The Bible clearly states that our Lord Jesus made power and authority available to His disciples to function in. We can deduce from this passage that every believer with a mission requires power and authority to operate on earth. To be uncomfortable about this authority means you would miss many opportunities to do the will of your heavenly Father. The believer’s authority is power delegated to the body of Christ. The Church has received power to tread upon serpents and scorpions. The Church has received power to pray for the sick. The Church has received power over the works of darkness and the divine authority to use the Name of Jesus (Act 1:8).
All other powers are subject to the Church, but we need to be bold and confident to operate in this God-given authority. Now, this authority that we have is not for taking pride in lording it over other people indiscriminately. We should be commanding principalities and powers and rulers of the darkness of this world, thus destroying the works of darkness.
Some people are so self-centered that their little worries have robbed them of their authority in Christ. An insecure man who lacks confidence cannot exercise authority. Why? Authority cannot operate under fear. “What will people say?” “What if it doesn’t happen?…” Jesus had to overlook the Law to command sicknesses, diseases and demons to leave. He wasn’t afraid of what the authorities said or felt about it. Although this greatly displeased the Law-ruled Pharisees, it pleased the Spirit-filled Lord who came to do the will of His Father. He said in Matthew 28:18-19, “All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore (in this My authority)...” If you take authority, your confidence in your heavenly Father will increase and you will do greater exploits for Him.
