When Jesus came to earth and died on the cross, he left believers with His Spirit. The Holy Spirit resides in believers, giving them a certain authority. What authority do we inherit as God’s children? How can we use the authority of believers?
Let’s take a closer look at authority in scripture and how it relates to Christ’s followers today.
What Spiritual Authority Do Believers Have?
The word authority in the Bible comes from the Greek word exousia. This base word has four different meanings in scripture.
Exousia can mean having the freedom to make decisions without opposition or having the power or ability to complete an action. It can also mean a person is authorized to perform an act or can refer to the space a person controls.
Interestingly, most references to exousia are found in the New Testament. In Genesis, God created Adam and gave man authority over the earth. However, we know Satan threw a wrench in things when he tempted Eve in the garden, and evil entered the world.
But God’s plan wasn’t over. He sent his son, Jesus, into the world with all authority over heaven and earth. Since His believers are one with Christ, they inherit some of this authority. Let’s take a closer look at several ways we can exercise our authority as believers.
Sharing the Gospel
We can find examples of spiritual authority believers had in the Bible. Paul had the authority to preach the gospel, and John 1:12 tells us, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
In The Great Commission, Jesus urged his followers to share their faith with the world. Believers have the authority to tell others about Christ, growing the kingdom here on earth.
Spiritual Gifts
When we choose to trust in Jesus and become children of God, we receive the Holy Spirit, and he bestows different spiritual gifts upon us. Christianity.com contributor Danielle Bernock identifies three types of spiritual gifts: ministry gifts, manifestation gifts, and motivational gifts. God generously gives believers these gifts, and we can exercise their authority through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us.
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” (1 Corinthians 12:8-11)
Resisting Satan
Since we live in a fallen world, we know temptations and trouble will come. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Believers have the authority to stand firm against the devil’s tactics. James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Christianity.com contributor Glory Dy observes in her dsicussion of this passahe, “It is impossible for him to overpower a child of God who humbly submits to and actively pursues Jesus.”
The Power of Prayer
Believers also have the authority to go directly to God in prayer. We can petition God when we are in need or hurting. While the answers may not look like we want them to, God always hears our prayers. We have the authority to ask for peace, healing, or assurance in his name.
Christianity.com contributor Heather Riggleman says the following about prayer:
“It is our fiercest weapon against the enemy and all things in this fallen world. Priscilla Shirer is the author of Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer says, ‘Prayer is the portal that brings the power of heaven down to earth. It is kryptonite to the enemy and to all his ploys against you.’”
Who Gives Believers Their Authority?
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 says:
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”
God ultimately gives believers their authority through His Spirit.
Before Jesus left, he told his disciples he would send his Spirit to reside with them. Everyone who believes in Christ receives his Spirit. With the Spirit, believers also receive different spiritual gifts and the authority that comes with them. Additionally, through the power of Jesus, believers gain the different types of authority listed above.
What Authority Do Christian Leaders Have Over Believers?
Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary explains three places where a person has authority over someone else. These are in civil government, the home, and the church. In civil government, citizens are expected to follow laws established by those in charge. Additionally, children are to submit to the authority of their parents. The exception is when an individual asks a believer to do something against God’s Word. This is displayed in Acts 5:29 when “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’”
Church leaders first submit to the authority of God and His Word. Godly leadership shows itself through integrity, the fruits of the spirit, and sound doctrine. Christian leaders should also act with an attitude of service. Jesus took on the attitude of a servant when he walked the earth. Likewise, Christian leaders should serve the church. When these correct attitudes and actions are shown, believers can confidently yield to Christan leaders’ authority.
How Can Believers Misuse Their Authority?
Believers can misuse their authority by displaying the opposite of the abovementioned characteristics. Leaders who put themselves above God or teach scripture out of context misuse their authority. Christian leaders should also not lead with fear or anger.
Jesus didn’t run around demanding people follow him or scare them into discipleship when he came to Earth. He led by example. He told stories to help his followers understand his message. He showed others kindness and love. The Message Translation of 1 Peter 5:2-3 says,
“Here’s my concern: that you care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd . . . Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.”
Misuse of authority can also result in spiritual abuse. Christianity.com contributor Candice Lacy defines spiritual abuse as “the use of psychological and emotional manipulation, characterized by a systematic pattern of using coercive and controlling behavior within the teachings of religion.” This can leave others feeling bullied but afraid to speak out.
Crosswalk.com contributor Beth Ann Baus observes that spiritual abuse includes manipulation, exploitation, using threats to enforce accountability, censoring decision-making, coercing people to conform, and refusing to ask questions or voice disagreements. The abuser might suggest they are in a “divine” position to get people to obey them.
The misuse of the authority of believers can cause great harm to others. It may leave deep wounds or cause people to leave their faith behind. Restoration and healing are still possible through Jesus. After acknowledging the misuse of authority or spiritual abuse, believers should find a safe church and space to heal and be nurtured. They can trust God and draw close to Him with all their hurt and feelings.
As believers, we have a certain authority, but we need to be careful to use it correctly. Jesus gave us this authority to help a hurting world, not harm it further. Through prayer and exercising our spiritual gifts, we can lead others closer to Jesus. God entrusted us with the authority of believers, and we should use it wisely.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/RomoloTavani
Jenna Brooke Carlson is an elementary dual language teacher in the Chicago suburbs. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Word Weavers, she enjoys spending time with other writers and perfecting her craft. Her debut novel, Falling Flat, spreads the message that healing can occur, even after tragedy. Along with writing, she’s pursuing her dreams of creating a community of brave young women, who she can encourage to live out their dreams amid challenges and imperfection. Her days are busy, but she’s determined she can conquer anything with a fuzzy blanket and a hot cup of tea. To find out more about Jenna, visit her website at jennabrookecarlson.com.
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