𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓 𝐁𝐘 𝐁𝐑𝐎. 𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐋𝐀 𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐅𝐎𝐖𝐎𝐒𝐇𝐄!

 

𝐁𝐑𝐎. 𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐋𝐀 𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐅𝐎𝐖𝐎𝐒𝐇𝐄

13th September, 2026

Preacher: Bro. Demola Anifowoshe

Topic: Authority in Christ

Text: Ephesians 1:15–23 (KJV)

Introduction

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1 reveals God’s desire for believers to possess spiritual understanding. He prayed that the eyes of their understanding would be enlightened so that they would know the hope of God’s calling, the riches of His inheritance, and the exceeding greatness of His power toward those who believe.

There is a measure of a believer, and that measure is to know Christ.

The measure of a believer is:

• To see Jesus.
• To have full access to Christ.
• To know his identity in Christ.
• To understand and exercise his authority in Christ.

One of the major reasons the devil has subdued many believers is because they do not understand the authority that has been given to them through Jesus Christ.

What Is Authority?

Authority is the right and power to exercise dominion and control.

It involves having power over both living and non-living things. A person who possesses the key to a house has authority over that property. Likewise, a person placed in charge of others exercises authority over people.

In Christ, authority means that God has given believers the power and right to take charge of situations according to His will.

The Foundation of Our Authority

1. Authority Was Given to Man from the Beginning

Genesis 1:28

God blessed mankind and commanded them to be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth, and subdue it.

From the beginning, God’s intention was for man to exercise dominion.

Many believers fail to walk in authority because they do not realize what God has already given them.

Until we understand that God created us for dominion, we will continue to live beneath our privileges.

2. Authority Is Connected to Our Position in Christ

The Bible teaches that believers are seated with Christ in heavenly places.

When you understand your spiritual position, you stop living as a victim and begin to live as a victor.

A weak understanding of authority produces an unstable mind.

The enemy seeks to distract believers because he does not want them to possess the mind of Christ.

The Bible says:

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

3. Authority Was Restored Through Christ

Matthew 28:18–20

Jesus declared:

“All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.”

After His death, burial, and resurrection, Christ received all authority and delegated that authority to His followers.

Therefore, believers do not beg for authority; they exercise the authority already given to them through Christ.

Because of Christ:

• We carry His life.
• We possess His Spirit.
• We have access to His power.
• We can confront situations in faith.

The mountains that remain before us often remain because we have not exercised the authority God has already placed within us.

Why Many Believers Fail to Exercise Authority

1. Fear Limits Capacity

Fear prevents believers from walking in their God-given authority.

When the storm arose while Jesus and His disciples were in the boat, the disciples were afraid. Jesus, however, arose and rebuked the storm because He understood His authority.

Fear magnifies problems.

Faith magnifies God.

As believers, we must refuse to allow fear to dominate our hearts.

2. Ignorance of Identity

Many believers do not know who they are in Christ.

Who you are determines the authority you carry.

Who you are in Christ determines the authority you exercise.

If you do not know who you are, the enemy will continually challenge your position.

Every believer must understand that he is:

• A child of God.
• A new creation.
• An heir of God.
• More than a conqueror through Christ.

3. Negative Declarations

Some believers consistently speak words of defeat over their lives.

They say:

• “I am not able.”
• “I am not good enough.”
• “Nothing is working for me.”

God wants His children to speak words of faith.

Instead of speaking defeat, declare:

• I am blessed.
• I am victorious.
• I am more than a conqueror.
• I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Your confession gives expression to your faith and authority.

4. Failure to Understand Forgiveness

Many believers continue to live under condemnation because they do not fully understand the forgiveness available through Christ.

The enemy constantly reminds them of past mistakes and failures.

However, God’s Word declares that we have been redeemed, forgiven, and justified through Christ.

When you understand your forgiveness, you can stand boldly before God and exercise spiritual authority.

What Authority Has Christ Given Us?

1. Authority Over the Enemy

Colossians 2:15

Jesus triumphed over principalities and powers through His death and resurrection.

Therefore, believers have authority over:

• Satan.
• Demonic forces.
• Principalities.
• Powers.
• Every work of darkness.

2. Authority Over Bondage

Mark 16:17

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.”

Through the name of Jesus, believers have authority over every form of bondage and oppression.

3. Authority Over Circumstances

Believers are not meant to be controlled by situations.

God has given us authority to stand in faith and trust Him through every challenge.

There are situations that should have ended long ago, but they continue because many believers have not exercised their authority.

Today, every negative cycle and recurring battle shall be broken in Jesus’ name.

Other Hindrances to Spiritual Authority

1. Sin

A life of continual compromise weakens spiritual confidence and effectiveness.

Authority is not given for display or self-promotion.

Authority is given to fulfill God’s purpose.

Believers who desire to walk in authority must pursue holiness and obedience.

2. Ignorance

Hosea 4:6

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

A lack of knowledge leaves believers vulnerable to fear, deception, and defeat.

To exercise authority effectively:

• Know God’s Word.
• Know your identity.
• Know your position in Christ.
• Know God’s purpose for your life.

We Fight From Victory

One of the greatest truths every believer must understand is this:

We do not fight for victory; we fight from victory.

Jesus has already won the battle.

Through His death and resurrection:

• Sin has been defeated.
• Satan has been defeated.
• Death has been defeated.
• Darkness has been defeated.

Our responsibility is to stand in the victory Christ has already secured.

Conclusion

Authority in Christ is the believer’s God-given right and power to exercise dominion through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

We have been given authority:

• Over the enemy.
• Over fear.
• Over bondage.
• Over circumstances.
• To fulfill God’s purpose.

Therefore, let us walk in faith, understand our identity, know God’s Word, and boldly exercise the authority that Christ has given us.

Prayer and Declaration

Father, from today, I exercise authority in whatever I do.

I exercise authority in the name of Jesus.

Father, every area where I have failed to walk in the authority You have given me, restore me today in the name of Jesus.

I declare that I am forgiven.

I declare that I am victorious.

Every work of the enemy designed to limit my life is broken by the authority of Christ.

I walk in the fullness of God’s authority, power, and purpose In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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