What is Spiritual Authority?

If we have to enjoy the benefits of the Kingdom of God and live victoriously in this present evil world,  we must fully understand and put to work our spiritual authority in Christ. Jesus said above that He has given us authority to tread over serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy. But what is spiritual authority?

Power in principle is ability to command or produce changes. There are several Greek words used in the New Testament for power, but the one translated “power” above is dunamis. It is “inherent power” or “power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature.”  Beings and things have different types and degrees of power, but all power ultimately comes from God. 

Authority is the right and liberty to use power. The crucial word to understand is CONTROL. It is the ability to exercise control over other beings or inanimate things. It is especially important to us as it applies to our ability to CONTROL other  beings( principally demonic) who in themselves also have power(dunamis). Did you see how this is used in the verse above? Jesus gave us authority over all the power of the enemy. This authority is principally exercised by words. Satan and demonic spirits understand spiritual authority more than we do now. When you speak, they know power is released from your mouth and they will obey.