S7P5 – Being Christlike: authorized

Philippians 2:10
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth

When the Father exalted the Son, that place came with authority. This authority extends everywhere. There is no place in which Jesus Christ is not authorized to act. Prior to His ascension, Jesus told His disciples that He had been given all authority in heaven and on earth. He followed that proclamation by telling them to make disciples and teach others to obey His commands. Jesus sends us in the very authority that He carries.

Let us be clear. We have no authority over Satan, his armies or any other evil principality. We act only under the authority bestowed upon us by God. Scripture illustrates this [Acts 19:13-16], and we are wise to remember it. But as we submit to the Father as Christ did, we have the authority to act in His name, to drive out demons and to heal the sick. The effective exercise of this spiritual authority is clear fruit of submission to God.

One of the most amazing traits of God is that He calls us to partner with Him. He allows us to act and speak on His behalf. He allows us to have a working hand in His purposes on earth and in the spirit. He entrusts to us His power and authority. In the theatre of our spiritual lives, we are called out of the audience and onto the stage. Father, as we walk as Christ walked and live in Your authority, give us the wisdom and control to exercise that authority correctly and responsibly.