Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION

In last week's study we looked at the authority of a believer. We considered the prayers of Paul and learnt that we inherit the Name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we can use it in prayer against the enemy. We concluded by saying that only a few of us have gotten to the edge of the believer’s authority, but there was hope that before Jesus comes again, a whole company of believers will rise up with the authority that is theirs. In today’s study we will look at what this authority is all about; when Jesus 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.  Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Emphasis mine

SCRIPTURE ANALYSIS
The translators of the King James Version translated many words consistently, but not the Greek words for "power" and "authority". For example, in the King James Version, Jesus says in Luke 10:19,
"Behold, I give unto you POWER to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the POWER of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."
Although the word "power" is used twice in this verse, two different words are found in the original Greek. What Jesus actually said was, "I have given you AUTHORITY to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the POWER of the enemy...."

AUTHORITY DEFINED
Authority is defined as delegated power; the power to give orders or make decisions: the power or right to direct or control someone or something.
The value of our authority rests on the power that is behind that authority. God Himself is the power behind our authority!
It means one has the ability to issue decrees as we see in Job 22:28
“Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.”
Also see Matthew 18:18
“Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Policemen who direct traffic during the rush hour just raise their hands and the cars stop. These men don't have the physical power to stop the vehicles if the drivers choose not to stop. But they don't use their own strength to stop traffic; they are strong in the authority that is invested in them by the government they serve. People recognize that authority and stop their cars.

“SERPENTS AND SCORPIONS"
In speaking about "serpents and scorpions," Jesus was talking about the power of the devil—demons, evil spirits, and all his cohorts. We need to realize that we've got authority over them!
The devil and his forces are obliged to recognize our authority because of the power behind our authority!
The believer who thoroughly understands that the power of God is backing him can exercise his authority and face the enemy fearlessly.
Paul told believers to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might (Eph. 6:10). That means you can like the policeman step out in front of the devil, hold up your hand, and tell him not to come any closer. Use your authority!
Ephesians 6:10 says,
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."
Many people read that verse and think the Lord is telling them to be strong in themselves. But the Scripture doesn't say a word about being strong in yourself. It says to be strong in the Lord.

CONCLUSION
First John 4:4 says, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
"He that is in the world" is Satan, the god of this world and the head of principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world. But the power that's in you is greater than the power that's in the world, because the power that backs our authority is greater than that which backs our enemies.

This study was culled from The Believers’ Authority by Kenneth E. Hagin.