Too many Christians live defeated lives because they don’t understand how to unleash their authority in Christ. The enemy has been able to get over on brothers and sisters in faith because they don’t know that they have power over him. The very first thing you must know about authority is that we have it, and the Spirit that is in us is more powerful than the spirit in the world. As a child of God, there is nothing that can overtake you unless you allow it. So, let’s get into five ways to unleash your authority in Christ!
Building Your Arsenal: Why Knowing God’s Word is Key
Some, if not most, Christians are easily defeated because they do not know the Word. The Word of God is our literal weapon, as it says in Ephesians 6:17, “The sword of the Spirit–is the word of God.” So, when it comes to any kind of spiritual warfare, you must use the Word! It is the only thing that will gain us victory in every circumstance.
So, whatever your situation—whether it be mental health, finances, sickness or disease—you need to gather scriptures concerning it. That is the only thing that will set you free, so you need to start memorizing those verses and saying them daily. The power of life and death is in the tongue, so start speaking the Word of God over your situation and watch it improve day by day as you do.
Destroyed for a Lack of Knowledge
Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge,” When you don’t know the Word or refuse to read the Word concerning your life, that is rejecting God’s knowledge. And that’s why some Christians have a hard time moving forward in life because they never take the Word of God into account for their lives. They rely too heavily on preachers who preach (their own) opinion, what their family members say, or the Internet, and never open the Bible to gain Godly wisdom. Therefore, they are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
You can listen to as many sermons as you want, pray daily, and speak in tongues, but if you never open your Bible and have a first-hand encounter with the Word of God, your life will go downhill. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.
Live by the Word
Matthew 4:4 “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” We are to live off of the Word of God. Every decision, action, and word is to be based on God’s Word. No matter what is happening, what does the Word say? Does it say you are a loser or more than a conqueror through Him who loved us? Does it say you are poor or that God takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant? That you are sick or that by His stripes we are healed? Take the Word of God above everything. Even if your favorite preacher says something that doesn’t align with the Word, go with what the Word says.
The enemy cannot stand against the Word of God and must flee when you resist him with it. When Jesus was saying “it is written,” in Matthew 4, the devil couldn’t handle it and soon had to leave Him alone. Because he is no match for the living Word of God. There is power in the Word, and you must use it in your daily life if you want to succeed. James 4:7 says, “Resist the devil and he will flee,” using the Word of God is how we resist the enemy in times of temptation and spiritual battle.
God gave us His Word for a reason- to read it and believe it! It is our weapon. It literally is the solution for every single problem you have. God’s Word has no limits. There is an answer in scripture for anything you may be facing.
Faith is the Fuel: Believing God’s Promises Empower You
Knowing the Word is one thing, but you must believe the Word as well! Faith is what will truly empower you to defeat the enemy. Let’s go to the Bible really quickly for a story. In the book of Acts, great miracles were taking place, and the disciples were casting out demons and healing the sick—just miracles, signs, and wonders left and right.
Since these acts were so amazing, of course, others wanted to take part; Acts 19:13-16 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.”
They used the name of Jesus, but an issue with their faith caused them to be defeated. That is how it is when you know the Word but don’t truly believe in its power, making it useless. Know that God’s Word is real and powerful and can change your circumstances and life. Therefore, it is powerful enough to cast out demons, eliminate evil spirits, give you peace of mind, and overcome all the enemy’s power.
The Word of God is Alive
Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” God’s Word is real—the most real thing to ever exist. That revelation will provide you with unmovable faith and the ability to stand on what the Bible says no matter what, because you believe in its power that transcends all things.
Believing in God’s power and His Word is pivotal because it is our lifeline. His Word changes things, so once you have it written in your heart and believe in its power, it is time to speak!
Speak Life: Declaring God’s Word Releases Authority
Many people skip this part, but if you want anything to come to pass, you must speak! If God created the world with His words and created us in His image, imagine what we could do! Anything is possible to Him who believes, so now it is time to speak what we believe.
Mark 11:23 says, “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” You must speak the Word of God and what you want to see happen. Don’t say it if you don’t want it to come to pass. In this verse, Jesus didn’t specify whether good things or bad things would come to pass. So, take this verse literally: whatever you say, you will have.
My Covenant I Will Not Break
This is why you must speak the Word of God – because God’s Word is filled with promises and, more importantly, His covenant, which He will not break.
Psalms 89:34-35 says, “My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips. Once I have sworn by My holiness, I will not lie to David.” I like to insert my name and say this verse, because God will not lie to you. His covenant includes health, wealth, peace of mind, joy, and so much more! You just have to start speaking the Word of God.
God’s Word is His covenant, and He said in His Word that you will have whatever you say. Speak to the sickness, the lack, the mental illness, depression, whatever it may be; speak to it. Tell it to leave and proclaim the Word of God over your life in those areas. You have the same power as God, the Holy Spirit dwells in you. So, when you speak, things happen! Your words are powerful and can transform your life. I cannot count how many times I’ve said something and seen it come to pass. God’s word is real, and it works; so speak the Word of God over every circumstance.
Decree and Declare
Job 22:28 says, “You shall also decide and decree a thing, and it shall be established for you, and the light [of God’s favor] shall shine upon your ways.” When you speak, things must happen. You’re not an ordinary person, you are a child of God, an heir, royalty. Romans 5:17 says, “For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).”
We reign as kings and queens in this life, and if you know anything about royalty, when they say something, it gets done, no matter what. Additionally, a decree is an official order issued by a legal authority. We have legal authority in Christ to speak against anything that doesn’t align with His Word. So, when we speak as children of God, it must be carried out. In the same way as when a king or queen speaks, it must be done. Not only must it be done, but it must be done quickly and in a timely fashion.
I Believed, Therefore, I Spoke
Your words have power, and lots of it, so it is pivotal to start speaking. The authority of God is released by speaking! If you don’t talk, you’re not using your authority in Christ. Gather scriptures and say the Word of God all day until your situation changes. Use your words! God didn’t give us a mouth to stay quiet; He gave us a mouth to speak!
2 Corinthians 4:13 says, “And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak.” You know someone’s true faith by their words. What they speak is what they believe. So, what are you saying? What do you believe? Do you believe God is good and will always come through for you? Or do you think He’s going to let you down? Your words will tell on you.
Exercise Your Authority
Fill yourself up with the Word, which will allow your words, consciously and unconsciously, to always align with the Bible. Exercise authority through the words you speak! Jesus has given us spiritual authority to use it, not to sit on it and let life pass us by while we’re sick, sad, broke, or stressed out. We have authority over all the power of the enemy and his kingdom; nothing is more powerful than the Spirit we carry.
When you speak, you’re giving the Holy Spirit a job. You’re giving God’s angels a job to bring God’s will to earth as it is in Heaven. Jesus spoke with authority, and so should we! God loves it when we utilize faith by employing our authority. Give God something to do and speak so He can use those words to elevate you above your current circumstances. Speaking the Word of God will help with knowing who you are in Christ and what belongs to you. Everything moves by the power of God, and when we speak, that is how we “move” things around in our situation.
The Authority of Jesus’ Name
A great way to speak and utilize your authority is to use Jesus’ name. God gave us authority, and that includes being able to use His name in times of spiritual battle. We have authority in Christ, so let’s learn how to use it practically.
When faced with opposition, the most straightforward way to rebuke anything is to pair the scriptures with the name of Jesus. Jesus has all power, and that power is in us through the Holy Spirit. By speaking the scriptures and pairing them up with “In Jesus’ Name,” we utilize that power.
John 14:13 says, “You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” Anytime we say, “In Jesus’ Name,” that is us asking. There is power and authority in Jesus’ name, so use it! Here’s an example: if you are battling fear, I would use II Timothy 1:7, which says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind,” So, you would say, “God’s word says that He has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind, so I make a demand and command my mind to be at peace now in Jesus’ name!”
Scriptures on Authority
You can use that structure for anything: sickness, heartbreak, poverty, anxiety, whatever it may be! We’ve got to use that Jesus authority! The kind of authority that isn’t afraid and is backed by the Word of God! God wouldn’t leave His children hanging. He has given us the tools to live victorious lives! We should never be immersed in failure but immersed in victory! The authority of the scriptures is what’s going to help you the most. You must know the Word of God and memorize verses so that you’re not helpless in battle.
Scriptures on Authority in Christ
Luke 10:19
II Timothy 1:7
Philippians 4:13
Romans 8:32
Romans 8:28
Ephesians 1:22-23
Ephesians 2:6
Isaiah 40:29-31
I Corinthians 10:13
James 4:7
II Peter 1:3
Hebrews 4:12
John 10:10
Isaiah 55:11
Colossians 1:11, 13
Matthew 19:26
There are plenty more verses, but open your Bible and read these scriptures to build up your faith. Using our authority in Christ is vital in these last days and cannot be ignored! Get in the Word!
Salvation Prayer
You cannot use your authority in Christ without following Jesus. So, if you are struggling to get ahead and want to break the devil’s hold on your life, I invite you to say this prayer. When you give your life to Jesus, you have His power and authority that you can use to change your circumstances and entire life!
Say this out loud! “Dear Heavenly Father, I repent of my sins, turn my back to them, and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for my sins and rose on the third day. I accept Him into my heart now; I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart Jesus is Lord. By faith, I give Him my whole life, heart, mind, and soul. Amen!” If you said this prayer, go to the I Just Got Saved page for church recommendations, a Bible, and a journal!
I hope this helped, and God bless!
