Authority: a Snapshot

authority |əˈθôritē; ôˈθär-| (abbr.:auth.)

noun ( pl. -ties)

1 the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience



This is the first dictionary definition of authority and what it is. There is no claim, however, as to who or what the authority is or where it is derived from. For many of us authority is symbolic, projected in the badge of a police officer, the sign on our professor's or boss' door, the plaques and diplomas, and certifications doctors have in their offices above their heads. This is only the surface. I plan to reveal how GOD is the creator, and thusly, the supreme being from which all authority is derived and how we as Christians use our authority which is derived from Jesus.

In The Beginning: God, Creation, and What it Means

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth (Genesis 1:1). Now, there is some dispute as to where Heaven may be and what it looks like. Ancient civilizations use to regard the stars, the atmosphere, where the birds soar, and distant planets as the heavens. This is all very true, but there is a bit more to it than that. Though this is not a total topic of debate in this post, it is important because we must know where God is in order to understand where authority is totally derived. You will see it is a dissemination of authority of sorts, which always points to God.

In Genesis, when it was dictated, Paul noted that God made the firmament, which meant that the earth and heavens would be separated. There is the earth, on which man lives, and there are three heavens, beginning with the atmosphere of the earth, which is the first; the planets and stars at which we gaze is the second; and the third is where God dwells, beyond the universe, where he observes his vast creation. It is to say that God existed before any earth, universe, stars, sun, or moon. God created the heavens we know and the earth, and he has authority over it.

God's authority is intrinsic authority. Basically, intrinsic authority is authority that belongs naturally, it is innate, and it is the first authority before all else.

Jesus' authority is extrinsic, meaning it is derived. When God was manifest in flesh as man, he had authority to go and spread the Word, as we see in Mathew 28: 18, which says, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Now, because the Word is God, Jesus knew the laws of the Father because he himself was God the Father. He knew God's will, and took authority to live accordingly. He was about his Father's work. Now, as for us (men, women, specifically Christians), we also have derived authority. This is what I plan to uncover: how we have authority, what it means for us to use it.

What It Means For Us
I was at church recently and my pastor continued with our discussion on authority, and what it means for us as followers. I submit the question: do we really have authority, and if so, how did we come to get it? I say it's as simple as looking back into the book of Genesis chapter 1, verse 26, when man was first created: “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”

God goes on to say this again in verse 28, about man having “dominion.” But what does "dominion" mean?

dominion |dəˈminyən| 

noun 

1 sovereignty; control : man's attempt to establish dominion over nature. See note at jurisdiction. 

2 (usu. dominions) the territory of a sovereign or government : the Angevin dominions. 

• ( Dominion) historical each of the self-governing territories of the British Commonwealth. 

3 ( dominions) another term for domination(sense 2). 

ORIGIN Middle English : via Old Frenchfrom medieval Latin dominio(n-), from Latin dominium, from dominus ‘lord, master.’ 

What we have is a word that means “control.” We control the plants and animals of this earth, and use them to our benefit. However, there is a catch. Sure, all men are given this authority, but when a man first chooses sin over God his authority shrinks and soon he becomes a slave of sin rather than a slave of righteousness. In other words: there is God's intrinsic, eternal authority, and there is man's derived authority, but just because we are made in God's image doesn't mean we are automatically as holy as him.

When I said our authority shrinks the more we live according to our free will, I meant that rather face our adversary, the devil, some turn and give him a foothold. Either way you look at it, there is a decision. In Peter 5:8-9 we are told of this: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the word.” While it does not expressly say "choose this or choose that," these verses highlight the two paths we all have when given authority: we choose faith in Christ and use our authority, or we choose sin, and lose eternal life. God, the creator of all things, has dominion over everything of this earth; satan does have authority, though it be not much. Even satan will answer to God on judgement day, and he will lose. So why lose? Why not exercise your great authority derived of Christ for him as a creation? After all, it’s said that “With great power comes great responsibility.” Nothing is further from the truth; if you live without God, it’s safe to say you’re living irresponsibly. This is known as rebellion, and thus, your authority begins to shrink. You’re a slave to sin.

Okay, So I Choose Christ. Now What?

Great! So you're a believer and follower of Christ. What does your authority do, who does is it for, and for what purpose? There are many questions and angles we could approach this topic from, but for time's sake I'll take the easy route. First, you must always do all things for God's glory. Use God's authority (the authority in you) for His glory. Do not look for battles, but rather deal with adversity. Again, like in Peter: “Be sober, be vigilant.”

Know that the disciples, though close to Jesus, wondered the same thing about authority. Here's a fun fact: “a disciple is a personal follower of Jesus during his life, esp. one of the twelve Apostles.” The dictionary also describes a disciple as “a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosophy.” Interesting. If you identify with Jesus Christ, claim him as your personal Lord and savior, then you are a disciple. What does this mean? It means we can do what the disciples did. Yes, the spirit of the Lord is here to guide us, to strengthen us in our walk—that means we must use our derived authority for His glory. See Luke 9:1-2: “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” How cut and dry do you want the scripture to be? 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.” Beloved, that is immense power and authority. Know that once we realize we have this authority, nothing can stand against us, not even the greatest adversary the devil, the lion that roams about. For Proverbs 56:9 says “When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.” God will never leave nor forsake us, for he gave us the tools for this life.

Lastly, I want to leave you with a great verse from James 4:7, which says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God; resist the devil and he will flee from you.” If we resist the devil, that means we have authority to rebuke him; but note that first you must submit yourself to God, then resist the devil (cast out all demons in Jesus' name, and you will defeat satan.) 

3 Keys of The Kingdom

1.) Righteousness: because of Christ Jesus, if you know your posture/ position in Christ, the enemy can't win. Posture/ Position: as believers we are heirs to the kingdom of God, sanctified through faith in non other than Jesus Christ, the son of man. We should know this, but also be humble, for no servant can be greater than their master.

a.) We are heirs to the kingdom of God, made blameless by the blood of Jesus.

b.) Be humble, for no servant can be greater than their master

c.) Use the authority to cast down devils in the name of Jesus; heal through prayer, fasting; and, above all, give thanks and glory to God, repent daily, and trust in Jesus.

2.) Peace: for Jesus himself is peace. Nothing can take this away. If you walk with Christ in faith you will be at peace, as peace is a fruit of the spirit. The key is to rest and walk in Jesus.

Philippians 4:9, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

3.) Joy: Nehemiah 8:10 says, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” If you're down, pray for joy and peace.