DIVINE AUTHORITY

Title: DIVINE AUTHORITY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 28:18
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’”

Supporting Texts:
Luke 10:19, John 1:12, Acts 1:8, Philippians 2:9-11, Ephesians 1:20-23

INTRODUCTION:
Divine authority is the power and mandate given by God to rule, command, and enforce His will on earth. It is rooted in God's sovereignty and is delegated to believers through Christ. This authority empowers us to overcome challenges, resist the devil, and fulfil God's purposes. Understanding and walking in divine authority is essential for victorious living and Kingdom advancement.

1. THE SOURCE OF DIVINE AUTHORITY

a) God as the Ultimate Authority:
God is the Creator and Ruler of all things, possessing all authority (Psalm 103:19).

b) Jesus as the Embodiment of Authority:
All authority in heaven and earth was given to Jesus after His resurrection (Matthew 28:18).

c) Delegation of Authority to Believers:
Jesus imparts authority to His disciples to advance His Kingdom (Luke 10:19).

d) The Role of the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to walk in divine authority (Acts 1:8).

e) Biblical Example: Moses operated in divine authority when confronting Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1-5).

2. WALKING IN DIVINE AUTHORITY

a) Understanding Your Identity in Christ:
Believers have authority as children of God (John 1:12).

b) Exercising Authority Over the Enemy:
We are given power to trample on serpents and scorpions (Luke 10:19).

c) Speaking with Boldness:
Authority is demonstrated through the spoken word of faith (Mark 11:23).

d) Living in Obedience to God:
Authority is effective when we are aligned with God’s will (James 4:7).

e) Biblical Example: Peter and John healed the lame man at the temple gate through divine authority (Acts 3:6).

3. DIVINE AUTHORITY IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE

a) Authority to Bind and Loose:
Believers can bind and loose through divine authority (Matthew 18:18).

b) Overcoming Principalities and Powers:
We are seated with Christ far above all spiritual forces (Ephesians 1:20-21).

c) Declaring Victory in Christ:
Victory is enforced through the authority of Jesus’ name (Philippians 2:9-11).

d) Resisting the Devil:
Authority enables us to stand firm against the devil’s schemes (1 Peter 5:8-9).

e) Biblical Example: Jesus cast out demons with divine authority (Mark 5:1-13).

4. AUTHORITY TO ADVANCE GOD’S KINGDOM

a) Preaching the Gospel with Power:
Authority empowers us to proclaim the Good News effectively (Mark 16:15-18).

b) Making Disciples of All Nations:
Divine authority enables us to fulfil the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

c) Authority to Perform Signs and Wonders:
Miracles confirm the authority of God’s message (Acts 5:12-16).

d) Taking Dominion Over Creation:
Believers are called to steward God’s creation with authority (Genesis 1:28).

e) Biblical Example: Paul operated in divine authority to heal the sick and drive out spirits (Acts 19:11-12).

5. BENEFITS OF OPERATING IN DIVINE AUTHORITY

a) Victory Over Fear:
Authority in Christ casts out fear and builds confidence (2 Timothy 1:7).

b) Access to Divine Resources:
With authority, we access God’s provision and power (Philippians 4:19).

c) Spiritual Dominion:
Authority grants dominion over every opposing force (Romans 8:37).

d) Eternal Reward:
Faithful stewardship of authority leads to eternal blessings (2 Timothy 4:8).

e) Biblical Example: Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land by walking in divine authority (Joshua 1:5-9).

CONCLUSION:
Divine authority is God’s gift to His children, enabling them to live victoriously and carry out His will on earth. It is rooted in Christ and exercised through faith, obedience, and the power of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we must walk boldly in this authority, fulfilling God’s Kingdom purposes and advancing His glory.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for granting me divine authority through Christ.

2. Lord, help me to understand and walk in my authority as Your child.

3. I declare that every enemy of my destiny is subdued by divine authority.

4. Father, empower me to speak with boldness and faith in every situation.

5. Lord, let Your authority manifest through me to advance Your Kingdom.

6. Father, grant me victory in every battle I face through Your authority.

7. Lord, align my heart to live in obedience and submission to Your will.

8. Father, let Your authority bring signs, wonders, and miracles in my life.

9. Lord, help me to use divine authority to fulfil the Great Commission.

10. Father, I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that you will walk in divine authority and power.

2. Every obstacle before you will bow to the name of Jesus.

3. You are empowered to tread upon every serpent and scorpion.

4. The authority of Christ will open doors of favour and opportunity for you.

5. No power of darkness shall stand against your progress.

6. You are seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above principalities.

7. Divine authority will manifest in every area of your life.

8. You will speak with boldness, and God’s power will back your words.

9. Victory is yours in every battle, through the authority of Jesus’ name.

10. Your life will reflect the dominion and glory of God.