Authority is freedom

Authority [Greek exousia] is different from power [dunamis]. Power is the ability to act, authority is the permission, right or freedom to act. Traffic obeys a policeman because of his uniform, not his strength.

Authority is transferred by command from one in greater authority. All authority comes from God. God made mankind in his image and placed us on the earth to rule (Genesis 1:26-28). When we sinned, we gave our authority to the devil, who is now “prince of this world” (John 14:30).

Authority transfer

Jesus came to demonstrate restored authority. He passed his authority to the church, giving us the keys of the kingdom (Matthew 16:19), which open hearts: the gospel, healing, deliverance, raising the dead, service.

Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18-20). When he says “Go”, authority is transferred.

No spare keys

When Jesus gave us his keys, he quoted from Isaiah 22:22. I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. There is only one set of keys. Jesus gave them to us. He doesn’t have a spare set!

That’s why when we heal the sick, we don’t need to pray. WE HAVE THE KEYS!

Using authority

Jesus is our example: He rebuked a fever;  he commanded demons, “Come out;” to deaf ears, he said, “Be opened!”

He said, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20).

We speak TO the mountain, not pray about it. “Move!” is a command. Use your keys!

For more, check out my books: Authority and Who’s in Charge Around Here?