Understanding Authority

Life has diverse issues and questions whose solutions lies in purely understanding authority. Understanding authority is the key to unlock our breakthroughs and miracles. God operates in hierarchy of authority; believers who realize this truth will never go for anything lesser than the best. If you know the manager/ CEO of a company to a level of having his/ her mobile number, the day you need favor from the company you will call directly and not necessarily beg the employees to do things for you. Moreso, if you required salt from a neighbor close to you and he/ she is in the house, would you beg the children or house help for salt? Definitely not! You will go direct to the owner of the home. Similarly, once we understand divine authority and how to operate well in it, we shall never be ordinary Christians but get established in excellence.

What is authority? 

Authority means power to determine or direct situations, people or things. Anyone who acknowledges authority will never chase solutions from wrong directions or people since he/ she understands the true source is beyond what man can give. Christians have leeway to our heavenly Father without any human intermediary and we do not have to go through anyone to connect us to our heavenly Father. The curtain which was a barrier between us and the throne of grace was broken by the victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ; now we boldly approach the throne of grace saying "Abba, Father". Now that we are in sonship relationship with God, we need not search for middle men or short cuts to what the Father can directly give us.

Look at the following two narratives of the same event as witnessed by Mathew and Luke: 

Matt 8:5-13

Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him,6 saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” 7 And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! 11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.

Luke 7:1-10

Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. 2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. 3 So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, 5 “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.”

6 Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” 10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.

Matthew starts be stating that the Centurion went to Jesus while Luke states that the centurion sent the elders. Matthew describes on how the centurion approached Jesus and laid prostrate in reverence to authority. Luke shows the result of the power and effect of an unworthy man honoring authority. Both Luke and Matthew bring out the effect of recognizing and acknowledging the power vested in authority. The centurion knew that Jesus had authority over sickness and that He would heal his servant. Notice how the authority of Jesus removes all unworthiness in us when we acknowledge His position in power. No one deserves to walk in guilt and condemnation especially when we have One in authority whom we can lay down our issues to. We have a Ruler of life who is able to revive that which is about to die. There is One in authority who is able to turn around that which is about to die. We need to put our faith on the One capable of revival and commit the lives of our loved ones to Him for salvation and redemption. His authority is neither limited nor restricted by distance or human boundaries. The centurion man chose not to allow the devil to steal away his servant. He knew authority changes circumstance and was not ready to have an option. Note Jesus describes what the centurion man said as having ‘faith’. If you recognize Jesus and the authority He has, it will be recognized as distinct virtue to turn around your story. Some Christians often deny themselves great blessings by attaching their faith to things or people yet the key lies on acknowledging the authority in Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2), and is established in authority for us to yield to. The centurion had a choice to keep silent and let the servant die but he never allowed the devil to rule over in his territory. Whenever we recognize the hierarchy in power then we can know whom to direct our issues to and never miss on fulfilling our duties and responsibilities with victory. When we allow the One in authority to take control over our lives and then we understand His capability, then we shall have the key to a victorious life.


Matthew 28:18 

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Isaiah 9:7 

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

The government of the entire world was placed upon the shoulders of Jesus. The Word states that all power has been given to Jesus Christ.

At times men have a craze for power and they struggle with campaigns for power and to be voted among men but they disregard the One who is in overall authority. The secret of authority is in submitting first to the Lord of all authority, who is the Ruler of all things. Jesus Christ is the key to every authority. Therefore whosoever craves for power should initially approach the One in whom authority is vested upon for a course, otherwise every effort ends in futility;

Philippians 2:9-11 

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Authority emanates from humility and submission.

Jesus Christ submitted and humbled Himself before the Father yet He was also God. He underwent an excruciating and painful sacrificial death for our sake. His submission and humility to undergo such a shameful transition regardless of His position in the God-head, enabled Him to be exalted by God. Authority which comes with humility is effective and rewarding for those who discharge their responsibilities without complaining, irrespective of a person’s position.

David was so humble to the point of taking care of the flock yet he was aware of being anointed into royalty. He further submitted even as he served under King Saul. Joseph too was sold into slavery by his brothers when he had gone to serve them. He further encountered trying times where he was enticed to sin by Potiphar’s wife but overcame and ultimately he was elevated to being a governor in Egypt. God exalts us when we submit to authority. God’s authority is beyond any limits when we humble ourselves and submit. Submission to authority establishes and cements relationship with those in authority. Submission to God will also attract an uplifting to authority.

Ephesians 1:5-22 (Read)

Let us seek to please our God and He will promote and exalt us. Everything that Jesus did (in the Gospels) was in authority. Appreciating authority is rewarding and enjoyable. Believers who understand authority have the power of commanding things to bow in the Name of Jesus Christ.

Manifestations of the authority of Jesus

Matthew 7:28-29 

And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

When we serve under the authority of the Lord, great manifestations occur. When the Word has the backing of heavenly authority, then great things happen. Jesus rebuked the raging sea, cast out demons, fed the multitudes etc. by His authority.

Authority has been given to believers

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. 

Those who have Jesus have been given the same authority.

Jesus has given us authority over the pains of life’s which are comparable to the pain of a "scorpions’" bite. We have the power to rebuke and ‘cast back to the sender’ any pain caused by the sting of the "scorpions". We need to exercise this divine authority. The serpents represent rebellion, deceptions and cunningness. We have authority to trample all these down and none will harm us. Come on its time to dislodge the enemy from causing emotional and physical pain. It’s time to place the enemy under our feet so that we trample on him more effectively. Take your position and let’s put the enemy where he belongs!

The book of Acts chapter 12 explains of brethren who knew the power in authority and they interceded for Peter who had been chained in a prison. Their prayers resulted in the Lord sending His angel to rescue Peter. We too can unlock the chains of those who are bound in prostitution, drunkenness and the permissive society once we identify and acknowledge our position and authority. The distance does not matter yet once the miracle happens, many will think it is a dream (Psalm 126)

John 14:10-14 

Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.

12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

When we speak the things of God, He will do what He wants to do in the midst of the people. Jesus’ message represented His Father’s mind. Therefore, if anyone believes in Him, even greater things than what He did he will do since the same authority has been passed down to believers. We have the ability to command to pass greater miracles than what Jesus did, only when we believe. Jesus has allowed us to do much more than what He did as long as we understand the authority He bestowed upon us.

Heb 2:5-8 

For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. 6 But one testified in a certain place, saying: "What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? 7 You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. 8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet." For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him.

Brethren all things have been subjected under us. Take your position of rulership in the mandate Jesus has given to us and start to reign with the authority given. God’s love has given us authority through Christ. Do not allow the devil to have space in your territory.You have authority to resist him and to draw near to God. 

James 4:7 

Submit you therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

We not only have authority, but also have supportive weapons.

Ephesians 6:11-18

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--

2 Cor 10:4-6 

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

1 John 4:4 

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Deut 28:7-13 (Read)

We have been given power and authority in Jesus’ Name and we therefore ought to exercise this authority as bona fide children of God. We shall continue to learn what makes some Christians not to appropriately use their God given authority but I bless God from now, we will always acknowledge the authority of Jesus Christ which He has bestowed upon those who believe in Him


Blessings.

-- Pastor Mary Mugo. 


(06/07/14 Sunday Service Sermon, Teaching Transformation Ministry.) 


Pastor Mary is the Senior Pastor at Teaching Transformation Ministry. We are located along the Thika-Ruai Flyover Junction (at the Thika Rd./ Bypass intersection), Next to Eastgate Restaurant.