In what ways can we exercise spiritual authority in our daily lives today? Setting the Scene “Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness.” (Matthew 10:1) The Source of All Authority • Jesus alone says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18) • By union with Him we are “seated with Him in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 2:6) • Our authority is delegated, not self-generated; it flows from His finished work at the cross and empty tomb. Everyday Ways to Exercise Spiritual Authority • Proclaim the gospel with confidence – Romans 1:16: “The gospel…is the power of God for salvation.” – Each time we share Christ, darkness is pushed back and captives are set free. • Stand on the Word in prayer – Isaiah 55:11: God’s word “will not return to Me empty.” – Declare promises aloud; align requests with Scripture and expect results. • Command evil to flee – Luke 10:19: “I have given you authority…over all the power of the enemy.” – James 4:7: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – Speak directly to demonic influence in Jesus’ name; do not plead, but command. • Minister healing and deliverance – Mark 16:17-18: “These signs will accompany those who believe…they will lay hands on the sick, and they will be made well.” – Acts 3:6: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” – Lay hands, pray boldly, and expect God to confirm His word. • Bind and loose – Matthew 16:19; 18:18: Whatever is bound or loosed on earth is bound or loosed in heaven. – Forbid what Scripture forbids; release what Scripture promises—peace, provision, freedom. • Wage war in the thought life – 2 Corinthians 10:4-5: “We demolish arguments … and take captive every thought.” – Use truth to dismantle lies, declaring who you are in Christ. • Bless, not curse – Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” – Speak life over family, workplace, community; pronounce biblical blessings (Numbers 6:24-26). • Intercede for others – 1 Timothy 2:1-2: Pray “for all people, for kings and all in authority.” – Stand in the gap; your prayers restrain evil and invite God’s purposes. • Walk in daily obedience – John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – Authority is reinforced, not eroded, by humble, holy living. Healthy Safeguards • Humility—1 Peter 5:5-6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Love—Galatians 5:6: “Faith working through love.” • Submission to Scripture and church leadership—Hebrews 13:17. • Dependence on the Holy Spirit—Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” Putting It Into Practice This Week 1. Each morning, verbally submit to Jesus’ lordship and thank Him for shared authority. 2. Pray Scripture over one personal need, one family need, and one global issue. 3. Look for one opportunity to bless someone audibly in Jesus’ name. 4. If faced with obvious evil—fear, temptation, oppression—speak a direct command: “In the name of Jesus, leave.” 5. Record answers and give God the glory, strengthening faith for the next step. |
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