Given Authority and power

Luke 10:19-20, Luke 9:1-5, Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 18:18-20, 2nd Corinthians 10:3-6, Ephesians 6:10-20

I though it only fitting that we talk about what it means to have authority and power given to us. Lets look at Luke 10:19-20. This first set of verses tell us about these two gifts.

We are given the authority and power to do these things, (I don’t recommend trying it though). Jesus tells us that we have authority to walk on snakes and scorpions. This is a metaphor for our enemies. Not to be taken literally. This is referring to people and demons that we come across and that try to confuse and distract us from our fellowship from God. Jesus makes sure that we know this is not something we do on our own.

Now we will read Luke 9:1-5. Here Jesus sends out the disciples to spread the word of his arrival. Jesus gave the disciples power and authority over all demons and the power to heal. Jesus tells them and us about our duty. We are to be ready to drop everything and do the Lord’s will. I find it amazing that we have been given these things and we don’t know how to use them. I struggle with accepting it sometimes. But despite my struggles, I have seen it work many times.

Matthew 28:18-20 talks about how he has all authority in heaven and earth. Matthew 18:18-20 says more about what we have been given. Whatever we “bind” on earth or “loose” will be bound or loosed in heaven. Now this is a sticky subject that gets a lot of believers in trouble. This does not mean that if we get a couple of people to agree with us, we will have no trouble. We will! We are given this authority to further His Kingdom, not for our goals.

What is the spiritual meaning of bind?

In religious contexts, binding and loosing often pertain to the authority to prohibit or permit certain actions or behaviors within a community. This authority is believed to be granted by a higher power, allowing individuals or leaders to make decisions that impact the lives of others.

What does loose mean biblically?

Binding and loosing is originally a Jewish Mishnaic phrase also mentioned in the New Testament, as well as in the Targum. In usage, to bind and to loose simply means to forbid by an indisputable authority and to permit by an indisputable authority.

What is a Targum in the Bible? Targum, (Aramaic: “Translation,” or “Interpretation”), any of several translations of the Hebrew Bible or portions of it into the Aramaic language. The word originally indicated a translation of the Old Testament in any language but later came to refer specifically to an Aramaic translation.

So, now knowing what these words mean, adds to the meaning of these verses. So, we bind evil authority and loose those authority that support our Lord in heaven.

Now we will look at 2nd Corinthians 10:3-6. These verses follow the last set perfectly. We do not wage battle, (I like that btw), according to our flesh. There is a reason for this, our flesh is weak. It is through the flesh that we fall into temptation and then sin. This is why it is important to realize that our strength isn’t sufficient for this fight, and make no mistake. That is what this world brings us. A fight! Which leads right into our final set of verses.

Now we got to my favorite set of verses in the entire bible. Ephesians 6:10-20. I have spoken on these verses before. But with the way things in this world are heading, there is no such thing as being too prepared. In this set, we learn more about what we face. We also learn how to prepare for the battle we must wage. (Show video about armor) When we done this armor, we do so by praying each piece on. Then we pray that the Holy Spirit goes before us.

How does earthly authority and power differ from the heavenly?

How does the next set of verse say we should prepare?

Binding and loosing is a huge responsibility. How do we fulfill it?

4. Why must everything be a battle?

5. We learn how to be ready to fight, can we do it alone?

Final Thoughts: We have been given all we need for what we will face. All we have to do is be ready.