What is the source of our Authority? From where do we get the confidence to stare down circumstances, to believe for the impossible, to overcome our inner insecurities and fears? Are we like the sons of Sceva in Acts 19:13-16, or are we the real deal? How do we know?
Over the last few weeks we’ve looked at various aspects of Kingdom Authority. This week, I want to nail it down to a few key areas at the foundational level.
Matthew 28:18-20 “is the Great Commission” and when we quote it the emphasis is always on what Jesus told us to do. “go and make disciples of all nations.” But how many of you have stopped to consider His opening phrase in that commission? “All authority (Kingdom – “authority to rule over”) in Heaven and Earth has been given to me. Therefore go in that authority! “Without the authority of The Kingdom, their Commission was an exercise in futility.
It is one thing to know your Commission. It is another thing to know the authority given to you to carry out that Commission.
The truth of the matter is that there is not a demon on the planet that is ignorant of the authority that they must submit to. They are not confused about that. Plus they are not intimidated by our hot rhetoric, our grasp of philosophy, the power of our singing, and our degrees upon the wall. These things do not impress spiritual forces!
But they are terrified when they come into contact with one that walks under the authority of The Christ and knows it!
So in what does my confidence lie?
When Satan seeks to undermine my authority, to bring accusation against me, or to suggest that I am unworthy or insufficient for the task? That bringing the Kingdom of God to bear in my city, in my nation and in my world is just a flight of fantasy? In what does my confidence lie?
The source of Jesus’ authority was:
1. That He had been commissioned by the Father and,
2. What we see clearly in Matthew 4 when He was tempted in the wilderness by Satan.
Again and again Jesus does not rely upon His gifting or charisma or title but uses the one and only indisputable declaration with which Satan could not argue: “It is written!”
So building on that solid foundation that Jesus used (“it is written”), I want to share 3 areas of conviction that grant to us the boldness to walk in that authority.
The word “faith” in the NT is the word “pistis” which literally is translated: “a conviction born out of hearing”.
We are the sum total of the convictions we hold! Here are 3 areas of essential conviction if you are to walk in the Kingdom Authority granted to you by the Word of God.
The Cross – Colossians 2:13-16. Removal of Satan’s legal grounds to accuse me. I have a conviction about that!
The Christ – Romans 14:11. He who has the possession of all authority and the One from whom I gain my authority. I have a conviction about that!
The Commission – Matthew 28:18-20. I am a commissioned one. I have been legally appointed by the Christ as His ambassador and I consequently carry His authority when I speak. I have a conviction about that!
The dollar may plunge, economic chaos may rage, evil may laugh in the streets, and anti-Christ forces may fill our screens and our newspapers – but we do not live subject to their tyranny!
We are subjects of an unconquerable Kingdom and we carry the authority of that Kingdom. As I walk out this Kingdom life in the midst of a corrupt world, in what or who does my confidence lie?
What is it that gives me the bold assurance of my authority? Its the Word of God, absolute and indisputable!
What gives me a boldness to declare it with confidence?
The Cross. The Christ. The Commission! I have a conviction about that!
