 28:18-20: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
All authority belongs to Jesus and He delegates this to us for the purpose of making disciples and expanding His kingdom. We must notice that when He gave us authority, He also specified its purpose. Our authority over demonic forces gives us protection from harm as we serve Him.
Luke 10:19: "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you."
A reading of Ephesians 1:19-23 displays that Christ’s authority over all powers and principalities extends also to the church. With Jesus being the head of the church, the members, then, are parts of His body on earth. We are engaged in a spiritual battle against demonic forces and must use our authority to stand firm and overcome adversaries. The war is real, but God gives us armor to wear and weapons to use so we can stand strong in the battles we face.
Ephesians 6:10-18 (The Armor of God)
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
God promises that Supernatural signs will follow believers to show our spiritual authority. The gifts of the Spirit also enable us to extend the ministry of Jesus to undo the work of the enemy in people’s lives.
Mark 16:17-18: "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
Understanding our authority in Christ is not enough. We must also learn to live it out.
We must know who we are in Christ, obey His commands, and stay close to Him. We exercise our authority through prayer, proclaiming Truth, and resisting the devil. It is necessary for those engaged in spiritual warfare to be healed of any unresolved emotional wounds and delivered from any strongholds. Otherwise, these can hinder our ability to fully exercise this authority.
Faith is the key that activates and releases the authority given by Christ. We must grow in our faith, and trust in God's power and promises. We do have amazing authority, but we must stay humble and submitted to God.
James 4:7: "Submit yourselves, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
We must also realize that we have limits. Spiritual authority should never be used for personal gain or to dominate and control others. It is most effective when we have a strong foundation in biblical truth and a mature relationship with God. The spiritually immature may misunderstand or misuse their authority. Acting independently of the Holy Spirit can lead to harmful outcomes, so having accountability and support from other believers is essential. This provides us with guidance, correction, and encouragement. We need others, especially in a season of battle. No good soldier charges out of a foxhole to fight the enemy alone. Engaging in spiritual warfare can provoke retaliation from the enemy, so it is important to remain submitted to authority and stay in constant fellowship.
