The Authority of Each Believer

Key Questions on Believer's Authority

1. Why should we exercise our authority?
2. Where does our authority come from?
3. What authority do we have in Christ?
4. How do we exercise that authority?

Understanding Authority

• Authority involves being designated to enact the will of higher governing officials.
• Higher Authority: There exists a higher authority that delegates power.
  • Example: Policeman without a gun has limited authority.
• Authority vs. Power:
  • Authority is permission; power is force/ability.
  • Christians have the right to enforce spiritual authority given by Jesus.

Why Exercise Authority?

• To fill the earth with God's glory (Genesis 1:26-28).
• Man was originally given dominion to rule the earth as God's representation.
• History of rulership:
  • Adam & Eve under God's rulership.
  • Israel chosen but failed.
  • Church now tasked with enforcing God's rule.
• Consequences of Not Exercising Authority:
  • Demonic powers could rule and chaos would prevail without Christian influence.

Source of Authority

• God's Power: Displayed in God's work, through Christ, word, and spirit.
• Ephesians 2:4-6: Raised and seated with Christ, indicating authority.
• Scripture's Authority:
  • 2 Timothy 3:16: All scripture is God-breathed and authoritative.
  • God's word is powerful and authoritative.
• Spirit’s Power: Confirms Jesus’ authority and supports believer’s authority.

Authority in Christ

• Christ's victory over sin, sickness, Satan, and world systems grants us authority:
  • To preach forgiveness and healing.
  • To cast out demons and bind influences.
• 1 Peter 2:9: Describes believers as a chosen race, royal priesthood, holy nation.
  • Church's roles: Kings, priests, and prophets.
• Avoid harmful mindsets:
  • Thinking God needs us to enforce His will.
  • Believing God does not need our participation.
• Partnership with God:
  • Yield to the Holy Spirit's influence to fulfill God’s purpose.

Exercising Authority

Attitudes Required

• Faith: Confidence in God's wisdom, power, and goodness.
  • Be sure and certain of God’s will.
• Humility: Recognizing God as the source of authority.
• Courage: Facing challenging situations, not absence of fear.

Actions to Exercise Authority

• Ephesians 6: Armor of God:
  • Belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel, shield of faith, etc.
  • Requires faith and authoritative action.
• Practical Actions:
  • Teach and preach the gospel.
  • Declare biblical truths and promises.
  • Prophesy and intercede in prayer.
  • Cast out demons, heal the sick.

Conclusion

• Isaiah 60:1-3: The glory of the Lord will fill the earth as the church rises and exercises its authority.
• Prayer for Confidence: For believers to be confident and aware of their authority in Christ.