Walking in Authority

The idea of authority must have been quite significant during the times of the New Testament as it was mentioned just over 70 times (New International Version). Jesus' authority was always being questioned.

They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?” Mark 11:27-28

Whether He forgave sins, healed the sick or cast out demons, those who were concerned about Jesus usurping their authority wanted to know by what authority He did those things. Some of the Jews wanted Him to prove His authority. And, the devil tried to bribe Jesus with authority.

The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours.” Luke 4:5-7

But, Jesus didn’t need to usurp anyone, He had nothing to prove, and didn’t need to get authority in any underhanded manner because He knew from whom His authority came.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Matthew 28:18

 

"The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” John 10:17-18

Yes, Jesus has the authority and He also gave authority.

Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits. Mark 6:7

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

I am finally starting to understand how much authority I have as a follower of Christ.  This authority is not just for New Testament times.  Jesus wants to give us authority, but we must believe He has the authority, accept the authority He gives us and walk in His authority. 

We are all different and God is not an in the box type of god.  This Creator has designed a special sphere of authority for each of us.  We all have different gifts, so while others may walk in their authority as teachers, others may walk in their authority as an evangelist, or prophets or whoever.  Furthermore, no matter what our gift is, wherever God places us, that is where we are supposed to exercise our authority. 

We can’t back down, we have to fight the good fight.  Jesus has given us the authority to overcome the enemy, but too many of us are not walking in this authority.  We often say the devil is strong.  But really, He isn’t that strong, it’s just that we are not exercising our authority over Him. We need to put on our spiritual gear (see Ephesians 6: 10-18) and get ready for battle.

Unfortunately, instead of fighting the enemy we fight each other.  We sometimes abuse the authority God has given us and we pull people down rather than building them up.  Standing tall and holding our shoulders back, we brag about the authority God has given us and then walk out trampling or brother and sister to get to the “ministry” that God has ordained for us.  In doing so, we miss God’s path.  Paul understood what his authority was for.

For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it. 2 Corinthians 10:8

We, like Paul, should use our authority to encourage each other.  Walking in authority given by the Lord, we will reclaim what the devil has stolen; revive what the devil has killed; and restore what the devil has destroyed.  All this we do not by might nor by power, but by the Lord’s Spirit and the authority He has entrusted to us.