I Have Authority?

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

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I think sometimes that we minimize, unintentionally perhaps, the authority that Christ has given us over hardships and evil. As Christians, we know that we have the Holy Spirit living within us. Scripturally, Jesus says multiple times that He has given us authority.

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:19)

“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 9:1-2)

It’s important to remember that healing and driving out demons isn’t our own power or authority; it is the authority the Lord has given us. We must pray in Jesus’ name. One article I read states: Praying in Jesus’ name means praying with His authority and asking God the Father to act upon our prayers because we come in the name of His Son, Jesus. Praying in Jesus’ name means the same thing as praying according to the will of God. Praying in Jesus’ name is praying for things that will honor and glorify Jesus.

The key to exercising this authority is faith. We need to believe wholeheartedly and beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has the power to work through us – even in that very moment – to heal or to drive out demons. Matthew 9 speaks of a woman who had bled for 12 years and touched Jesus’ garment because she had such faith that she would be healed. “Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, “your faith has healed you.’ And the woman was healed at that moment.” – Matthew 9:22

Later in Matthew, a father took his demon-possessed child to Jesus’ disciples, who could not heal the boy. The father then went to Jesus, who healed his child. When the disciples asked Jesus why they could not heal the little boy, Jesus replied it was because of their lack of faith.
We have the Holy Spirit living within us. We need to live like it. We need to live and pray courageously and exercise this authority by faith – not let fear or doubt hold us back. We need to walk in power and on fire for God, not as if this spiritual authority Christ has granted us is worthless.

We are raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6. Colossians 2:12) and we are strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11). One thing that makes me sad is seeing my fellow believers live like dormant believers, or live without a fire in the belly. This is super exciting and powerful stuff – the Lord is so good and wants to work so powerfully through us – I hope this is encouragement to you… Let Him!

Erin Culleny serves as a Marketing Assistant and Staff Writer. She had served on Summer Staff since 2011, and this past summer had the unique opportunity of co-directing Children’s Ministry with one of her best friends. She is very excited to continue to build relationships with the guests and be very involved in the ministry.

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