OUR AUTHORITY IN CHRIST – Pastor Chris
Sunday, April 22, 2018
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 (Luke 10:
Our authority in Christ is all-encompassing, and unlimited, and has nothing to do with our personal acts of righteousness. Rather, it’s the result of the obedience of Christ, and our placement in Him. Here’s something really beautiful: In Matthew 23:1-3, the Lord Jesus, speaking to the multitude, and to His disciples, said, “…The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”
The Master used the scripture above to explain something profound about authority. The Scribes and Pharisees represented Moses, and Moses represented the Law. Under the Law, the Scribes and Pharisees were to be obeyed, because they had the authority of Moses, even though they themselves weren’t living and acting right. Nevertheless, since they sat in Moses’ seat, Jesus said, “Obey them.” That’s a law in the Kingdom.
Now, even though the Master didn’t approve of the actions of the Scribes and Pharisees, including their hypocrisy and religiosity, He recognized their authority and taught the people to honour that authority, because of Moses. As a Christian, you sit in Jesus’ seat. Your authority over devils and the powers of darkness isn’t based on your ability or human perfection; it’s the authority of Christ.
When God spoke out from heaven about Jesus in Matthew 17:5, “…This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him,” He was talking to all of nature. All of creation—Satan, demons, angels, everything in life, living and non-living—have all been commanded to hear and obey Jesus, and by extension, you, because you sit in His seat. The Bible says, “…as he is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17).
Satan and all his demons are aware of this; they know that you have the power to cast them out anytime, anywhere, under all circumstances, and that they’re bound to obey you. They don’t obey you because of anything else; they obey you because of Jesus, because you function in His dominion. You’re seated with Him in the place of glory, power, and authority. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the boldness and authority your Word has stirred in my spirit. All of creation responds to me, because I sit in Jesus’ seat; the whole world is mine. I live triumphantly today and always, manifesting the power and dominion of Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: Ephesians 2:4-6; 1 John 4:17; Luke 10:19 AMPC
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Luke 19:28-48 & 1 Samuel 16-17
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Romans 14:12-23 & Psalm 125-126
Leave comments on today’s devotional at www.rhapsodyofrealities.org
