Authority to Conquer

This morning I would like to speak with you about one of the biggest problems which prevents people from receiving from God. It is not a curse or some fear but is due to a lack of knowledge. The problem is not understanding the Authority God gave us. We find this often when repeated prayer does not seem to work for someone. This authority of course was conferred upon us by Jesus who said, "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. "This of course did not just pop into the New Testament out of the blue but was part of original intent of the Father. Let's take a look.

Gen 1:26-28 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

All authority comes from God. One of the biggest problems we Christ disciples have is that we don’t understand the Authority of God and how it pertains to us. This authority was originally given to us to rule the earth and its creatures. As we know man gave away his right of authority to a serpent which he should have ruled over. Now instead of a peaceful garden experience we have to fight for our very existence with the sworn enemies of God which are spiritual and carnal. They start out spiritual and unseen but end up physical and seen, in our face and seemingly all around us. These are the deceived who love not the truth. They are in your workplace, out on the streets, in bars, in government, and just about everywhere. As believers in Christ, we are supposed to follow truth, Jesus.

Spiritual battles are not really understood. Maybe you've heard that satan comes to steal, to kill and to destroy but how he does it we don't really know. The devils target is live people it can manipulate to do it's will just like in the garden. But how? Snakes don't stop us on the sidewalk and talk to us. The battles of earth begin between our ears with temptation. (The spirit realm can be heard through our brain waves.) How many demons are there? How many people on earth?

Our Father gave us authority and also a choice.

Deut 30:19 says, " I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live." In these battles we are to choose sides, or choose what and who we will believe.

Satan wants to weaponize us against each other and ourselves but God will weaponize us against the spiritual darkness . You see satan didn't get it's power from God, but from man whom it can manipulate. We get to choose truth or deception.

Authority and Power

Eph 6:10 says - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes, strategies, and deceits of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. How can we fight without authority? Not possible in the spirit realm.

The Enemy's only Power.

What is a deception of the devil? There is one called the "Sovereignty of God." Maybe you or someone you know believes that everything good and evil comes from God. Wait we just read that Our Father gave us free will and as free moral agents we can choose good or evil to follow.

Let me ask you this," if sicknesses were God's idea would we not be resisting Him in trying to get well?" Is 53 says that divine health which was His idea is His will. Don't worry God and the devil are not teaming up on us! Never were! Man and the devil is another story. Let me just read to you a few common deceptions promoted by man and demons: "Healing has passed away" "God can't possibly heal me, I'm too bad" "My church tells me it might not be God's will to heal me." "I know someone who believed God and died anyway." So do I. I chose the truth. These common lies lead to passivity of the heart and mind, making one weak in faith.

2 Cor 10:4 says, " 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. You see, satan wants your agreement and consent in what you think and say. Be smart don't give in! James 4:7 says, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." God is not going to resist the devil for you! If there is a mountain (obstacle) in the way of our blessing we need to speak directly to it! Speak therefore to sickness in your body, to lack and poverty, and to any demonic spirit you know is hindering you.

God limited Himself in what He could do to help us by giving us His Authority. He will not come down and fix your mess without your involvement. He will not violate His Word and take your place in the battle. You need to do the resisting! You might just need to get spiritually indignant and then push back against the enemy. But take heart your Father is with you and will help you. He made you to be more than a conqueror. You are equipped with the greatest power in the universe and by using this against the enemy you will prevail!