Luke 7:1-10
There’s no greater truth for a Christian to discover than the truth about kingdom authority—and kingdom authority is already ours. Jesus bought it back on the cross 2,000 years ago and conferred it on us just before returning to Heaven. Despite that, many Christians know nothing about it and lead defeated lives.
But you don’t have to—once you discover kingdom authority.
Authority is the official, legal right to act in a situation. If you’re going to have kingdom authority and the victory it brings, you must know what it requires.
Of all people in the New Testament, a Roman centurion saw it first, and what he said astounded Jesus.
“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.” (Luke 7:8)
The centurion realized Jesus could do the things He did because He was under authority.
How did Jesus react?
“He marveled” (Luke 7:9). If something a human being says astounds the Son of God, we should pay attention. Jesus said this man had more faith than anyone He’d ever met in Israel.
This account reveals four truths you must know about kingdom authority if you’re going to advance His kingdom. Otherwise, you’ll sit on the bench, out of the game.
1. Know where authority comes from.
All authority comes down from a higher power. You have to be under authority to have authority. We have authority because of the One who is over us—Jesus Christ.
● You are seated with Him at the Father’s right hand. (See Ephesians 1:20-23.)
● Your authority comes from Him. (See Matthew 28:18.)
Satan will do everything he can to keep you from learning of your kingdom authority in Christ. Angels, authorities and powers are subject to Him. (See 1 Peter 3:22.) Jesus has dominion over Satan and demons; if you’re in Jesus, they must be subject to you. Right now—in life—we have victory through His victory. (See Romans 5:17.)
To some, this seems too good to be true. “The truth will set you free,” (See John 8:31.) but not if you don’t know it. I want you to know it. We can overcome Satan now.
2. Know kingdom authority’s secret.
Your authority is linked to your obedience. You cannot have authority until you get under the authority that’s over you, Jesus Christ, so you can be over those things He has set you over.
God won’t give you authority to act for Him if you’re disobedient to Him.
Are you under the authority of the Word of God?
Have you submitted to the lordship of Christ?
Do you know the direction of the Holy Spirit?
The secret is clear: You cannot be over unless you’re willing to be under.
3. Know how far your authority extends.
How far does it extend? To the things of the Spirit of God. (See Luke 10:18-19.)
Our authority from Jesus is spiritual authority (See 2 Peter 1:3, Luke 10:18-19.) over all the power of the enemy, not over forces of nature, not over microbes, mosquitoes, mildew, or mudslides. Hebrews 2:8 says, “Not yet.” We don’t live in the Garden of Eden. Our inheritance won’t be fully restored until Jesus comes again—this time to rule and reign. (See Romans 8:22-23.)
Meanwhile, Satan has no power that the child of God cannot overcome with kingdom authority.
4. Your authority and strength come from surrender.
The centurion was trusted with a command because he had surrendered to the authority above him.
Professional football players are powerful. They can be 6’4”, weigh 300 lbs., and run as quick as cats. There’s another fellow out on the field weighing 155, with a striped shirt and whistle. If he blows the whistle and says, “Get off the field. Go to the showers,” he’s got the authority. The 300-lb. player obeys.
Jesus says to you, “I give you authority over all the power of the enemy. It’s time you told the devil to take a hike.”
A while back at a mayor’s breakfast, I heard a business magnate, president of one of the most powerful companies in the world, humbly say, “Every morning I put a white handkerchief in my pocket as a sign of surrender, reminding me that in 1961 I surrendered my all to Jesus Christ, and I am His to command.”
Have you said that to Jesus Christ? Do you mean it? If so, you’re going to understand the tremendous strength of kingdom authority.
Understand the source, secret, scope and strength of your spiritual authority and begin exercising your authority in life and in prayer.
