Understanding Spiritual Authority Part 1 & 2 by Apostle Michael Orokpo
Spiritual authority is one of the foundational realities of the Christian life. Yet, many believers have access to authority through Christ without fully understanding what that authority means, where it comes from, how it operates, and how it should be exercised. Spiritual authority is the delegated right and ability to exercise influence within the spiritual realm based on the authority of God. The believer’s authority does not originate from personality, intelligence, physical strength, social status, or human achievement. It comes from God and the finished work of Christ. Therefore, a believer does not exercise spiritual authority because he or she is naturally powerful. The believer exercises authority because of the position that has been received through Christ. One of the important distinctions believers need to understand is the difference between authority and power. Power concerns ability or capacity. Authority concerns the legitimate right to exercise command. A person may possess physical strength but have no legal right to command another person. Likewise, spiritual authority is connected to the believer’s legal and spiritual position in Christ. This understanding changes how the believer approaches spiritual warfare. The believer does not fight as someone trying to earn victory. Rather, the believer operates from the victory Christ has already established. The foundation of Christian authority is Jesus Christ. Christ possesses supreme authority, and believers operate under His authority. This is why the name of Jesus is central to spiritual operations. The authority of the believer is not independent authority. It is delegated authority. This means the believer must remain connected to the One who delegated that authority. A believer cannot properly separate spiritual authority from relationship with Christ. Click on the links below to listen to this ser…
