Psalm 91, Isaiah 54.10-17, 1 John 4.1-6, Luke 10.17-24

  Many spiritual powers are given to a person who comes to the born-again experience through faith in Jesus Christ. It is under the authority of a traffic policeman that any big man stops his vehicle on seeing the “Stop” plate. In the same way, it is necessary to recognize and use authority in the life of a believer.

1. Christ in you

The spiritual truth that Christ is in you, the hope of glory, is very powerful (Col 1:27). At this time, we should also remember the saying that he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). We have within us the power at work which is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine (Eph 3:19,20). Because Paul teaches that you have been raised with Christ and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-3). The believers have immeasurable power within them (Eph 1:18,18).

2. The members and ambassadors of Christ

Our bodies are members of Christ (1 Cor 6:15-20). Because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1Cor 3:16; 6:19). Paul also teaches that we have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). Then body, mind, and spirit belong to Christ. The apostle also tells that a holy life is necessary when we live in this conviction. Moreover, every Christian is an ambassador or representative of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:20). John says about this that we are in this world as Jesus was (1 John 4:17). Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, so have I sent you” (John 20:21).

3. More than Jesus did

Christ sent the apostles to do more than Jesus did (John 14:12). The reason is also written there (John 14:12-23). It is the gift of the Holy Spirit. It started at the day of Pentecost (John 16:8-13; Acts 2:1-11; Job 2:28; Acts 2:17; Isaiah 28:2). Scholars are of the opinion that the meaning of “more than what I did” could be people’s faith in the gospel, the establishment of the church, and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in various occasions after the day of Pentecost.

4. Greater than the Old Testament prophets

Jesus taught that those who accept Jesus as Christ are greater than the Old Testament prophets (Luke 10:23,24; Matthew 11:25,26). What the Old Testament prophets and kings did not see or hear is revealed to us through Jesus. The mystery of the salvation of the Gentiles was not revealed to the Old Testament leaders (Eph 3:1-6). Because we live in the time of the proclamation of the kingdom of God (Luke 16:16).

5. Over demonic forces

Jesus gave the apostles authority over demonic powers. I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and all the power of the enemy; Jesus promised that they will not harm you (Luke 10:19; Matthew 18:18; Mark 16:17,18). Those who believe in Jesus receive these powers as apostolic followers of the church. Don’t think of these as powers that only a few have received. “Mark records that “these signs will come to those who believe” (Mark 16:17,18). Some have expressed it as a divine power to make money and fame. But it is the promise and authority given to all who believe in Jesus. Paul said that what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has felt, it has been revealed to you by the Spirit of God (1 Cor 2:9). This was hidden in the Old Testament (Isaiah 64:4). But today it is generously open to all who believe in Jesus. This is a spiritual privilege and blessing for the New Testament believers.

6. The angels will also be judged

Paul’s argument is that the New Testament believer has the authority to judge even the angels in the end of the age (1 Cor 6:2,3).

7. Authority for signs

“Signs will accompany those who believe” (Mark 16:16,17). The people of Israel were delivered through 10 signs through Moses. But in the New Testament, Jesus gives this authority to all believers. Because He has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).

Prayer

Heavenly Father, We come before You today with hearts full of gratitude and awe for the authority You have bestowed upon us as believers. Thank You for reminding us of the power and responsibility that come with being Your children. We praise You for the privilege of walking in the authority of Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world. Lord Jesus, we acknowledge that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to You, and You have graciously shared this authority with us. Help us to live boldly and confidently in this truth, knowing that through You, we have the power to overcome any challenge, resist temptation, and fulfil our divine calling. Holy Spirit, fill us with Your presence and guidance as we exercise our authority as believers. Teach us to wield this authority with humility, wisdom, and love. Strengthen our faith to declare Your promises, to pray with power, and to stand firm against the forces of darkness. Father, may we always remember that our authority comes from You and is rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Help us to remain connected to the vine, drawing our strength and direction from Him. Empower us to use our authority to bring healing, hope, and transformation to those around us. As we go forth from this place, remind us of our identity and authority in Christ. Equip us to be bold witnesses of Your love and truth, standing firm in the face of adversity, and shining Your light in a world that desperately needs You. May our lives reflect the victory and power that come from being Your beloved children. We ask all this in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Amen