SOME THINGS CHRISTIANS MUST REALIZE CONCERNING THEIR AUTHORITY IN CHRIST


"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19)


1. Christians must realize that man was meant to rule and have authority from the day of his creation (Gen. 1:26-28; Psalms 8:6).

    1. Man was created to rule everything on the earth, from the insect, to the largest beast, and even over the devil himself.

    2. Adam was God's under ruler over the earth. He transfered that dominion over to Satan when he disobeyed God (Luke 4:4-8).


2. Christians must realize that Jesus took back the authority that Adam lost through his death and resurrection (Matt. 28:18-19; Heb. 2:14-15).

    1. Everything the first Adam lost through his disobedience was restored to man through the ressurection of Jesus.

    2. Jesus has triumphed over the devil and anyone associated with him. The battle has been won and Jesus is the victor (Col. 2:15).


3. Christians must realize that we share the victory and authority that Jesus paid the price for (2 Cor. 2:14; Rom. 5:17).

    1. Everything Jesus did was not for himself but was for us. He had all that he needed already. His was an unselfish act.

    2. Though we did nothing to earn it, we share in all the work that Jesus has accomplished on the cross for us.


4. Christians must realize their position in Christ in order to exercise their authority (Eph. 1:18-23, 2:4-6).

    1. This is why you have the power to tread on serpents and scorpions, because they are all under your feet.

    2. We must by faith claim this position. It belongs to us. We are not subject to Satan, he is subject to us (Rom. 16:20).


5. Christians must realize that there are two types of power or authority translated from the Greek new testament.

    1. Dunamis - Ability, might, miracle working power. This is the power that is bestowed on us when we recive the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).

    2. Exousia - Freedom of action, right to act. Same as that of kings or policemen or others who hold POSITIONS of authority.


6. Christians must realize that they exercise their authority using the name of Jesus (16:17-18).

    1. All authority and power exists in that name. The Christian has been given the right to use the name of Jesus.

    2. The devil and demons have to obey when you use the name of Jesus. (Acts 16:16-18; Mark 9:38-40).


7. Christians must realize that they exercise their authority using the Word of God (Matt. 4:3-11; Eph. 6:12, 17).

    1. No matter what the circumstances dictate, the Word of God can change it. We must speak God's Word and watch it come to pass.

    2. The centurian that came to Jesus knew that the Word of God was very powerful (Matt. 8:5-13).

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(c) Copyright 2001 by Troy J. Edwards and Victory through the Word Ministries