How can believers today exercise the authority given in Luke 9:1? Luke 9:1—The King’s Delegated Authority “Then Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to heal diseases.” Why This Authority Still Matters Today - Jesus never revoked it; He promised, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). - His nature is unchanged—“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). - The early church exercised the same power (Acts 5:12–16; 16:18), setting a pattern for every generation. Foundation Stones for Exercising Authority 1. New Birth—authority belongs to those who are “in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17). 2. Union with the Risen Lord—“God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him” (Ephesians 2:6). 3. Baptism in the Holy Spirit—“you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). 4. Living Word—faith is anchored in what God has spoken (Romans 10:17). 5. Covenant Obedience—“If you remain in Me and My words remain in you…” (John 15:7). Practical Ways to Walk in Christ’s Authority - Speak in Jesus’ name • John 14:13–14—ask and act “in My name.” • Acts 3:6—Peter: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” - Command, don’t beg • Luke 10:19—“I have given you authority… to overcome all the power of the enemy.” • Mark 11:23—speak to the mountain. - Stay filled with the Spirit • Ephesians 5:18—continual infilling keeps power fresh. - Combine prayer with fasting for stubborn cases • Matthew 17:21—some demons “come out only by prayer and fasting.” - Anoint the sick and pray in faith • James 5:14–15—elders anoint; the Lord raises up. - Tear down mental strongholds • 2 Corinthians 10:3–5—take every thought captive to Christ. - Proclaim the gospel • Romans 1:16—power is released when the good news is announced. - Expect confirmation • Mark 16:20—“the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word by the signs that accompanied it.” Everyday Arenas for Kingdom Authority - Family life—pray over children, homes, finances (Philippians 4:6-7). - Workplace—bind strife, release wisdom (James 3:17-18). - Community—intercede against violence, addiction, deception (1 Timothy 2:1-2). - Missions—demonstrate power as you witness (1 Thessalonians 1:5). - Deliverance—set captives free from demonic oppression (Acts 16:18). - Healing—lay hands on the sick with compassionate faith (Mark 16:18). Safeguards Against Misuse - Humility—remember, authority is received, not earned (1 Corinthians 4:7). - Love—faith works through love (Galatians 5:6); power without love harms. - Submission—stay accountable to godly leadership (Hebrews 13:17). - Holiness—sin dulls spiritual edge (Isaiah 59:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16). - Discernment—act on the Spirit’s leading, not fleshly impulse (Romans 8:14). Moving Forward Live conscious of your position in Christ, rely on the Spirit’s power, speak the Word with bold faith, and watch the kingdom of God break into ordinary situations—just as Jesus intended when He first “gave them power and authority over all demons and to heal diseases.” |
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