The Authority of Believers: A Scriptural Guide
Introduction
The Bible is replete with verses that empower believers with authority in various aspects of life. This authority, granted through the indwelling Holy Spirit, enables believers to live victoriously, resist the devil, and share the gospel effectively.
Sharing the Gospel:
Matthew 28:18-20: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
Spiritual Gifts:
1 Corinthians 12:4-11: "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. To one he gives the ability to give prophecies; to another he gives the ability to distinguish between spirits; to still another, the gift of healing by faith; to another, miraculous powers; to another, prophecy; to another, distinguishing between spirits; to another, speaking in different kinds of tongues; and to still another, the interpretation of tongues."
Resisting Satan:
James 4:7: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Praying with Authority:
Matthew 18:19: "Again, truly I tell you, if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven."
God, through the Holy Spirit:
John 14:26: "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
Within the Church:
Hebrews 13:17: "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."
Subject to God's Word:
Acts 5:29: "We must obey God rather than human beings!"
Consequences:
1 Timothy 1:19-20: "Hold on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme."
Help Others:
Romans 15:1-2: "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up."
Lead People Closer to Jesus:
Acts 16:31: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."
Exercise Spiritual Gifts:
1 Corinthians 12:7: "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
Pray Effectively:
James 5:16: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Conclusion
The authority granted to believers through the Holy Spirit is a precious gift that empowers us to live out our faith with boldness and effectiveness. By using this authority wisely, we can glorify God, help others, and spread the gospel throughout the world.
Key Points from the Believer's Authority
- Authority over Spiritual Forces:
- Tread on serpents and scorpions (Luke 10:19)
- Overcome the enemy's power (Matthew 28:18)
- Submit to God, resist the devil (James 4:7)
- Destroy the devil's works (1 John 4:4; Luke 9:1)
- Authority in the World:
- Be subject to governing authorities (Romans 13:1)
- Obey leaders, submit to them (Hebrews 13:17)
- Overcome the thief, have abundant life (John 10:10)
- Resist those who resist God (Romans 13:1-2)
- Authority in Service:
- Give and receive healing (Matthew 10:1)
- Cast out demons, speak in tongues (Mark 16:17-18)
- Bind and loose things on earth and in heaven (Matthew 16:19)
- Authority in Christ:
- Have all authority in heaven and earth (Ephesians 1:21; John 10:10)
- Have authority over demons (Luke 10:17)
- Have faith to move mountains (Matthew 17:20)
- Receive power from the Father (John 10:18)
- Be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37)
- Other Authority:
- Have dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28)
- Speak with authority (Mark 1:27)
- Receive wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:17)
- Have the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19)
- Be seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6)
- Be righteous and have peace (Romans 14:17)
- Be renewed in the spirit of your mind (Ephesians 4:23)
- Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2)
The Bible grants believers authority through the indwelling Holy Spirit. This authority encompasses exercising spiritual authority, such as sharing the Gospel, using spiritual gifts, resisting Satan, and praying with authority. The source of authority is God, who grants believers their authority through the Holy Spirit. Christian leaders have authority within the church, but this authority is subject to God's Word. They should lead with humility, integrity, and service, guiding believers toward Christ.
Believers can misuse their authority by elevating themselves above God, teaching false doctrine, leading with fear or anger, or engaging in spiritual abuse (manipulation, coercion, control). Misuse of authority can cause harm, driving others away from faith. However, healing and restoration are possible through Jesus Christ.
Believers should use their authority to help others, lead people closer to Jesus, exercise spiritual gifts, and pray effectively.