Understanding Your Spiritual Authority

Recognizing the strategies of the enemy requires Prayer, discernment, and understanding of God's Word, but once you do, there is no turning back in exercising your spiritual authority to push Satan back!

There is a war being waged for your soul and that of your children and grandchildren. Perhaps you did not know that. I have sat in far too many churches through the years where pastors make no mention of death, Hell, demons, or spiritual warfare. Yet, the entire story of the Bible is that of a fallen world and our God's ultimate plan to rescue us from evil and eternal separation from Him.

A 12-week parenting class, motivational speech, financial education seminar, or self-help workshop won't provide success against the cunning plans of the enemy. There is a spiritual war that rages daily, and few in the body of Christ speak of it. Sadly, many Believers are so weak and emaciated in their daily battles that they simply do not know how to war. They are barely surviving. Yet, Jesus came for the abundant, free, expansive, wide-open, spacious life! Too many in the body of Christ are huddled on a floor, like you have no hope. Many are drowning in the woes of conflict, depression, anxiety, fear, stress, suicidal ideations, and so much more. I am here to tell you today that that is not your portion as a Believer in Christ. The Bible is filled with promises of who we are in Him, as we are promised certain victories. We are overcomers, positioned in a place of honor, a royal priesthood. Yes, most of us don't behave like that.

For many, even the very mention of spiritual warfare creates immense fear. I've actually had many Christian friends say something like, "I don't like talking about that. I just pretend Satan doesn't exist, and he'll leave me alone." Ignorance is not a warfare strategy! The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) that we must put on the full armor of God so that we may "be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." This teaches us that the devil has specific schemes, tactics, and strategies that he is warring against us. Why do we not spend any time preparing a tactic against him? Many are bound by his schemes to such a degree they can barely function. The yoke of chaos in your family, divorce, depression, and any number of strategies have been launched. However, many spend time-fighting it through methods given in the physical realm against people and not waging war in the spirit realm against the enemy. It is time for the body of Christ to open your spiritual ears and eyes to see and hear beyond what is immediately before you. Spiritual warfare is real. Just because we do not see it doesn't mean we or others around us aren't experiencing it.

The good news? Believers in Christ are promised victory. Look at our Scripture today. Jesus gave us authority. Our authority rests in His victory. Every mouth must eventually confess Jesus as the ultimate name above every name. The enemy may torment you with schemes of division, gossip, back-biting, confusion, fear, or others, but know he is a dog on a leash, and his time is quickly fleeting. Also, know that you have many tools in your arsenal. In the coming days, we'll go into more detail, but your warfare tools include an effective prayer life, opening your mouth to proclaim God's Word aloud, rebuking the enemy aloud, worship & praise, and others.

Points to Ponder:

• Have you spent more time fighting against people rather than the enemy? How have you seen that play out in your life?
• How might you see different results if you engaged in heavy warfare, praying and reciting God's Word aloud?