Authority of the Believer – Ephesians 1:19-23 & 2:6

Notice what it says in these verses, “What is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us that believe” (1:19); “Far above all principality, and power, and might and dominion, and every name that is named” (1:21); “And hath put all things under His feet” (1:22). He gave all that authority to His body, the church (1:22-23. We are seated in heavenly places with Him (2:6), where he is head over all things (1:22-23).

God has given the believer authority and victory in both the natural and spiritual realm (Hebrews.2:5-8; Luke. 10:17-19; Ephesians 2:6 & 4:27; Joshua 1:3; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Revelation 12:11; 1John 4:4 and 5:4-5; Romans 8:37; Deuteronomy 28:7-13). I challenge you to read, meditate on and memorize the above scriptures. It will build your faith and encourage you as to who you are and what you have in Jesus.

The devil has been attacking and making havoc on many of you (us). I love Romans 16:20 that says, “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly”. Notice it says, God of peace. Sometimes the only way to make peace is by fighting. I believe this to be a prophetic word for many who are reading this. God is even now fighting on your behalf and is about to place Satan and all his demons, who have been coming against you, under your feet.

Here are some areas we should exercise authority over:

Life and Prosperity (John10:10; Deuteronomy 30:15 & 19; 3 John 2; Jeremiah 29:11). Jesus came that we might experience life more abundantly than we ever could outside of Him. This has to do with much more than just finances. It has to do with every area of our life – spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically and materially.

Health and Wholeness (Isaiah 53:3-5; Psalms 103:1-5; Romans 8:11). “By His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). The context deals with more than physical healing but emotional and mental as well. Someone who is reading this is battling emotional scars that God is completely healing right now. Someone else has been told you have a mental illness that God is healing as you read this. Receive it now by faith. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is about to bring life to someone’s physical body (Romans 8:11).

Finances (2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Mal. 3:8-10; Phil. 4:18-19; Deuteronomy 8:11-20). “It is He who gives you the power to make wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18). Listen for Him to speak to you. If something pops into your head, it may be Him giving you just what you need. Seek counsel, pray and if everything seems to be a go, run with it.

He is able to make all financial grace (favor) abound toward you ( 2 Corinthians 9:8) and open the windows of heaven blessing you until there is no longer room to receive it (Malachi 3:10). He promises to supply all your need according to His riches in glory (Phil. 4:18-19). It should be noted that in the context of each of these verses it deals with giving. We cannot expect God to bless and meet our needs if we are not willing to first be faithful in our giving.

Salvation of our family & loved ones (Acts 2:38-39; 16:31; Is. 59:21). The devil has robbed us of our loved ones long enough. Let’s start standing on the Word of God for them to be brought to Jesus. He can even reach “those that are afar off” (Acts 2:39).

Growth of the church body (Isaiah 43:5-7; Acts 2:39; Ephesians 4:16; Acts 2:47). Pastors, leaders and congregants it is God’s desire and will that your church grow both spiritually and numerically. If you will be faithful, pray, witness, follow up on the wayward, work hard and believe God, He will make your church body to grow. He has “ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit (multiply) and that your fruit should remain” (John 15:16). Notice, you have to go in order to multiply. It will not happen with you sitting on the sidelines and doing nothing.

Peace and Joy (John 14:27; 16:33; Ephesians 2:14; Is. 26:3; Phil. 4:6-7; John 16:23-4; Is. 35:10; 52:9; 60:5; 1 John 1:4). Read these scriptures. God wants you to have peace and joy. All of what I have listed here and above may not be manifest in your life at every given moment. God wants to give you peace and joy even when these things aren’t a reality in your life. There are times when we have to “break forth into joy” (Isaiah 52:9), even when there is nothing to be joyful about.

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, I thank you that I am seated with you in heavenly places and that you have given me authority in life. I ask that you help me to exercise the faith necessary to place the devil and all the things life may throw at me under my feet. I claim the victory, blessing and life you have promised me, in Jesus name”.