Authority is based in purpose.
If you are going through something then that means that you are able to go through it. Whether we realize it or not, the Father is indicating His trust in us. And no, not to go it alone because He is always there for us and will strengthen us. However, what we need to remember is that scripture tells us that we never are asked to go through something that we can’t handle. We always seem to underestimate who we are and it is time to act based in confidence of who we are and Whose we are. So one of the first questions is – do you have authority to win the battle?
Ever think about your authority? Do you activate and use your authority? What good does it do us when the Lord has granted us authority and we do nothing with it? Though He could, He chooses to touch this world through His family – us. Therefore it is we who exercise the authority that has been given in order to advance His kingdom. But this is not capacious nor attempting to change another person (for their own good). If He won’t intervene in people’s decisions and choices, why would He allow us to?
Our responsibility underscores our utilization of authority…and our confidence in our use. Authority is not without responsibility and WHO is the ultimate Authority… which is not us. Our authority comes from the Lord. Though not exhaustive, https://www.gotquestions.org/authority-of-the-believer.html] provides a good discussion on the critical ones.
“Besides the authority to share the gospel, the authority of the believer includes the right to be called a child of God (John 1:12) and the authority to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). In all things, we remember that Christ is the Lord. “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord” (2 Corinthians 10:17).”
While it may sound simple… our authority is to: share the gospel, the right to be called a child of God, and to approach the throne of grace. But this is powerful and far reaching at the same time being specific and precise – as well as being all encompassing. Point being that we do have authority that can be properly and effectively used.
Authority is important in that it provides us our standing and support to be and do a Believer in our world. But this requires of us:
faith in Who we believe and what He’s provided for us
confidence that we can effectively use the authority granted us
continual study on our authority and how to utilize it
And these three – faith, confidence, study are only the beginning in our ability to be the Lord’s hands, feet, and voice in our worlds. Our context is Matthew 5:13-16.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its taste (purpose), how can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and walked on by people [when the walkways are wet and slippery]. You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Authority is based in purpose.
