Who's in Charge? WE ARE!

//Kenneth W. Hagin

It seems as though we can't turn on the television or radio without hearing about tragic events happening in the United States and around the world. At the same time, we hear people say, "God is in charge." Others counter that claim with, "Of God is in control, He sure has things in a mess."

What many people don't understand is that God is not the one who is in control. In Second Corinthians 4:4, Satan is called, "the god of this world," and he is the one who is wreaking havoc around the globe.

The good news is that through Jesus’ death on the Cross and resurrection from the grave, He conquered Satan and all his cohorts. Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He said, “‘. . . All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me’” (Matt. 28:18 NIV).

Jesus then delegated His authority over demonic powers to those who call on His Name. His commission to believers everywhere is to preach the Gospel and use His authority to cast out devils and lay hands on the sick (Matt. 28:19–20; Mark 16:15–18).

Power vs. Authority

Jesus said to His disciples in Luke 10:19, “I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Although the word power is used twice in the King James translation of this verse, a better way to translate the first part of this scripture would be, “I have given you AUTHORITY. . . .”

What is the difference between power and authority? Power is strength or force. And authority is delegated power.

When we have been given authority to do something, we have been authorized to accomplish a task. We may not necessarily have the physical strength to do what we have been asked to do, but we have been empowered to do the job.

For example, a police officer who is directing traffic does not have the physical strength to stop a car or truck.  However, he can blow a whistle, hold up his hand, and traffic will come to a screeching halt. Why? Because of the authority represented by the badge he wears on his uniform.

You see, the value of authority rests in the power behind that authority. The police officer’s authority lies in the power of the city or state that he represents.

Using Your Authority

With authority comes responsibility. And this is where a lot of Christians fall short. They don’t like the responsibility that comes with the authority they have been given. By that I mean, they want others to pray and speak for them.

We are told in James 4:7, “Resist the devil.” This verse does not say anything about our pastor resisting the devil for us. It does not tell us to call every prayer group in the country and have them resist the devil for us.

No, each one of us has to operate in our own authority. When we get into a tough situation, we must speak to it. We must talk to the mountain. Through Christ, we have the authority to speak to every enemy that comes against us. We have the power to walk on top of them.

The Name of Jesus

We have been given the authority to use the Name of Jesus. There is power in that Name, and at the Name of Jesus every knee must bow (Phil. 2:10). Satan and all the demons in hell understand and tremble at the power and authority of that Name.

The power behind the Name of Jesus is the blood that was shed on the Cross of Calvary. We can overcome any situation because we have the power of the blood of Christ backing our authority to use the Name of Jesus. We triumph over the enemy because Christ has triumphed over Satan.

So let’s rise up and exercise our authority as individual believers. And let’s take our corporate authority as the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s up to us to use our authority and walk in Christ’s power. When we do, we will walk over adversity no matter what the devil tries to bring against us.

Faith Nugget

Our Mighty Weapons
Ephesians 6:10–17 outlines the armor of God that all Christians are instructed to put on. Here is what each piece of our armor symbolizes:
• The girdle of truth (v. 14) represents a clear understanding of God’s Word.
• The breastplate of righteousness (v. 14) represents our righteousness through Jesus and our obedience to God’s Word.
• Having our feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace (v. 15) symbolizes our faithful proclamation of God’s Word.
• The shield of faith (v. 16) represents our complete safety under the blood of Christ.
• The helmet of salvation (v. 17) refers to our hope of salvation (1 Thess. 5:8) through Jesus Christ.
• The sword of the Spirit (v. 17) is the Word of God, which is used offensively. The other parts of our armor are mainly defensive weapons. Dressed in the armor of God, we are prepared to withstand every attack of the enemy

To learn more about the authority you have in the Name of Jesus, visit the Authority in Prayer Study Center article!