Exercising Our Authority
Ephesians 1:20-21, 2:6
Introduction: Up to now we
have spoken about the authority the believer has. We have heard what it is and what it will do if we exercise this
authority. Now it is time to begin to
exercise this authority.
I.
Paul’s prayer for the Church. Vs 20
A.
Two key phrases that Paul prayed for the Church.
1. Sat Him, Jesus, - - -
Vs 20
2. “And hath raised US up together- - - ” Vs 2:6
B.
In the mind of Christ we were raised when Christ was
raised.
1.
When He sat down, we sat down
2.
This where we are now
3.
Christ has sat down in heaven:
a.
We are sitting on earth waiting
b.
Waiting for His commands to go
c.
We now have the authority
d.
We are to exercise this authority NOW.
e.
We are the help to carry on the work He begun.
4.
Fact: We are sitting far above – Vs 21
a.
We are over, not controlled by Satan’s powers.
5.
We wrestle not - - Ephesians 6:12
a.
We are seated with God
b.
Not subject to these powers
A.
Satan will use every device to keep us separate from
Jesus.
1.
Example: Praying and then all kinds of other thoughts come in your mind.
2.
This is the enemy putting a barrier up against your
prayers.
3.
When this happens, it is time to exercise your
authority.
a.
Time to say:
“In the name of Jesus I command you foul spirit to shut up.”
b.
It is by our authority we maintain our line of
communication with Jesus.
c.
This is how we enter into the presence of God.
A.
No place in the New Testament does the writer tell the
church to pray to God about the devil.
1.
Don’t ask God to rebuke the devil.
2.
That is our responsibility
3.
That power over Satan has been given to us
4.
If we don’t do something about the devil, nothing will
be done.
B.
What Jesus said - - Matthew 28:18
1.
All power and authority was given to Him.
a.
Both in heaven and in earth
b.
Immediately He delegated the authority on earth to the
church.
c.
Mark 16:14-20 - - “Go preach, cast out devils, lay
hands on the sick - - -.”
C.
Note: The first command is to cast out devils.
1.
Believers have the authority over the devil.
2.
They can break the power of the devil over:
a.
Their lives
b.
The lives of their loved ones
c.
Can be free from the enemy because we exercise our
authority over the enemy.
3.
The responsibility is ours
a.
In Jesus’ Name - - - Vs 17-18
A.
You is the understood subject of the sentence.
1.
James did not pray to God so He would resist the devil
for you.
2.
You are supposed to resist the devil.
3.
The authority is YOURS, exercise it!
B.
While you are yielding all thing to God:
1.
You are to yield nothing to the devil.
2.
We are to resist and oppose him in whatever way he
approaches us.
a.
Resist: Stand
brave against
b.
Satan’s allurements, promises, fascinations of the
world, temptations, threats
3.
Satan makes his way, securing his triumphs by:
a.
Art, cunning, deception
b.
By threatening,
4.
The true way to meet him is by direct resistance.
a.
Not by argument
b.
By steadfastly refusing to yield in the slightest
degree
5.
Note: You cannot convince the devil he is wrong.
a.
He will not relent if we give in a little.
b.
No one is safe that gives in to any of his suggestions.
c.
Remember he is the tempter, no one is safe from him.
d.
Be safe, don’t yield to him
e.
Manfully resist him and he will flee.
Conclusion: In closing, here is another strong meaning of
resist. Resist with action means, “to
run from as in terror”. You have the authority, so you make the enemy run as in
terror.