We have already discussed that Jesus Christ alone possesses all authority and has given us the authority to operate in His name, in dealing with the enemy and the powers of darkness; in the midst of our temptations testings and trials. Let’s conclude our series of teachings on the Whole Armour Of God by taking a more in-depth look at how we can use our authority in Christ.
Luke 9:1-2 NLT
“[1] One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. [2] Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”
Matthew 28:18-19 NKJV
“[18] And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. [19] Go therefore…”
IDENTITY
The first thing that we must be aware of is that knowing and developing our identity in Christ is linked to how effectively we walk in His authority. It is, therefore, important to grow in Christlikeness, by putting on the whole armour of God, which is the identity, nature, essence, character, authority, power and stature of Christ. Know who you are in Christ and you can walk in the authority that He has given you!
This is why the enemy will do everything he can to undermine who you are in Christ, get you to live below the standard of a child of God, and derail your purpose and destiny by causing you to live in fear, or in disobedience to God, or take shortcuts and follow the world!
This has been the challenge of many believers. That despite the authority given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ, the powers of darkness still defy us and we don’t seem to be able to exercise that authority over them. Actually, we are often very afraid of them!!!
WHO DID YOU SAY YOU ARE AGAIN?
Let me tell you a story…. All night Owen, one of my sons in the Lord, tried to cast out an epileptic spirit from a woman without any success. Actually, Jesus’ disciples had a similar challenge with a child, in Matthew 17:14-16.
When Owen narrated the incident to me, I said to him, “If for hours you commanded a demon to leave, and it disobeyed you, then there is something seriously wrong! Either you don’t know who you are and the authority that you have, or you are not living as you should!”
I spent the next two days teaching in our conference about our identity in Christ, as sons of God, and the need for us to know Jesus, the Son of God, and grow in His likeness and stature. As we increase in Christlikeness, the level at which we walk in His authority increases, and we begin to see the power of God manifested through us.
After listening to my teachings for two days, Owen went back to the woman with the demonic problem, and stood in front of her and said,
“I am Owen… a child and son of God. I cast you out, in Jesus’ name!”
The demonic spirit spoke through the woman and said, “Eh! Today you are different! Who did you say you are again?”
Owen repeated, “I am Owen… a child and son of God. I cast you out, in Jesus’ name!”
Immediately, the spirit came out of the woman and she was delivered and healed. The entire conversation and deliverance took less than two minutes! The authority and name of Jesus worked and the captive was set free and healed!
You must know your identity in Christ, so that you can walk in the fullness of His authority. AMEN!
For Further Reading: Luke 7:1-10; Mark 1:21-27; Matthew 28:18; Luke 9:1-2; Acts 19:13-16
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)