"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." - Luke 10:19
In this verse, Jesus speaks directly to His disciples, granting them the authority to overcome all the power of the enemy. This promise wasn’t limited to His first followers; it extends to every believer today. Understanding and embracing this authority is crucial for living a victorious Christian life. Yet, many of us struggle to fully grasp and walk in this divine power. How can we embrace God's power and exercise the authority that Jesus has given us?
The Source of Our Authority
The authority that Jesus speaks of in Luke 10:19 is not based on our strength or abilities. It is a gift from God, rooted in our relationship with Him through Christ. This authority is part of our spiritual inheritance as children of God. In Mark 16:17-18, Jesus further emphasizes the signs that will follow those who believe: casting out demons, speaking in new tongues, handling serpents, drinking poison without harm, and healing the sick. These signs are not just miraculous acts; they are demonstrations of the authority given to us through Jesus.
To truly understand and walk in this authority, we must first recognize that it is not about us. It’s not about our merit, our knowledge, or our spiritual maturity. It’s about Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross. When He rose from the dead, He defeated sin, death, and the powers of darkness. And in doing so, He imparted His victory to us, empowering us to live as overcomers.
The Danger of Limiting God
One of the greatest obstacles to living in the fullness of God’s power is our tendency to limit Him. Psalm 78 recounts the story of the Israelites and their journey through the wilderness. Despite witnessing God’s miraculous deliverance from Egypt and His provision time and time again, they doubted His power and rebelled against His commands. Verse 41 highlights this tragic pattern: "Again and again they tested God, and limited the Holy One of Israel."
The Israelites' failure to trust God fully and their constant questioning of His ability kept them from experiencing all that He had promised. Their story serves as a cautionary tale for us today. We, too, can limit God by doubting His promises, relying on our understanding, or allowing fear and unbelief to control our actions.
When we limit God, we restrict what He can do in our lives and through us. We might believe in His power intellectually, but if we don't act on that belief, we effectively hinder His work. To avoid this, we must cultivate a heart of trust and a spirit of obedience. We need to align our thoughts, words, and actions with the truth of God's Word, refusing to allow doubt or fear to take root.
Embracing God’s Power
To walk in the authority that Jesus has given us, we must fully embrace His power. This means recognizing that our ability to overcome the enemy, to heal the sick, and to perform miracles is not dependent on us but on the Holy Spirit working through us. Embracing God’s power requires humility—acknowledging our dependence on Him—and boldness—stepping out in faith, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky.
Speaking life is a crucial aspect of embracing God’s power. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that "the tongue has the power of life and death." The words we speak can either align with God’s promises or contradict them. When we speak words of faith, hope, and life, we release God’s power into our circumstances. Conversely, when we speak words of doubt, fear, or negativity, we hinder what God wants to do.
Acting in faith is another essential component. Faith is not just a mental agreement with God’s Word; it’s a conviction that leads to action. James 2:17 reminds us that "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." If we believe in God’s power but never step out in faith, we won’t see His power manifested in our lives. Whether it’s praying for healing, sharing the Gospel, or standing firm in spiritual warfare, our actions must reflect our belief in God’s power.
Overcoming Doubt and Fear
Doubt and fear are two of the most significant barriers to walking in divine authority. The enemy knows this, and he uses these tactics to keep us from stepping into the fullness of what God has for us. But the Bible gives us the tools we need to overcome these obstacles.
2 Timothy 1:7 declares that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." This verse is a powerful reminder that fear does not come from God. When we feel afraid, we need to recognize that it’s the enemy trying to prevent us from embracing our authority in Christ. Instead of giving in to fear, we should stand on God’s promises, knowing that His Spirit within us is greater than anything we face.
Doubt, like fear, can also cripple our faith. James 1:6-8 warns that a person who doubts is "like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind." This instability makes it difficult to receive anything from the Lord. To overcome doubt, we must immerse ourselves in God’s Word, allowing it to renew our minds and strengthen our faith. Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." The more we fill our hearts and minds with Scripture, the more our faith will grow, enabling us to walk in the authority that Jesus has given us.
The Impact of Walking in Authority
When we embrace God’s power and walk in the authority He has given us, the impact is profound. Not only are our lives transformed, but the lives of those around us are also changed. We become vessels through which God’s power flows, bringing healing, deliverance, and hope to a broken world.
Mark 16:17-18 speaks of the signs that will follow those who believe. These signs are not just for the benefit of the believer; they are a testimony to the world of God’s power and love. When we pray for the sick and see them recover, when we cast out demons in Jesus' name, or when we share the Gospel with boldness, we demonstrate the reality of God's kingdom. Our lives become a living testimony of God’s authority and power at work in the world today.
Furthermore, walking in authority deepens our relationship with God. As we step out in faith and see His power manifest, our trust in Him grows. We become more attuned to His voice, more sensitive to His leading, and more confident in His ability to work through us. This intimate partnership with God is one of the most rewarding aspects of living in divine authority.
Living a Life of Victory
Living in the fullness of God’s power and authority is not a one-time event; it’s a daily journey. It requires continual growth in faith, constant reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to obeying God’s Word. But the rewards are immense: a life of victory over the enemy, a deeper relationship with God, and the ability to impact others for His kingdom.
As we embrace God’s power, we will face challenges and opposition. The enemy will try to discourage us, and our flesh will resist stepping out of our comfort zones. But in these moments, we must remember the promise of Luke 10:19. Jesus has given us authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt us. With this assurance, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that God’s power is at work in us and through us.
Conclusion: Embrace and Exercise Your Authority
Jesus has given us authority, not just to survive in this world, but to thrive as His representatives. This authority is a gift, a manifestation of His love and victory over the forces of darkness. To fully embrace and exercise this authority, we must reject doubt, overcome fear, and step out in faith, trusting in God’s power at work within us.
As you go about your daily life, remember that you are not powerless. You are a child of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and equipped to overcome every challenge. Speak life, act in faith, and boldly share the love and power of God with those around you. As you do, you will experience the fullness of what it means to walk in divine authority, transforming your life and the lives of others for His glory.
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