The Authority of the Believer

Ephesians 6:10-18

-we are fighting against principalities and powers, but we have all authority over them in Christ as believers…….

Balance – balance and the authority of the believer go hand in hand. 3 Points:

1. the devil can only be one place at a time

2. not everything is demonic

3. most issues are of the flesh – Gal 5:16-21

*dealing with the flesh is hard and work

*dealing with the enemy is much easier

(1) THE DEFINITION OF AUTHORITY – Luke 9:1

Authority is delegated power given to the believer from God the Father through Jesus Christ

The word authority means force, superhuman power, strength and control over

FORCE – this is the picture of a force field around the believer for protection

SUPERHUMAN POWER AND ABILITY – this represents us being in Christ. When demons attack the believer, they run into the Lord

CONTROL OVER – this speaks of the believer having control over demon power. The believer has the upper hand in dealing with demonic forces

(2) THE AUTHORITY OF THE BELIEVER IS RECEIVED AUTOMATICALLY AT SALVATION – Ephesians 1:3

-all spiritual blessings includes authority

-authority is for every believer

-it is given and received by the grace of God

(3) THE BELIEVER MUST USE THEIR AUTHORITY – Philippians 2:5-11

a. the greatest authority in the universe is Jesus Christ

b. even though Jesus Christ is the ultimate authority, He has delegated the use of His authority to each believer

*Christianity is the Lord partnering with human beings – believers……

(4) AUTHORITY IS COMMANDING AND CONTINUAL – Acts 16:16-18

-be in a command mode when demons attack. Make sure it is a demon…….

-name the demon if you know what it is…Example: a demon of depression

-continual – resist the demonic forces continually until the presence and oppression is gone

(5) AUTHORITY IS IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST – Acts 3:1-6

-use the name of Jesus and don’t just say God

-when demons arrive, rebuke them in the name of Jesus……