Seated in Victory: The Spiritual Authority of the Believer

Seated in Victory: The Spiritual Authority of the Believer

With Bishop Ronald Powell
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:19–23; Luke 10:19

Introduction: The Badge and the Power
Imagine a police officer standing in the middle of a busy intersection. When
they raise their hand, a massive, multi-ton semi-truck comes to a screeching
halt. Does the officer have the physical strength to stop that truck? No. If
they tried to stop it with their muscles, they would be crushed.

The officer has authority. They stand there not in their own name, but in
the name of the city or the state. The badge on their chest represents a power
that is greater than the truck’s engine.

As a believer, you have been given a spiritual “badge.” Many Christians
are living like the officer is hiding on the sidewalk, afraid of the traffic,
forgetting that the King of Kings has placed them in the center of the
intersection with the right to command.

Point 1: The Source of Your Authority
Our authority does not come from our holiness, our prayer life, or our
Bible knowledge. It comes from our position.

* Delegated Power: In Matthew 28:18, Jesus says, “All authority in heaven
and on earth has been given to me.” Then, in the very next verse, He says,
“Therefore go…” He didn’t just give us a mission; He delegated His authority
to us to complete it.

* The Seat of Power: Ephesians 2:6 tells us that God has “raised us up with
Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms.” * Where is Christ
seated? At the right hand of the Father, “far above all rule and authority,
power and dominion” (Eph 1:21).

* If you are in Christ, you are seated far above the very things that are
trying to keep you down. You aren’t fighting for victory; you are fighting
from victory.

Point 2: The Scope of Your Authority
What exactly do we have authority over? Jesus is very specific.

* Luke 10:19: “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and
scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm
you.”

* The Nature of the Enemy: “Snakes and scorpions” are metaphors for the
demonic spirits, the “wiles of the devil,” and the spiritual darkness that tries
to invade our homes, our minds, and our health.

* The “Nothing” Promise: When you walk in your authority, the enemy’s
power is neutralized. He is a defeated foe, but he is an illegal trespasser. A
trespasser will stay on your property until you show him the deed and order
him to leave.

Point 3: Exercising Your Authority
Authority is useless if it is never spoken. You cannot think a thief out of
your house; you have to command him to go.

* Submission First: James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Authority flows down. If you
are not under God’s authority, you cannot exercise His authority.

* The Sword of the Spirit: Your primary weapon is the Word of God.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He didn’t argue or negotiate; He
said, “It is written.”

3. The Name of Jesus: The Name is the “power of
attorney.” When you pray or command in Jesus’ Name, the spiritual realm
reacts as if Jesus Himself were speaking

Conclusion: Stop Begging and Start Commanding
Many of us spend our lives begging God to do things He has already given
us the authority to handle.

We ask God to “stop the devil,” but God says,
“You resist him.”

We ask God to “move the mountain,” but Jesus said, “You
speak to the mountain.”

Today, recognize your seat. Look at the situation in your life—whether it is
fear, sickness, or lack—and realize it is under your feet because you are in
Christ. Stop looking at the truck; start looking at the Badge.