187. Do Believers Have Authority? // Part 4: Debunking Bad Theology
Do believers have any authority? We learned in a previous episode that God is not a controlling Father but what about the topic of authority? Does He have all authoirty… or do we? The answer to this is more important than you might realize! Tune into this episode to learn about your spiritual authority in Christ!
Show Notes:
Bible Verses:
Romans 6:16 “Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.”
Genesis 1:26-28 “Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So, God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God, he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”
Matthew 28:18-20 “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Matthew 10:1 “Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.”
Matthew 10:7-8 “Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!”
John 14:12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”
Luke 10:18-20 ““Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”
Hosea 4:6 “My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me. Since you priests refuse to know me, I refuse to recognize you as my priests. Since you have forgotten the laws of your God, I will forget to bless your children.”
Ephesians 6:11-17 “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Topics Discussed:
Who is in Control?
- We are in control and responsible for ourselves.
- We are responsible to make decisions for our lives based on God’s Word.
- God is not in control; He has given us free will.
- We are each responsible for ourselves.
Authority
- Authority is the ability to make an impact on a situation, person or circumstance.
- God’s power delegated to us through the Holy Spirit.
- As a believer in Jesus Christ, you have authority!
- God has done his part. Exercising authority is our part.
- It is your job to walk out your authority!
- Genesis tells us that God has given the power, authority and dominion over the Earth to Adam and Eve.
- When they sinned, the dominion and authority over the Earth went to Satan.
- Jesus reclaimed all dominion and authority over the Earth through His death, burial and resurrection.
- In Acts, Jesus imparts His authority to the disciples.
Power of the Holy Spirit
- The power and authority comes from being baptized in the Holy Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit is the one who we get all power and authority from.
- You walk with Jesus will change when you receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit because with the baptism of the Holy Spirit comes fire and power.
- The book of Acts talks about the Pentecost which is when the Holy Spirit came.
- Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to empower us to heal the sick, cast out demons and raise the dead.
- We are called to do even greater works than Jesus.
- Through the power of the Holy Spirit we will be able to access the power and authority given to us.
We Have Been Given Authority
- It is our job to exercise our authority.
- It is our responsibility to walk in authority.
- We are part of God’s law enforcement team.
- We have authority over your thought life, over the demonic realm, over sickness and disease, etc.
- We have authority, but it is up to us to use it.
The Tools and Weapons God Has Given Us
- God’s Word is our main tool.
- Our mouth is a weapon. What you speak is important.
- The Full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17)
- Worship is a weapon of warfare.
- Praying with authority.
- Praying in the spirit/praying in tongues.
Powerful Quotes:
“God’s will doesn’t automatically happen.” – Caroline
“So much of the Christian life isn’t about getting God to do something because God has already done His part! Exercising authority is now your part!” – Caroline
“You must get baptized in the Holy Spirit because fire will fall upon you.” – Caroline
“Your walk with Jesus will change when you receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit because with the baptism of the Holy Spirit comes fire and power.” – Caroline
“We are called to do even greater works than Jesus!” – Caroline
“You will live as a passive, defeated believer if you don’t understand the authority given to you through the Holy Spirit.” – Caroline
“Christians will perish from a lack of knowledge.” – Caroline
“You’ve been given authority. It’s been delegated to you through the Holy Spirit.” – Caroline
“The fire of God will change your life.” – Caroline
Resources:
Baptism of the Holy Spirit Episode 14
Authority Episode 19
Authority Over Our Bodies Episode 20
Authority Over Spiritual Warfare Episode 21
Authority Over Dead Situations Episode 22
The Truth About Job Episode 184
Is God in Control? Episode 185
Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh Episode 186
Financial Stewardship Series Episodes 172-176
Join the VIP Facebook Group: Facebook Group
Follow A Cup Full of Hope on Facebook and Instagram: Instagram • Facebook
Follow Caroline on Instagram and Facebook