How can believers exercise the authority given by Jesus?

Living with faith is a multifaceted journey that encompasses understanding and exercising the authority given by Jesus. As believers, we are called to live out our faith actively and intentionally, embodying the principles and power that Jesus imparted to us. This authority is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical reality that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us.

To begin with, it is essential to recognize the foundation of this authority. Jesus, after His resurrection, declared, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18, ESV). This authority, bestowed upon Him by the Father, is comprehensive and absolute. Following this declaration, Jesus commissioned His disciples, saying, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV). Implicit in this Great Commission is the transfer of authority to His followers. As believers, we are therefore entrusted with a divine mandate to carry out His work on earth.

One of the primary ways believers can exercise this authority is through prayer. Jesus taught His disciples about the power of prayer, emphasizing that faith-filled prayer can move mountains. He said, "Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith" (Matthew 21:21-22, ESV). Prayer is not merely a ritualistic activity but a dynamic interaction with God that enables us to align our will with His and to invoke His power in our circumstances.

Moreover, exercising authority involves understanding our identity in Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV). As new creations, we are no longer bound by our past limitations or failures. Instead, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live victoriously. Paul further elaborates on this in his letter to the Ephesians, where he prays that believers may know "the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:19-20, ESV). This resurrection power is available to us, enabling us to overcome challenges and to fulfill our God-given purpose.

Another crucial aspect of exercising authority is the proclamation of the Word of God. The Bible is not just a historical document but the living and active Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). When we declare God's promises and truths over our lives and situations, we are wielding a powerful spiritual weapon. Jesus Himself demonstrated this during His temptation in the wilderness. Each time Satan tempted Him, Jesus responded with Scripture, saying, "It is written..." (Matthew 4:1-11, ESV). By doing so, He resisted the devil and upheld the authority of God's Word. As believers, we too can follow this example by speaking God's Word into our circumstances, thereby exercising the authority given to us.

Living a life of obedience is also integral to exercising authority. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15, ESV). Obedience to God's commands positions us to operate under His authority. When we align our actions with His will, we create an environment where His power can flow through us unhindered. This obedience is not about legalistic adherence to rules but about cultivating a relationship with God where His desires become our desires. The Apostle James reminds us that "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17, ESV). Our faith must be evidenced by our actions, and through these actions, we demonstrate the authority we have received.

Furthermore, believers can exercise authority through acts of service and love. Jesus modeled servant leadership, washing His disciples' feet and instructing them to do likewise (John 13:1-17, ESV). Authority in the Kingdom of God is not about lording over others but about serving them. When we serve others in love, we manifest the character of Christ and extend His reign on earth. The Apostle Peter exhorts us, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" (1 Peter 4:10, ESV). By using our gifts to serve others, we exercise the authority given to us, contributing to the edification of the body of Christ and the advancement of His Kingdom.

It's also worth noting that exercising authority involves spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul warns us that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12, ESV). To stand firm in this battle, he instructs us to "put on the whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11, ESV). This armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:13-17, ESV). By equipping ourselves with this spiritual armor, we can stand against the schemes of the enemy and exercise the authority given to us to overcome evil.

In addition, exercising authority involves stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us. Jesus taught the parable of the talents, where servants were given different amounts of money to manage (Matthew 25:14-30, ESV). The servants who wisely invested and multiplied their resources were commended and given greater responsibilities, while the servant who buried his talent was reprimanded. This parable underscores the principle that faithfulness in small things leads to greater authority and responsibility. As believers, we are called to steward our time, talents, and treasures in a manner that honors God and advances His Kingdom.

Lastly, exercising authority requires a deep dependence on the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8, ESV). This power is not of our own making but is a divine enablement that equips us for ministry and mission. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, empowers us to witness, and produces fruit in our lives (John 16:13, Acts 1:8, Galatians 5:22-23, ESV). By cultivating a close relationship with the Holy Spirit, we can discern God's will, receive His empowerment, and operate in the authority given to us.

In conclusion, exercising the authority given by Jesus involves a holistic approach that encompasses prayer, understanding our identity in Christ, proclaiming the Word of God, living in obedience, serving others, engaging in spiritual warfare, stewarding resources, and depending on the Holy Spirit. It is a dynamic and ongoing process that requires faith, intentionality, and a deep relationship with God. As we grow in these areas, we will increasingly reflect the authority and power of Jesus in our lives, fulfilling His mandate to make disciples and extend His Kingdom on earth.