AUTHORITY

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you” (Luke 10:19 NIV).

Authority from the Greek word “Exousia” is the power or right to give orders or make decisions. It’s the influence, clout, weight, or endorsement to command thought, opinion, or behaviour. It’s official permission or approval to do something or cause someone else to do something.

Authority is often used interchangeably with “power.” However, their meanings differ. While power, for instance, could be described as the ability to influence somebody to do something against personal wish, authority refers to a claim of legitimacy, the justification and right to exercise that power; it’s delegated power.

Authority can either be a personality or an institution, but it’s meant to be obeyed either way.

Essentially, authority is imposed by superior hierarchy either by force of arms or by force of argument.

Bringing this to bear on our study on 19 October titled: “Resist And Watch Him Run,” the Christian has the right or power, warrant, grounds and convincing force to command and cast out Satan and his demons, and they’ve got no option but to comply.

This is one of the major revelations of the new creation; he’s an authority and at the same time has authority—influence and power—to execute judgment on Satan and the cohorts of hell.