Introduction

Many today are living a defeated life, rather than living in victory, because most people have lost touch with the reality, which is the kingdom life, eternal life that was provided through the sacrifice that Christ made to redeem us. You can live in victory if you discover a wonderful principle called the kingdom authority.

What is called a kingdom?

Definition: Dominion, reign sovereignty, realm (1 Chron. 22:10), royalty, royal power, sovereign.

The word “authority” is defined as: ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises; power of him whose will and command must be submitted to by others.

In Luke 7:1-10 we see a Roman Centurion who understood what authority meant that the authority of a commander is the word (in the Roman army a centurion was a leader of over 100 soldiers). The centurion said to Jesus, “Just speak the word only and my servant shall be healed.” Jesus marveled at his faith. If Jesus was impressed by his faith we ought to take note of it. Jesus marveled because the centurion’s words gave evidence that he understood authority and its implications for life. The centurion said, “I am a man set under authority.” The words “set under” mean to station, to assign, to appoint, to place somewhere.

In Genesis 1:26-28, God created man and told them to have dominion. That means they were to reign. But because of sin, man became servant to Satan and all who are in Adam likewise became servants to sin and Satan. But Jesus came and won the victory for us (1 Cor. 15:22, 45-48 LB; Rom 5:17), He came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).

As a child of God can I say I am truly operating the divinely ordained authority given by God? Has the truth set me free? (John 8:32). If not then why?

Some of the reasons for not operating in the authority God has given us include:

Issue of identity – Most believers don’t have an accurate knowledge of who they are? Do you have a working knowledge of the finished work of Christ (John 19:30).

• 2 Corinthians 5:20 says that you are an ambassador for Christ i.e. representatives of heaven. You are the one that has the right to enforce heaven’s mandate here.

• 1 Peter 2: 8-10 says that you are God’s very own.

• John 1:12-13 says that you are an empowered son

Some Christians don’t have the working knowledge of this. Psalms 49:20 says that, Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.

Psalm 82:5-7 also says, They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.

Lack of knowledge

There is a need to know what has been made available (Hos. 4:6; Isa 5:13) and to know the giver (1 John 5:11-12; John 10:38; Phil 3:8-10). There is a need to enforce this if you will silence the devil (Isa 41:21; 1 John 2:23).

• You have been accepted into the beloved if your sins are forgiven.
• Access to His name (Phil 2:9-11)
• Joint heir (Rom 8:17)
• He sent us with authority (Luk. 10:1-9, 17-21)
• A new person inside (2 Cor. 5:17)
• After genuine repentance dominion is guaranteed (Job 22:21-28)
• You don’t belong to the enemy. God did not appoint him police over you (Job 1:7-10)
• You have received what you don’t deserve – grace. But don’t take it for granted, someone paid for it to become free (Matt 10:1,7,8; Titus 2:11; Duet. 20:30).

The Process (a) grace of Jesus (b) love of God (c) fellowship of the spirit (Phi 1:9-10)

The source of kingdom authority

All authority comes from a higher power from above – God (Rom. 13:1-4 MSG). The Police and the Government receive their authority from Him. We are united with Him (Rom. 6:3-9) and He has given us authority in Matthew 28:18-20 to take the gospel to all the nations. Our authority is from the commander-in-chief (1 Pet. 3:22)

The secret of kingdom authority is obedience. That is why satan worked hard to make Adam disobey God. If you don’t learn to be under authority, you can’t be over others in authority. See the example of Jesus who was under authority the authority of His parents (Luk. 2:51), the Holy Spirit (Luk. 4:1), the Father (John 17:1-4), the word of God (Mark 14:49) and the government of His day (Matt 17:27).

The scope of kingdom authority: when God gave authority He gave us spiritual authority (Lk 10: 18-19), we still have that in Christ (Ps 8:4-6, Heb. 2:6-8, 9-18, 2 Pet 1:3 AMP). He gave all.

The strength of kingdom authority: The Roman Centurion understood this. This is to be surrendered to someone else’s authority (Lk 7:7-8; Matt. 8:5-13). This is a powerful tool in our hands.

Authority is defined as the power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases, one who possesses authority. A ruler, a human magistrate (Matt 7:29, Matt 21:24, Mark 1:22,27; Jn 5:25-27).

Strength for the Christian life comes from surrender to Christ. Authority differs from power. Authority comes from the office; power resides in the person (a football player may be big and fierce but the only man with authority on the football field is the referee).

Jesus said, “I give you authority over all the enemy.” Don’t let anything rob you of this. If you have missed it at any point go back to Him (Ps 34:18, 51:17; Isa 1:18-19; Isa 41:21; 1 Jn. 2:1-2; 1 Jn. 1:9; Isa 43:25) and exercise your dominion, your authority in  Him stand your ground, stand on the word that can never fail. Have confidence (James 1:5-7 MSG).

There is so much included in your right-standing with God. How? Know what the Scripture is saying about your rights in the areas you are seeking His intervention, then take your stand. For example:

• Good gifts (James 1:17)

• God has pleasure in the prosperity of God’s servants (Ps 35:27)

• Produce those reasons (Isa 41:21)

• Right decree (Job 22:28)

• Paul asserted his right as a Roman citizen and was rescued (Acts 16:35-40 NLT; Acts 22:22-30; Acts 25:16)

• Decree a thing and it shall be established (Job 22:27-29).