As believers in Christ, have we really been given “all authority?” If we’re going to defeat the principalities and powers over our nation, what kind of authority are we using?
Matthew 28:18 – 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.
Our charge to bring the kingdom of God to the earth, is clear. He has commissioned us to GO and spread the truth to all nations. But the fact is – Jesus is the only one who has been given ALL authority.
John 17:1b-2 – Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son that the Son may glorify You, since You have given Him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given Him.
Matthew 9:6 – But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So He said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.”
Matthew 5:27 – And He has given Him authority to judge because He is the Son of Man.
Ephesians 1:22-23 – And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Do we have authority over all flesh? Do we have the authority to grant eternal life or forgive sins? Do we have authority to judge men? Have we been given authority as head of the Church?
The answer to all of these is a resounding, NO. Thus, we have NOT been given “all” authority. Rather, the authority and power He has given us is very strategic. The real shocker, however, is that we haven’t even begun to walk in this “beginner level” spiritual authority that He gave all His disciples:
Luke 9:1-2 – When Jesus had called the Twelve together, He gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
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.
Matthew 10:8 – Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
You couldn’t be any clearer. We are supposed to use our authority to set people free! And the directives He gave His disciples, He gave BEFORE He even went to the cross! He authorized them to do these incredible miracles, simply because the Father told them to. As they obeyed Him, He would back them up through signs, wonders, and miraculous healings. Once Jesus went to the cross and rose from the dead, He sealed the deal and forever claimed victory for the captives.
Hebrews 2:14-15 – Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil — and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
Rather than seeing our spiritual authority as a blank check to fill in however we want, Jesus has commanded us to start right at home. He wants us to heal the sick, cast out demons, and demonstrate the Kingdom! (Notice, He doesn’t say to “pray” for the sick, but “heal” the sick!) He knows that the only way to truly disempower principalities and powers is to nullify their influence through demonstrations of power on the home front.
I challenge you to consider what kind of authority you are using in your life. Are you seeing your prayers answered? Are you being specific in your prayers that are hitting a target? This is what builds your faith – and increases your spiritual authority.
I encourage you to watch my two recent messages on this subject for further study and prayer. Determine to not quit when praying for family members and friends. God wants you to succeed in your prayer life and build your confidence and faith. If enough of His followers actually started doing this, those principalities and powers would become immobilized and powerless.
If you’re looking for a powerful prayer strategy for national deliverance – maybe it’s been here all along.
9 Responses
I can’t believe this came into my inbox today. Your message is confirmation that what I said in church last Sunday about Our responsibility in Freeing, Healing and Raising was okay to blurt out during the sermon…and my praying for an elderly woman in a wheel chair to be healed and out of that chair – on earth as it is in heaven.
Thank you so much. I need your help in moving forward. I have wasted so much time dwelling on myself and my issues.
How can I come under your teaching and bring a friend with me? The church I have been told to attend has about a dozen people on a given Sunday. Not a place to learn and grow. I am only here in the Summer but I need to know how to proceed without being obnoxious (I think I have already crossed that threshold).
Thank you…and Help!
What is your take on binding and loosing?
I am so glad you have addressed this subject on “ ALL Authority” It never seemed to me that a Holy God would give All Authority to man. We seek Him to be holy while we are in these earthly bodies, yet warring in our flesh, with a dual nature! Many are teaching on “ power and authority” in error…Exalting themselves, rather than lifting Him up before all men, that He might draw them unto Him! God bless you.
CMM
Having sat through years of lectures during college/grad school, I find that you are a very good speaker. Your topic was interesting, well researched and presented so concisely. Beyond that, it was pertinent to what I’m receiving in the spirit these days. Your parishioners are fortunate folks.
Awesome! Pastor Dana Coverstone just shared his dream from God about praying with authority and precision. He had the same dream for 18 nights! Check it out on YouTube. Precision Dream.
All authority over Principalities and Powers have been given to JESUS…not us. He has given us Different authority: Save the Lost, Heal the Sick and Raise the Dead.
“And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases,”
Luke 9:1 ESV
He gives us authority to the extent that He trusts us. Only God can know when our hearts are at that point. Our part is to desire the gifts and act upon them when the opportunity is available. Study (as one studies to become a doctor) and contemplation, seeking opportunity, being persistent, watch for small response; its like practice. Developing a love for others and their wellbeing is the motivation. Over time it comes together.
Just reread a book by John Paul Jackson that covers Spiritual Authority – ‘Needless Casualties of War.’ Per the title, it discusses overstepping God-given authority and consequences and clarifies parameters of it in accord with scripture.