Kingdom Power and Authority

TEXT:   Eph.1:15-22; 3:14-19; Lk.9:1-2;10:19;   Mt.9:6-8; 28:18-20;   Ps.8:6; Prov.18:21; James 4:7 Introduction : In the last l...

TEXT:  Eph.1:15-22; 3:14-19; Lk.9:1-2;10:19;  Mt.9:6-8; 28:18-20;  Ps.8:6; Prov.18:21; James 4:7

Introduction: In the last lesson, we discussed on the rights or privileges and the responsibilities and duties of kingdom citizens. In this lesson, by the grace of God we will be focussing on the power and authority of Kingdom citizens, motivation to activate them and how to actually actualise them.

The Facts about Kingdom Authority

•             That Kingdom Authority was graciously and gloriously given to Adam – Gen.1:26, 28; Ps.8:3-6

•             The Kingdom was legally lost to Satan – Rom.6:16; Lk.4:5-6; Eph.2:1-3.

•             Authority and Dominion Was Transferred to Satan During the Fall.

•             The Bible calls the devil “The god of this world” 2 Cor.4:4; Eph.6:12

•             God’s plan must centre on Man – 1 Cor.15:21-22; Heb.2:14

•             God will righteously regain – Gal.4:1-4; Eph.1:15-22; 2:5-6; Ps.8:6

•             Power & Authority lost in Eden was regained in Jesus Christ – Rom.5:18-19

•             Full Authority and Dominion Was Won Back By Jesus at Calvary (Hebrews 2:5-8)

At the moment of the new birth, the instant you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, God gave you authority through the name of Jesus. Jn.1:12; 14:12-14. Authority became yours when you became a child of God, and every believer has authority. It’s not something you earned or deserved; it was given by grace. Jn.1:12; Mk.13:34; Matthew 8:8-9, 13

What is the difference between power and authority? 

Simply stated, authority is the channel through which power operates. You cannot have authority without power to back it, but neither can power work without a channel of authority. If we are going to step into doing the works of Jesus, we will need two essential ingredients: authority and power. Luke 9:1 says this: “Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.” When Jesus sent out the twelve, He equipped them with the power and authority to get the job done. Authority has to do with permission; it is a legal authorization to perform a task. Power has to do with the actual ability to get the job done. Authority gave the disciples the right to cast out demons; but it was power that gave them the capability to cast out demons.

AUTHORITY: Authority is defined as delegated power; the power to give orders or make decisions: the power or right to direct or control someone or something.

POWER: In the New Testament, the Greek word used for “power” is dunamis, which means “ability and might.” In the Old Testament it is referred as The Arm of the Lord. In the Bible, the arm of the Lord is always a reference to the power God used in salvation. (See Exodus 6:6, Psalm 77:15, and Isaiah 52:10 and 59:16). In the New Testament, . His power is embodied in the Holy Spirit, who lives in you – Acts 1:8; Rom.8:11. The value of our authority rests on the power that is behind that authority. God Himself is the power behind our authority!

Jesus Functioned with Authority (Mt.28:18) - One thing that made it clear that Jesus was the son of God, is because He exercised authority that nobody else had access to in history!

He cast out demons and healed the sick using His authority: Mark 1:27; Mt 8:16; Lk 7:7;

JESUS GAVE OUT THE SAME AUTHORITY – Mt.10:8. And the Apostles operated in that power – Acts 3:6; Lk.9:1. Authority is exercised when there is a RIGHT to exercise it.

The Authority of the Believer; Lk.10:19-20; Jn.1:12

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the

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enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

1.            Right to walk and workas a Son of God – Jn.1:12; 14:12

2.            Right to issue decrees. Job 22:28

3.            Bind and loose - Matthew 18:18

4.            Victory Sin and Satan - over all power of darkness – Lk.10:19; Mk.16:15 - In speaking about "serpents and scorpions," Jesus was talking about the power of the devi

5.            Extent of our Power and Authority – Eph.1:15-22

6.            The Believer’s Authority has to do with: “Position in Christ”. SEATED WITH CHRIST (1 Cor 6:17; Rom.5:17; Eph.1:19-21; 2:6

Ephesians 2:6…and has raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

•             Eph 1:19 and what is the exceeding, greatness of his power toward us who believe

•             Eph 1:20 when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand…

•             Eph 1:21 far above…..principality, power, might and dominion

In the World, position means a lot and authority goes with position.

Our seating and reigning with Christ is a position of authority, honour, and triumph—not failure, depression, and defeat.

•             The Power to Have our Sins Forgiven. He was delivered over to death because of our sins, and raised to life because of our justification (Rom 4:25)

•             The Power to Conquer Sin - But resurrection power doesn't end with our forgiveness. Christ's resurrection also empowers us to conquer sin in our lives. (Ephesians 4:24)

•             The Power to Be God's Agent - (2 Cor 5:19,20)

•             The Power to Be Conformed to His Likeness - (2 Cor 3:18)

•             The Power to Overcome the Devil and his Kingdom -Jesus gave us this power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the devil.

•             His Authority over Nature - (Mark 4:39; Jn.21:4-6)

•             His Authority over Sickness - Jesus healed all kinds of sicknesses and diseases and healed all the sick. Jesus healed “every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people” (Matthew 4:23-24). “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how he went about doing good and healing all who were

oppressed by the devil, for God was with him” (Acts 10:38).

•             His Authority over Death - Jesus raised three people from the dead. The daughter of Jairus was still laying in her parent’s home when Jesus brought her back to life (Mark 5:21-43). The body of the widow’s son was about to be buried when Jesus brought him back to life (Luke 7:11-15). Lazarus had been dead four days before Jesus called him out of the tomb (John 11:43-44).

•             His Authority over Demons - Demons recognized Jesus as the Son of God and submitted to his authority (Matthew 8:28-34).

POWER OF GOD: In order for you to be confident in your God-given authority, you must first have a solid trust in the awesome power of God which backs up that authority. Ephesians 1:15-19

1.            Power belongs to God – Ps.62:11 .. God has spoken once,Twice I have heard this: That power

belongs to God.The power to heal, save…..

2.            Jesus is this power of God – 1 Cor.1:24. - but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

3.            Jesus demonstrated this power of God in His ministry. Acts 10:38; Lk.4:32

4.            Acts 10:38- how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

5.            The Gospel is this power of God – Rom.1:16, 1 Cor.1:18. Rom.1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,[a] for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 1 Cor.1:18 - 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

6.            Jesus made this power available to his disciples – Mt.10:1; Lk.10:17. Mt.10:1 - And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.

7.            The Apostles demonstrated this power of God in their ministry – 1 Thess.1:5; Rom.15:29; 1 Cor.2:4

8.            The Gospel made this power of God available to all that receive Jesus Jn.1:12; Lk.10:19; Mk.16:16-18

9.            8. This power of God works in all them that believe – 1 Thess.2:13. Eph.1:15-21; Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. 13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

10.          This power of God is in the word of God – Is.55:11; Jer.23:29; Heb.4:12

11.          This power is in the name of Jesus - Acts.4:12; Mk.16:18; Jn.16:23; 2 Cor. 9:8; Heb.1:1-9; Phil.2:9-10.. In Praise And Worship; In Prayer; In Deliverance; In Confession, In Music…..

12.          This power is in the blood of Jesus - 1 Pet. 1:19; Heb. 9:14, Eph. 1:7, 1 Co.10:16, 1 Pe.1:2, 1 Jn.1:7.. His blood forgives, cleanses, purifies, ransoms, justifies, sanctifies, grants access to the very presence of God, saving, reconciling; speaks better things..etc. Whether you apply it or appropriate it in decrees, confessions or through MUSIC.

13.          All Christians are carriers of this enormous power of God, ready to work in us, by us, thru us, and for us. Eph.3:20; 1:19-21 Thru Jesus and in Jesus this limitless power of God is made available to us who believe. The Acts of the Apostles is a clear record of the mighty and miraculous works the disciples and the apostles continue to accomplish in the name of Jesus (Stephen- Acts.6:8; .Paul-20:8-12). And Jesus said, we will do even greater works because needs and warfare will increase greatly (Jn.14:12)

14.          You can access this power today by Repenting, turn to God, thirst, and asking for it. Acts 2:38-39;1:8

ACCESSING AND ACTIVATING THIS POWER AND AUTHORITY

1.            KNOW YOUR GOD AND HIS POWER – DAN.11:32; Phi.3:9-10; Jn 1:12; Mk.16:15; Dan.11:32 – The people that know their God shall be strong and do exploits

2.            NEW BIRTH – JN.1:12 - Indeed, when we receive Christ Jesus as our Lord and saviour, we become a new creature (2 Cor.5:17), we are transformed. We are kings, priests, son of God (Jn.1:12; 2 Pet.2:9) – that is in essence we become “god” (Ps.82:6; Jn.10:34), a citizen of heaven (Eph.2:19; Phil.3:20) and a saint(Rom.1:7). Our position in Christ is perfect: we have righteousness from God (Romans 1:17). We are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10). We have all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). We have all spiritual blessings in Christ (Eph. 1:3). But now we need to make progress so that our practice moves toward our position in Christ. And it’s a life- long journey. . Our position in Christ is majestic. God has "... raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" (Eph. 2:6). Our position could not be more lofty. Positionally, we are perfect. Now God wants us to reflect that position in our progressive experience.

3.            SPIRITUAL MATURITY GURANTEES YOU ACCESS – Lk. 2:40,52; Phil.3:15; 2 Cor.7:1; Gal.3:3;4:1-4.

7. DECREE AND DECLARATIONS - Job. 22:28. There is Connection, correlation between what you declare and your experience or what is established. The word you speak carry an enormous power. The words you speak today will establish your world. The words you are speaking are prophesying what you are becoming. Your words have creative power. Your words are creating your world. Heb.11:3; - Creating your world. Your words are creating the realities you are experiencing. Prov.18:21; Ps.107:2 – let the redeemed of the lord say so.. Jos.1:8. • Mark 11:23

– 24 Whosoever shall say o Believe what you say You will have what you say. James 3:10 – Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren these things ought not so to be.

4.            HAVE THE RIGHT MENTALITY OR MINDSET – Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Your life is a product of your mentality and mindset. That is why you need your mind renewed. Rom.12:1-2. Called to have the mindset of Christ.

5.            Reign in Life with Authority – Exercise your authority. Believers can exercise kingdom authority

in this life. “Those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17). They are destined to reign on the earth by King Jesus and through the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God supersedes and has dominion over the kingdoms of this world (Revelation 11:15). Jesus Christ shall reign as King forever

6.            Be strong in the Lord

7.            Use your weapons – Eph.6:10-18.

Jesus Christ delegates authority to his subjects as his ambassadors on the earth. “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). As an ambassador of Jesus Christ, you are to obey the King and speak his word. More specifically, you are to exercise his authority.

Conclusions: Fellow citizens and Ambassadors of the Kingdom. Let’s arise and begin to use our Authority in Jesus Christ to take territories for the King of kings. The body of Christ has been given authority to bring God’s will and kingdom to the earth so that he would be glorified.

CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH. SURREY DOCKS DISTRICT, HQ

KINGDOM SERIES