Understanding Spiritual Authority In Intercession Series

UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY IN INTERCESSION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 10:19

Supporting Texts: Matthew 28:18, Ephesians 6:12, James 4:7, Mark 11:23

INTRODUCTION:

Spiritual authority is a crucial aspect of intercessory prayer. When believers understand the authority they have in Christ, they can engage in powerful spiritual warfare, advancing God's kingdom and pushing back the forces of darkness. This sermon will explore the spiritual authority granted to believers and how to exercise it in effective intercession, enabling us to stand firm against the enemy and bring forth God's will on earth.

1. THE NATURE OF SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

Spiritual authority is the delegated power believers have in Christ to enforce God's will on earth.

a) Authority in Christ (Luke 10:19)

Jesus gave His disciples authority over the enemy—"I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions."

b) Authority as a child of God (John 1:12)

As children of God, we have the right to use His name and authority in prayer.

c) The scope of our authority (Matthew 28:18)

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Christ, and He delegates this authority to His followers.

d) Authority based on God’s Word (Psalm 138:2)

Our authority is rooted in the Word of God, which is powerful and unchanging.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus’ authority over demons (Mark 1:25-27)

Jesus commanded unclean spirits to leave with His authoritative words, demonstrating the power of divine authority in action.

2. SPIRITUAL WARFARE: USING AUTHORITY AGAINST THE ENEMY

Understanding that authority is necessary to engage in spiritual warfare.

a) Recognising the enemy’s tactics (Ephesians 6:12)

Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil.

b) Exercising authority to resist the devil (James 4:7)

Submission to God, resisting the devil, and using our authority in Christ causes the devil to flee.

c) Praying with authority over strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

We are given spiritual weapons to demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.

d) Commanding mountains to move (Mark 11:23)

In intercession, we use our authority to command obstacles and challenges to be removed in Jesus' name.

e) Biblical Example: Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16:25-26)

They exercised their authority through prayer and praise, and the prison doors were miraculously opened.

3. AUTHORITY THROUGH THE NAME OF JESUS

The authority of the believer is directly tied to the power of Jesus’ name.

a) The power of Jesus' name (Philippians 2:9-10)

At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that He is Lord.

b) Using Jesus' name in prayer (John 14:13-14)

When we ask in Jesus' name, we are tapping into His authority, and God answers our prayers.

c) The authority to bind and loose (Matthew 18:18)

We are given the authority to bind on earth and loose from heaven—declaring what is prohibited and allowed in the spiritual realm.

d) The role of faith in exercising authority (Mark 11:24)

Believing that God hears and answers our prayers enhances the power of our authority.

e) Biblical Example: Peter healing the lame man (Acts 3:6)

Peter used the name of Jesus to heal the man who was lame, demonstrating authority through His name.

4. WALKING IN HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE WITH AUTHORITY

Exercising spiritual authority requires a heart of humility and submission to God.

a) Humbling ourselves before God (James 4:6)

God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud. Authority works best when we are in submission to God.

b) Obedience to God’s will (Luke 11:28)

Those who obey God’s Word are empowered with greater authority to bring His will on earth.

c) Using authority with love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

Spiritual authority should be exercised in love, not for selfish gain or to harm others.

d) Authority through a lifestyle of holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)

A holy life strengthens the believer's spiritual authority.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus' submission to the Father (Matthew 26:39)

Jesus exemplified perfect submission to God’s will, using His authority in perfect alignment with the Father’s plan.

5. PRAYING WITH AUTHORITY: PRACTICAL APPLICATION

How intercessors can apply spiritual authority in everyday prayer.

a) Boldness in prayer (Hebrews 4:16)

We are invited to come boldly to God’s throne of grace, exercising authority in prayer.

b) Praying God’s will into the situation (1 John 5:14-15)

When we pray in accordance with God’s will, our prayers are answered.

c) Fasting and prayer to strengthen authority (Matthew 17:21)

Fasting enhances the believer’s authority by humbling the flesh and focusing on God.

d) Staying rooted in the Word while praying (Psalm 119:11)

The Word of God strengthens our prayers and makes them more effective.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s prayer for the restoration of Israel (Daniel 9:3-19)

Daniel prayed with authority, confessing sin and declaring God’s promises, resulting in divine action.