Speaking with real authority

The people were amazed at his teaching- for he taught with real authority, quite unlike the religious teachers of the law.  Mark 1:22 NLT

If you spoke to an issue in your life with the same authority that Jesus has, what would it be?  We are not talking about asking God to remove all sickness in the entire world, nor for everyone to be saved, although both of those are wonderful prayers.  The question is which personal issue needs the infusion of the God of hope to alter your expected outcome?

For some it will be physical healing.  Perhaps it is your own persisting pain in your body, or a loved one who is struggling day to day with a disease or illness that you have brought your request to the Lord regularly.  Perhaps it is a financial miracle.  Poor decisions in your past have brought you to a place of monetary bondage that chokes the life of God.  No one has to tell you that the borrower becomes slave to lender…just look at the collection notices in the mail.  Perhaps you struggle with healthy relationships.  Unforgiveness, lies, mistrust, anger and hurt among friends and relatives leave you feeling alone.

In the NT, 1848/ EKSOUSIA (‘delegated power”) refers to the authority God gives to His saints-  authorizing them to act to the extent they are guided by faith (His revealed words) HELPS words studies.

As Christians we each have been given  a designated jurisdiction to advance God’s kingdom of love.  This authority is expressed with words joined with faith in the revelation of God’s word for the situation.  Let’s break that last sentence down so we can understand how God wants us to exercise the authority that He has given us.

First there is a designated jurisdiction appointed to each of us.  This will be your sphere of influence.  Your family, your work place, your school, the neighborhood in which you live, your church are all places that represent your area of influence.  God has placed you exactly where he wants you to see heaven come to earth.

This authority will be expressed in words.  This means that you speak out loud what you believe God wants to happen.  Many times this starts in your own prayer times in safety of solitude.  Jesus also spoke with authority in the hearing of others.  This will require boldness and faith.  Maybe there has been a lot of mistrust of people at work.  Let others hear you say, “May this day be a day when we begin to trust each other and help each other.  May each person feel valued and look to the interest of others.”  The point is that authority is spoken into the atmosphere of where we live our lives.

“joined with faith in what God is saying”.  This may be the most challenging part of the exercise of authority.  How do you know what God is saying?  Jesus said that he did nothing that he first did not see the Father doing.  Nor did he say anything that he did not hear the Father saying.  In this since, Jesus always operated under delegated authority.  He acted in concert with what the Holy Spirit revealed to him what should take place.

We also, act and speak in agreement with the revelation that God is giving us.  As we grow in our walk with the Lord, this part is easier to discern.  As a beginner you start with the revealed promises or expectations of God that you read in the Bible.  Isaiah 40:29 “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”  The verse could lead you to pray this way –“Lord, I’ve worked hard all week and don’t have the strength nor the desire to go to church to be with my friends, but your word says that you give strength to the weary.  Today that is me.  Will you give strength to my body and power to my mind to help me be on time to church today? Amen.”  This prayer reflects you taking a delegated authority over your body by speaking a promise of God that is for His children. 

James 1:5 says that He will give us wisdom when we ask in faith.  So, a prayer of authority may sound like this.  “Jesus, you know that I have studied all of my options that I see before me, but I still do not know which way to go.  I now trust that you will give me wisdom and understanding to make the right decision.  I trust you to help me, because you love me and want the best for me.  If I need counsel from anyone else, show me who that should be.  I trust that you have given me wisdom. Amen.”  Both of these prayers start with a promise from God that you bring into your life through speaking these promises into your sphere of need.

Speak God’s blessings and desire over your home.  “May your house be filled with love and laughter.  May all who enter your doors feel warmth and acceptance.  May anger and unforgiveness never find a place to remain within your walls.  May God speak to each of your family members in tangible ways.  May your children have a relationship with God at an early age and follow His path all the days of their lives.”  If you are not taking the authority to speak these desires over your home, who is?

Speak God’s blessings over your work, school, and city.  “Father, may your name be glorified and honored in this place.  May your followers live in peace with one another instead of competing and fighting with who is more right.  May those who are broken from life’s experiences find the help they need.  Lord, we ask that murder would decrease, help those who see no other options.  Bless our leaders to govern with wisdom to address the needs of our city.  May they live their lives and govern their activities that bring honor to our city.  So, Lord we pray for the peace of our city, school and workplace.”  When others hear you speak like this…they will hear the delegated authority that God has given.  You are in agreement with asking that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

Listen to your words.  Listen to other’s words.  You will hear a lot more cursing over our lives than you can imagine.  “that’s a bad part of town.  He is so stupid, he will never learn.  Those people are always making trouble.  You can never believe a politician, they only try to help themselves. On and on it goes.”  This is why speaking life with God’s authority is so needed.   AND YOU ARE THAT PERSON.  Jesus said all authority has been given to him and now he sends us as his representatives.

Begin responding in faith today and let yourself hear God’s promises come forth from your own mouth.  Silver and gold you may not have, but speak what you know that you have in Jesus name (his authority).  Speak blessing and life over your home, family, finances.  Make the corrections necessary to walk in blessing (that is called repentance)  Trust that God wants to use you to share with others the good news.  You are blessed to be a blessing.