The Authority of the Believer: Understanding Our Role in God’s Kingdom

Jesus Took Back Our Authority—And Gave It to Us

When humanity fell into sin, we lost the authority God originally gave us. But Jesus, the new Adam, reclaimed it. What’s even more incredible is that He didn’t just keep this authority for Himself—He passed it on to His followers.

Jesus Gave His Followers Authority

From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus empowered His disciples to act on His behalf.

• In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus sends out the twelve apostles, giving them authority to preach, drive out demons, and heal the sick.
• Luke 9:1-6 records the same event, showing that this wasn’t just for the apostles—Jesus later gives the sameauthority to seventy-two more disciples (Luke 10:17-20).

When the seventy-two returned, amazed that demons obeyed them, Jesus responded:

“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
(Luke 10:18-19)

He made it clear: the power to overcome darkness wasn’t just for a few—it was for anyone who follows Him. However, Jesus reminded them that their greatest joy should come not from authority over demons, but from their relationship with God (Luke 10:20).

Some have argued that this authority ended with the original apostles, but Scripture says otherwise: In John 14:12, Jesus says:

“Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. They will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”

This promise wasn’t just for the twelve or the seventy-two. It was for anyone who believes in Him—including us today.

However, spiritual authority is not just about using Jesus’ name like a magic word. We see this in Acts 19:13-16, where some men tried to cast out demons using Jesus’ name without truly knowing Him. The demon responded:

“Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?”

The demon then attacked and overpowered them. This shows that authority only works when it comes from a real relationship with Jesus.

Jesus’ death and resurrection restored our authority, but His ascension secured it.

• Ephesians 1:19-23 tells us that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, with all powers and authorities under His feet.
• Ephesians 2:6 then makes a shocking statement:”God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms.”
  

This isn’t just about the future—it’s a present reality. Spiritually, we already share in Jesus’ victory and authority. That means we are called to enforce His rule here on earth.

Spiritual authority is the God-given right to bring His kingdom into our world. It’s not about personal power, but about enforcing His rule over sin, darkness, and the enemy.

Think of it like a traffic officer:

• The officer doesn’t stop cars with his own strength—he stops them because he represents a higher authority.
• Likewise, we don’t fight evil in our own strength—we use the authority Jesus gave us.

As believers, we are called to stand firm against spiritual opposition, bring God’s kingdom into every part of life, and confidently say “No!” to anything that opposes His rule.