Kingdom Authority
Did you know that you have powerful authority as a follower of Jesus? For example, you have the power to bless and curse. "Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse" (Romans 12:14). James tells us we have power to bless and the power to curse with our tongues.
In Job 22:28 we're told, "you will also decree a thing and it will be established for you...". As a follower of Jesus, you have authority to curse, bless and decree. Have you ever thought about that?
In Genesis, chapter 1, is the story of creation. God had created the earth and the things on the earth. Then in verse 26 is recorded the story of the creation of man. "Then God said, 'Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps the earth."
The Hebrew word for "rule" is "רָדָה" (radah), which means "to rule", "have dominion", "dominate" or "tread down". When God originally created man, He man gave man authority; authority to rule, have dominion or dominate.
But then the fall happened (Genesis 3). As a result of the fall, man forfeited his God-given authority. We know this to be true from Luke 4:5-6. Jesus was led by the Spirit to the wilderness. During this time, He was tempted by the devil. In tempting Jesus, the devil led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world.
The devil then said to Jesus; "I will give you all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish." When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, more happened than sin being introduced into the world. Man also lost his authority as it was handed over to Satan. With one act of disobedience, death entered the world, along with sin. Also man lost his standing with God and the authority he possessed was handed over to Satan.
In Job 22:28 we're told, "you will also decree a thing and it will be established for you...". As a follower of Jesus, you have authority to curse, bless and decree. Have you ever thought about that?
In Genesis, chapter 1, is the story of creation. God had created the earth and the things on the earth. Then in verse 26 is recorded the story of the creation of man. "Then God said, 'Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps the earth."
The Hebrew word for "rule" is "רָדָה" (radah), which means "to rule", "have dominion", "dominate" or "tread down". When God originally created man, He man gave man authority; authority to rule, have dominion or dominate.
But then the fall happened (Genesis 3). As a result of the fall, man forfeited his God-given authority. We know this to be true from Luke 4:5-6. Jesus was led by the Spirit to the wilderness. During this time, He was tempted by the devil. In tempting Jesus, the devil led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world.
The devil then said to Jesus; "I will give you all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish." When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, more happened than sin being introduced into the world. Man also lost his authority as it was handed over to Satan. With one act of disobedience, death entered the world, along with sin. Also man lost his standing with God and the authority he possessed was handed over to Satan.
Authority Reclaimed
This was an expensive price to pay for disobeying God. But God had a plan in place to gain that authority back (Ephesians 4). As part of that plan, Jesus would regain the domain and glory Satan showed Him. But, He would gain it back through dying on a cross God had already established His plan before Adam and Eve disobeyed God.
"Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you" (1 Peter 1:20). In fact, after the fall, God pronounced judgment on the serpent. In pronouncing judgment on him, God told him; "Because you have done this, cursed are you more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust shall you eat all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head and you shall bruise him on the heel.
This was fulfilled through Jesus. "...knowing that you weren't redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times, for the sake of you (1 Peter 1:18-20).
This is confirmed in Revelation. "And all who dwell upon the earth shall worship Him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8).
There are two results of Jesus' crucifixion. The first result has to do with Himself. The second result has to do with His people, the church.
First Jesus was exalted to a high position. So, then when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into Heaven and sat down at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19). The significance of this is that the "right hand of God" indicates a position of power above all other powers.
Along with that high position, Jesus reclaimed and was given all authority. "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18). Let this sink in a little. All authority was given to Jesus. That authority extends both over heaven and earth. There is no authority angelic or demonic in the heavens that is higher than His. There is no authority, governmental or otherwise, which is higher than His authority.
"Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you" (1 Peter 1:20). In fact, after the fall, God pronounced judgment on the serpent. In pronouncing judgment on him, God told him; "Because you have done this, cursed are you more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust shall you eat all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head and you shall bruise him on the heel.
This was fulfilled through Jesus. "...knowing that you weren't redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times, for the sake of you (1 Peter 1:18-20).
This is confirmed in Revelation. "And all who dwell upon the earth shall worship Him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8).
There are two results of Jesus' crucifixion. The first result has to do with Himself. The second result has to do with His people, the church.
First Jesus was exalted to a high position. So, then when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into Heaven and sat down at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19). The significance of this is that the "right hand of God" indicates a position of power above all other powers.
Along with that high position, Jesus reclaimed and was given all authority. "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18). Let this sink in a little. All authority was given to Jesus. That authority extends both over heaven and earth. There is no authority angelic or demonic in the heavens that is higher than His. There is no authority, governmental or otherwise, which is higher than His authority.
Authority Delegated
The amazing thing is when Jesus reclaimed that authority, He didn't keep it for Himself. He delegated it to His people. Jesus gave instructions for His people to go out into all the world and preach the gospel, perform the works He did and make disciples of all nations. He also knew in doing that, they would face opposition. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12.
Jesus delegated His authority to His people. "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all (Ephesians 1:18-23).
His church, you and I, have had Jesus' authority delegated to us. This is an incredible thing when we think about it. Take a look at this wonderful thing more closely. There are four key things Jesus did for us as a result of His crucifixion and resurrection. These apply to those who have put their faith in Jesus and what He did.
First, we were delivered from the domain of darkness (Colossians 1:13). Remember when Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and told Him "I will give you all this domain and glory; for it has been handed over to me..."? As a result of the cross, believers have been delivered from that domain. That means you and I are no longer a part of it, so we're instructed to "not be conformed to this world. This is why it's important to know where you're keeping your focus.
Next you were transformed to the Kingdom of His Son (Jesus). As a result of being delivered from the domain of darkness, you are now a part of God's Kingdom, with all rights and privileges.
Third you were sealed with the Holy Spirit. It's written in 1 Corinthians 2:9-10; "No eye as seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him, but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. You have the privilege to learn and know about the deep things of God, through the Holy Spirit.
You also have the same high and lofty position as Jesus, through Him. "...And raised us up with Him (Jesus) in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. If you remember from earlier in the article, Jesus was raised and seated at the right hand of God. "Right hand of God" means a position of power above all powers. This means in Christ, you and I have a position of power above all other powers. You may have a hard time wrapping your head and heart around this fact right now. But meditate and pray on it and God will reveal to you its truth.
This means that in Christ you and I are placed "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but the age to come". This is an incredible truth. But, it's a truth missed by many, resulting in fear being able to take root in many lives.
Jesus delegated His authority to His people. "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all (Ephesians 1:18-23).
His church, you and I, have had Jesus' authority delegated to us. This is an incredible thing when we think about it. Take a look at this wonderful thing more closely. There are four key things Jesus did for us as a result of His crucifixion and resurrection. These apply to those who have put their faith in Jesus and what He did.
First, we were delivered from the domain of darkness (Colossians 1:13). Remember when Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and told Him "I will give you all this domain and glory; for it has been handed over to me..."? As a result of the cross, believers have been delivered from that domain. That means you and I are no longer a part of it, so we're instructed to "not be conformed to this world. This is why it's important to know where you're keeping your focus.
Next you were transformed to the Kingdom of His Son (Jesus). As a result of being delivered from the domain of darkness, you are now a part of God's Kingdom, with all rights and privileges.
Third you were sealed with the Holy Spirit. It's written in 1 Corinthians 2:9-10; "No eye as seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him, but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. You have the privilege to learn and know about the deep things of God, through the Holy Spirit.
You also have the same high and lofty position as Jesus, through Him. "...And raised us up with Him (Jesus) in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. If you remember from earlier in the article, Jesus was raised and seated at the right hand of God. "Right hand of God" means a position of power above all powers. This means in Christ, you and I have a position of power above all other powers. You may have a hard time wrapping your head and heart around this fact right now. But meditate and pray on it and God will reveal to you its truth.
This means that in Christ you and I are placed "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but the age to come". This is an incredible truth. But, it's a truth missed by many, resulting in fear being able to take root in many lives.
Use Your Authority
It's one thing to learn about the authority you I and have in Christ. It's quite another to use that authority. We all face circumstances and troubles in life. Jesus told us in this life we'll have troubles. But, He also said to be comforted for He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Though we'll face troubles, we know we can overcome them with our delegated authority. Why? Jesus delegated that authority to us. He told us that though we face troubles in our lives, that we should have peace, because He has overcome the world. We are in Him, so because of us being in Him, we can overcome and have peace.
You can pray powerfully, bless and decree. Jesus said in John 14:12; "Truly, truly I say to you, he who believes in me, the works that I do shall he do also...". What did Jesus do? What were His works? First, it was works He saw the Father doing. "...but the Father abiding in me does His works" (John 14:10). This is why in living a life of faith rather than fear, it's crucial to act in accordance with how the Father leads us through the Spirit. Otherwise, we enter a life of presumption which is damaging and leads us into even more fear.
Jesus showed compassion. He shared the good news of the Kingdom. He then demonstrated the domain of the Kingdom. He healed the sick, He gave sight to the blind, He made cripples walk, He cast out demons and He raised the dead.
Those are the works Jesus did. Through abiding in Christ and a growing faith, you can exercise your authority in all confidence.
As you recognize and exercise your authority, your faith will grow. But, you must maintain a higher level focus, so that the other roots of fear won't be able to take hold and grow. Be strong and courageous. Grow in faith through your God-given authority.
Let your seed of authority grow, as you grow from fear to faith.
Though we'll face troubles, we know we can overcome them with our delegated authority. Why? Jesus delegated that authority to us. He told us that though we face troubles in our lives, that we should have peace, because He has overcome the world. We are in Him, so because of us being in Him, we can overcome and have peace.
You can pray powerfully, bless and decree. Jesus said in John 14:12; "Truly, truly I say to you, he who believes in me, the works that I do shall he do also...". What did Jesus do? What were His works? First, it was works He saw the Father doing. "...but the Father abiding in me does His works" (John 14:10). This is why in living a life of faith rather than fear, it's crucial to act in accordance with how the Father leads us through the Spirit. Otherwise, we enter a life of presumption which is damaging and leads us into even more fear.
Jesus showed compassion. He shared the good news of the Kingdom. He then demonstrated the domain of the Kingdom. He healed the sick, He gave sight to the blind, He made cripples walk, He cast out demons and He raised the dead.
Those are the works Jesus did. Through abiding in Christ and a growing faith, you can exercise your authority in all confidence.
As you recognize and exercise your authority, your faith will grow. But, you must maintain a higher level focus, so that the other roots of fear won't be able to take hold and grow. Be strong and courageous. Grow in faith through your God-given authority.
Let your seed of authority grow, as you grow from fear to faith.
