Kingdom Authority: Walking in the Power of the King

Matthew 28:18–20 KJV 1900

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Introduction:

Last week, we spoke about Kingdom Identity, establishing who we are in Christ as children of the King. We learned that knowing our identity in Jesus is foundational for living a life of purpose. But identity alone does not fulfill our calling. We must also understand the authority that comes with our identity in the Kingdom.

Many Christians know they are saved, but they live beneath the authority given to them by God. They are like royal children who have been given the keys to a great kingdom, yet they do not know how to use them. Today, we will explore the authority that has been entrusted to us as believers, how to walk in it, and how to apply it practically to our daily lives.

The word “authority” in the New Testament often comes from the Greek word “ἐξουσία” (exousia – Strong’s G1849), meaning the right or power to act. Jesus has given us this right and power, but we must learn how to use it effectively.

I. The Source of Authority: Jesus as King

All authority in the Kingdom flows from Jesus Christ. He is the King of Kings, the head of the Church, and the source of all power and dominion.

• Matthew 28:18

Matthew 28:18 KJV 1900

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

• Notice that Jesus doesn’t just claim authority over spiritual matters, but over all of creation. His authority is universal, encompassing both the spiritual and natural realms. This includes every aspect of our lives—our physical health, finances, relationships, and ministries.

• Jesus’ statement here is not just a declaration; it is a commissioning. He is about to give this authority to His disciples to continue His work in the world.

• Ephesians 1:19-23

Ephesians 1:19–23 KJV 1900

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

• In biblical times, being seated at the right hand of a king symbolized ultimate authority and favor. Christ’s position at the right hand of God signifies His rulership over every dominion, whether spiritual or earthly.

• As believers, we are “seated with Him in heavenly places” (Ephesians 2:6), meaning that we share in His authority over the powers of darkness.

• Philippians 2:9-11

Philippians 2:9–11 KJV 1900

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

• Jesus’ exaltation is not just symbolic. His name carries authority over every creature, spiritual and physical. This means that whatever we face—be it sickness, spiritual oppression, or opposition—we can call on the name of Jesus with the confidence that all must submit to His authority.

Through these scriptures, we see that all authority originates in Christ. As our King, He has full dominion, and He exercises that power on our behalf as we live under His rule. But Jesus doesn’t hold on to this authority for Himself; He has shared it with us, His followers.

II. Exercising Kingdom Authority

The transfer of authority from Jesus to His Church is central to the Great Commission.

• Matthew 28:19-20

Matthew 28:19–20 KJV 1900

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

• The word “therefore” connects our commission directly to the authority of Jesus. Because He has all power, we go forth in His name with the same authority. This commission is more than just a call to preach the Gospel—it’s a transfer of power to carry out the will of the King.

• When Jesus commands us to teach and baptize, He is equipping us to do so with divine authority. We do not go in our own strength but in His name and power.

The Authority to Bind and Loose

• Matthew 16:19

Matthew 16:19 KJV 1900

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

• Jesus gives us “keys” to the Kingdom, which symbolize authority. In the ancient world, keys represented access and control over important resources. A key-holder had the right to open or close doors, to grant access or to deny it.

• To “bind” means to forbid or restrict, while to “loose” means to permit or release. This is the authority to operate in both the spiritual and natural realms, setting people free from the chains of sin, sickness, and demonic oppression.

• We bind and loose in accordance with heaven’s will. This is why prayer and discernment are crucial—our authority is exercised in alignment with the purposes of God.

Overcoming the Enemy

• Luke 10:19

Luke 10:19 KJV 1900

19 Behold, 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.

• Here, Jesus makes a bold promise: He gives us power to tread upon the enemy. Serpents and scorpions are symbolic of demonic forces, and Jesus assures us that we have authority over them.

• Yet many Christians fail to exercise this authority because they do not understand it or are fearful of spiritual warfare. But Jesus has equipped us with everything we need to defeat the enemy.

Spiritual Authority in Action

There are multiple practical ways we can exercise Kingdom authority in our lives:

1. Spiritual Warfare

• Ephesians 6:10-18

Ephesians 6:10–18 KJV 1900

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

• Spiritual warfare is not passive. We must stand firm against the schemes of the devil, using the authority Jesus has given us to bind demonic forces, cast out evil spirits, and declare God’s truth over our lives.

• James 4:7

James 4:7 KJV 1900

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

2. Declaring God’s Word

• Jesus demonstrated His authority by speaking the Word of God, especially during His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Every time Satan tried to deceive Him, Jesus responded with, “It is written.”

• As believers, we must use the power of Scripture to declare God’s will in our lives. The spoken Word has the authority to break chains, heal the sick, and bring restoration to broken situations.

• Isaiah 55:11

Isaiah 55:11 KJV 1900

11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: It shall not return unto me void, But it shall accomplish that which I please, And it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

3. Living in Righteousness

• True authority is closely linked to righteous living. Sin undermines our authority and weakens our position in the spiritual realm. But when we walk in obedience to God, we walk in the fullness of His authority.

• Proverbs 28:1

Proverbs 28:1 KJV 1900

1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: But the righteous are bold as a lion.

III. Authority through the Power of the Holy Spirit

Jesus promised that we would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon us.

• Acts 1:8

Acts 1:8 KJV 1900

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

• The word “power” here is from the Greek word “δύναμις” (dunamis – Strong’s G1411), meaning miraculous power, strength, and ability. This power is not something we generate on our own; it is imparted to us by the Holy Spirit to carry out the work of the Kingdom.

• The purpose of this power is to be witnesses for Christ, advancing the Gospel and demonstrating the reality of His Kingdom through signs, wonders, and miracles.

The Holy Spirit empowers us to:

• Speak with boldness – When the early Church received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they immediately began to preach with boldness and authority (Acts 4:31).

• Pray with authority – Romans 8:26 (KJV) tells us that the Spirit helps us in our weakness, interceding for us according to the will of God. Our prayers become powerful and effective when led by the Holy Spirit.

• Heal the sick – Mark 16:17-18 (KJV) – Jesus promised that “these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues… they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

• Cast out demons – Jesus gave His disciples authority over unclean spirits (Mark 16:17), and that authority extends to us today. We have been equipped to set the captives free.

The power of the Holy Spirit is essential for walking in Kingdom authority. Without the Spirit, we can do nothing (John 15:5). But with the Spirit, we are equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17).

IV. Walking in Boldness and Faith

Authority must be exercised in boldness and faith. If we do not believe in the authority we’ve been given, we will never step out in it. Many believers live beneath their calling simply because they are afraid to act on what God has entrusted to them.

• 2 Timothy 1:7

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV 1900

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

• Fear is one of the enemy’s greatest weapons to keep us from walking in our authority. But God has given us the Spirit of power—not weakness, not timidity, but power. This power emboldens us to act in faith, knowing that we do not stand alone, but with the full backing of heaven.

• Proverbs 28:1 (KJV) – “The righteous are bold as a lion.” Boldness is a mark of someone who knows their authority. When we know that we stand in righteousness, we are unshakable. We are not afraid of the enemy’s schemes because we know that no weapon formed against us will prosper (Isaiah 54:17).

• Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) – “But without faith it is impossible to please him.” Faith activates our authority. Just as a police officer must act in faith when they use the authority given to them, we must act in faith when exercising the authority given to us by Jesus. Faith is the key that unlocks the power of God in our lives.

V. Conclusion: Authority in Action

As we close, I want to challenge each of you to examine your life. Where are you not walking in Kingdom authority? Where have you allowed fear, doubt, or passivity to keep you from stepping into the power that God has given you?

It’s time for the Church to rise up in boldness and faith, exercising the authority that has been entrusted to us by Jesus. The world needs to see the reality of the Kingdom of God, and we are the ones who have been commissioned to show it.

Call to Action:

This week, I encourage you to take a step of faith and put your Kingdom authority into action. Whether it’s praying for the sick, sharing the Gospel with someone, or standing firm in spiritual warfare—step out in faith and see what God will do through you.

Let’s pray for boldness, for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit, and for the courage to walk in the power of the King.

Closing Quote:

“A man with God is always in the majority.” – John Knox