A key to personal success and development we would like to introduce is BELIEVER’S AUTHORITY.
BELIEVER’S AUTHORITY
Seven Promises for Abundant Living
1. Promise of Salvation (Romans 10:9-10)
2. Promise of Baptism with the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:8)
3. Promise of Answered Prayer (I John 5:14-15)
4. Promise to honor Faith (Mark 11:22-24)
5. Promise of Divine Healing (2 Peter 2:24)
6. Promise of natural and material Prosperity (III John 2)
7. Promise of Authority in the Earth (Luke 10:17-20) – BELIEVER’S AUTHORITY
Objective:
Authority of the Believer:
We are far above all principality, and power, and might, dominion and every name that is named not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Eph. 1:21) and hath raised us up together (with Jesus) and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
This authority is ours whether we act on it or not.
Right hand – place of authority.
The authority is a possession of every child of God.
Ephesians 1:3 – hath – we already have; not going to have.
We need to know our authority.
We need to act upon it.
The devil does not want you to know your place. Satan is under our feet if we are born again believers.
John 8:32
You have this authority, but if you don’t know it, you cannot get act upon it. I till not do you any good.
You can have this authority, but if you don’t act upon it, then it will not do you any good.
Luke 10:19
Jesus gave us power over all demonic activity and nothing can hurt us.
Power – authority
Authority – delegated power
Eph. 6:10 – Finally (summing it up), be strong in the Lord.
The weakest person can be strong in His strength.
We don’t need to fight the devil, but we can exercise our authority as believers.
I Peter 5:8-9
Your adversary (opponent enemy, one irate against you) the devil wants to devour you.
Resist – stand your ground; to stand.
God will not tell you to do something He has not given you the ability to do.
Luke 10:19
Jesus gave us this power to us. All of this is talking about the power of the enemy (serpents and scorpions).
Tread – walk on top of them
We can walk over all the power of the enemy.
You cannot tread (walk) over something unless you are above it.
I Understanding The Value and Importance of Character
Definition: Character – the unshakable track record of consistent righteous behavior.
A. Character is not Automatic with the New Birth – Rom. 10:9
1.New Birth was a spiritual transaction – John 3:7
2. Character is a product of a renewed mind – Roman. 12:1-2
The quality of character that we will possess is
Conceived in my thoughts,
Composed by my choices,
Confirmed by my words,
And construction daily by my actions!
3. The report card of my character is reflected on my Credit Report
It is a record of how I keep my word with others over a period of time!
B. The Value of Character is Crystal Clear in Scripture
A man of character is not a flawless man but a man committed to righteousness without compromise from the heart, slow to anger, quick to repent!
1. To Understand Character you must study its synonyms
a. Honorable – respectful reputation
b. Virtue – 2 Pet. 1:3,5 moral fortitude
c. Integrity – Prov. 11:3 right now commitment to righteousness
d. A Good Name – Ecc. 7:1
2. Character like other valuable things are forged over time!
3. Character is what validates my testimony.
C. How Much Mileage Can Your Family Get Out of Your Name? Prov. 20:7
1. The Widow of 2 Kings 4:1
2. Jonathan’s Son Miphiboseth
D. Men of Character Stand Above The Crowd
Let us go to the Spiritual Highlight Film Archive to retrieve some inspiring moments from champions of character
1. Noah – righteousness in a crooked generation
2. Abraham – became a friend of God
3. Joseph – faithful to God that ordered his lifestyle
4. Daniel – commitment to righteousness & fellowship w/ God under pressure
5. Uriah the Hittite – loyalty to David and to his comrades
6. Nehemiah – work performance so exemplary that the King wanted to help him fulfill his dream!
II. How To Build Character and Discipline into the Christian Life
A. The Five Pillars Upon Which Character is Built
1. Integrity – present commitment to righteousness without compromise.
2. Devotion – consistent commitment, support & defense of purpose
3. Ethics – common conviction on the interpretation & application of truth
4. Attitude – non-verbal communication of commitment to purpose
5. Loyalty – proven commitment to person & purpose that is unshakable
Loyalty is your passport into the inner circle of anyone’s life; it is the level of ultimate trust! Allegiance looks like loyalty until it is tested! Like the Cubic Zirconia, it looks like a diamond and shines like a diamond until it is tested!
B. The Faith Process of Building Character – A Good Name
1. Covenant Right to Have it – Gen. 12:1-2
Any attempt to have a great name without God is a futile exercise!
2. Consideration – ask yourself the question about credit
3. Conviction – the undeniable witness of the Holy Spirit that you must change
4. Confession – the act of repentance and agreement for God for a new direction
5. Constraint – act of enforced discipline to train the flesh in righteousness
a. Comradery – remove the influence of corrupt others
b. Conversation – speak honor into my life and others
6. Consistency – resolve to hold a consistent course – Ecc. 10:1
You and I cannot afford to take foolish gambles with our character; it takes time to build and purposeful effort to maintain!
