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Authority

Definition: The Bible defines authority as the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. This authority comes from God, who is the ultimate source of all authority. In the Bible, authority is often linked to leadership, governance, and the responsibility to guide and protect others. Key aspects of biblical authority include:

  1. God’s Sovereignty: All authority ultimately belongs to God. He is the supreme ruler over all creation.
    • Scripture: “For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Romans 13:1, KJV)
  2. Delegated Authority: God delegates authority to individuals and institutions, such as kings, parents, and church leaders.
    • Scripture: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Romans 13:1, KJV)
  3. Jesus’ Authority: Jesus Christ is given authority over all things, both in heaven and on earth.
    • Scripture: “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18, KJV)
  4. Submission to Authority: The Bible teaches that people should submit to legitimate authority, as long as it does not contradict God’s commands.
    • Scripture: “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him…” (1 Peter 2:13-14, KJV)
  5. Servant Leadership: Authority in the Bible is often associated with serving others rather than dominating them.
    • Scripture: “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11, KJV)

These scriptures emphasize that authority is not just about power but also about responsibility, humility, and service. The Bible also teaches that believers have authority through Christ, empowering them to live victorious lives, resist the enemy, and fulfill God’s purposes. Here are some key scriptures that speak about a believer’s authority:

1. Authority in Christ

  • Ephesians 2:6: “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”
    • Explanation: Believers are spiritually seated with Christ, symbolizing their authority and victory over the powers of darkness.
  • Colossians 2:9-10: “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.”
    • Explanation: Through Christ, believers share in His authority over all spiritual powers.

2. Authority to Overcome Evil

  • 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.”
    • Explanation: Jesus gives believers authority over all the power of the enemy, symbolized by snakes and scorpions, to live without fear and overcome evil.
  • James 4:7: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
    • Explanation: Believers have the authority to resist the devil, and when they do so, he must flee.

3. Authority in Prayer and Declarations

  • Matthew 18:18: “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
    • Explanation: Believers have the authority to bind and loose, meaning they can forbid or permit things according to God’s will, and heaven will back their declarations.
  • John 14:13-14: “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
    • Explanation: Believers have the authority to pray in Jesus’ name, with the promise that their prayers will be answered in alignment with God’s will.

4. Authority to Preach and Make Disciples

  • Matthew 28:18-19: “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.'”
    • Explanation: Jesus commissions believers to make disciples, giving them the authority to carry out His mission on earth.
  • 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.”
    • Explanation: Believers are given authority in Jesus’ name to perform miraculous signs, demonstrating the power of the Gospel.

5. Authority over Sin and Temptation

  • Romans 6:14: “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”
    • Explanation: Believers have authority over sin; it no longer has dominion over them because they are under grace.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
    • Explanation: Believers have the authority to overcome temptation, with God providing a way out in every situation.

6. Authority in Spiritual Warfare

  • 2 Corinthians 10:4-5: “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
    • Explanation: Believers have spiritual authority to demolish strongholds and to bring thoughts and arguments into submission to Christ.

These scriptures emphasize that a believer’s authority is rooted in their identity in Christ, empowering them to live victoriously, overcome evil, and fulfill their God-given purpose.

Here are some prayer points focused on a believer’s authority, each accompanied by relevant scriptures:

1. Prayer to Walk in Authority in Christ

  • Prayer Point: “Lord, help me to fully understand and walk in the authority I have through Christ. Empower me to live victoriously, knowing that I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms.”
  • Scripture: Ephesians 2:6: “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”

2. Prayer for Authority to Overcome the Enemy

  • Prayer Point: “Father, I thank You for the authority You’ve given me over the power of the enemy. Strengthen me to resist the devil and stand firm in faith, knowing that he must flee.”
  • Scripture: 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.”

3. Prayer for Boldness in Spiritual Warfare

  • Prayer Point: “Lord, I ask for boldness in spiritual warfare. Help me to wield the weapons of my warfare effectively, demolishing strongholds and taking every thought captive in obedience to Christ.”
  • Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5: “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”

4. Prayer for Authority in Prayer and Declarations

  • Prayer Point: “Heavenly Father, give me the confidence to pray and declare Your will with authority. May I bind and loose on earth what is bound and loosed in heaven, in accordance with Your word.”
  • Scripture: Matthew 18:18: “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

5. Prayer for Authority to Preach and Make Disciples

  • Prayer Point: “Lord Jesus, empower me to fulfill the Great Commission with the authority You have given me. Help me to boldly share the Gospel, make disciples, and manifest Your power through signs and wonders.”
  • Scripture: Matthew 28:18-19: “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.'”

6. Prayer for Victory Over Sin and Temptation

  • Prayer Point: “God, I thank You for the authority I have over sin. Strengthen me to resist temptation and to live a life that reflects Your righteousness and grace.”
  • Scripture: Romans 6:14: “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”

7. Prayer for Trust in God’s Power

  • Prayer Point: “Father, help me to trust in Your power and authority in every situation. May I not rely on my own strength but on the mighty power that is at work within me through the Holy Spirit.”
  • Scripture: Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

8. Prayer for Divine Protection and Authority

  • Prayer Point: “Lord, I claim the authority You’ve given me to trample over all the power of the enemy. Protect me from all harm and danger, and help me to live fearlessly in Your protection.”
  • Scripture: Psalm 91:13-14: “You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. ‘Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.'”

These prayer points, grounded in scripture, can help you to actively walk in the authority given to you as a believer, living a victorious and empowered life in Christ.