Our Authority and Power in Christ

A soldier may wield great power in terms of weapons and training. Yet, he cannot use that power unless given authority by a commander. A rocket has great power to hurtle an object across space. Yet, it won’t move an inch without the authority given from the control tower. The same is true of spiritual power. A person must have both the inherent power and ability, AS WELL AS the authority to use that power. Let’s see how two Greek words exousia [authority] and dunamis [power] are used together in the New Testament. This will help us understand the power and authority that we have in Christ today.

While teaching in a synagogue in Capernaum, Jesus cast an unclean devil out of a man.

Luke 4:36:
And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority [exousia] and power [dunamis] he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

As God’s chosen Messiah, Jesus had both the spiritual power to cast out evil spirits AND he had the God-given authority to do so. The people who saw Jesus heal a man sick of the palsy in Matthew 9, “marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power [exousia] unto men.” They were amazed to see Jesus’ authority that came from His Father.

After Jesus selected his apostles, he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Luke 9:1:
Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power [dunamis] and authority [exousia] over all devils, and to cure diseases.

Jesus didn’t just give his apostles spiritual power. He gave them the full authority to USE that power in casting out devils and curing disease.

Later Jesus sent out 72 disciples, perhaps each of the 12 apostles with five other disciples. When they successfully returned, Jesus explained the power and authority that they had in him.

Luke 10:19:
Behold, I give unto you power [exousia] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power [dunamis] of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Jesus delegated his God-given authority to these disciples. They had the authority to overcome “serpents and scorpions” [evil spirits]. Their authority was greater than ALL THE SPIRITUAL POWER of the enemy. The Devil and his forces could not hurt them, because they used the authority that Jesus gave them to bring healing and victory.

In the future, when Jesus hands over his kingdom to his Father, he will be in subjection to God.

1 Corinthians 15:24,28:
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule [chief devils] and all authority [exousia] and power [dunamis].
And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

Jesus will overcome the Devil, his chief rulers and all the authority and spiritual power that they can muster. All things will be subdued to God’s Son, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Finally, Jesus will subject himself unto his Father.

The same power that raised Christ from the dead is toward us who believe on Jesus.

Ephesians 1:19-21:
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power [dunamis] to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Far above all principality, and power [exousia], and might [dunamis], and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.

The same amazing power that raised Jesus from the dead is now IN US. We have “Christ in” us, the hope of glory [Colossians 1:27]. Christ is “far above all principality, and power [exousia], and might [dunamis], and dominion, and every name that is named.” And we are a part of his body, the church.

Ephesians 1:22,23:
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

We receive that power and authority when we are born again. True “baptism” is not in water, but is the “answer of a good conscience” [Romans 10:9,10]. We confess Jesus as Lord and believe God raised him from the dead. Then we are saved.

1 Peter 3:21,22:
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities [exousia] and powers [dunamis] being made subject unto him.

Being seated at God’s right hand, Jesus is over the authority and power of the spirit realm. That includes angels and devils. How did some angels become devils? Long ago, Satan and his angels warred against Michael and his angels. The Devil and his angels were cast to the earth.

Revelation 12:10:
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength [dunamis], and the kingdom of our God, and the power [exousia] of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Jesus Christ died to overcome the Devil [Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8]. Jesus brings God’s salvation to all who believe. The true spiritual power we have in God’s kingdom is because of the authority of Christ, His Son. Yet now, the Devil still accuses the born-again brethren continually. That is why we must claim our power and authority in Christ to overcome the adversary and his minions of evil.

The Devil will share his evil authority and power to bring about his wicked plans.

Revelation 13:2:
And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon [Satan] gave him his power [dunamis], and his seat, and great authority [exousia].

There will be 10 kings who will work with the Beast in the future.

Revelation 17:13:
These have one mind, and shall give their power [dunamis] and strength [exousia] unto the beast.

Let’s remember that in our day and time, we have the POWER and AUTHORITY that Jesus Christ gave us to be victorious each day as we trust and believe in him.

1 Corinthians 15:57:
But thanks be to God, which GIVETH US THE VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 John 5:4:
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the VICTORY THAT OVERCOMETH THE WORLD, EVEN OUR FAITH.