What is Authority ?

WHAT IS AUTHORITY ?: The translators of the King James version translated many words consistently, but not the Greek words for "power" and "authority." For example, in the King James version, Jesus is in (Luke 10:19), "beloved That, I give unto you POWER to tread on scorpions and serpents, and over all the POWER of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." Although the word "power" is used twice in this verse, two different words are found in the original Greek. What Jesus actually said was, "I have given you AUTHORITY to tread on scorpions and serpents, and over all the POWER of the enemy. . ." In speaking about "serpents and scorpions, "Jesus is talking about the power of the devil-- demons, evil spirits, and all his cohorts. We need to realize that we've got authority over them ! Does the church of the Lord Jesus Christ have or need any less authority today than it had in the first century ? It would be preposterous to think so, wouldn't it ? The value of our authority rests on the power that is behind that authority. God Himself is the power behind our authority ! The devil and his foes all obligated to recognize our authority ! However, you and I cannot live a compromise double life and expect to walk in the authority of the believer. The believer who thoroughly understands that the power of God is backing him or her can exercise their authority and face the enemy fearlessly. What is authority ? Authority is delegated power. Policeman's who direct traffic during the rush hour just raised their hands and the car stop. These men and women don't have the physical power to stop the vehicles if the driver chooses not to stop. But they don't use their own strength to stop traffic; they are strong in the authority that is invested in them by the government they serve. People recognize that authority and stop there cars. Blessed be God, there's authority that is invested in us by the Lord Jesus Christ ! Paul told believers to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10). That means you can step out in front of the devil, hold up your hand, and tell him not to come any closer. Use your authority ! Once in England Smith Wigglesworth was standing on a street corner waiting for a bus. A woman came out of an apartment house, and a little dog ran out behind her. She said, "Honey, you're going to have to go back." The dog didn't pay any attention to her. He just wagged his tail and rubbed up against her affectionately. She said, "Now, dear, you can't go." The little doll wagged his tail and rubbed up against her again. This is how demons and evil spirits that people attract to them in their lives and act. About that time, the bus arrived. The woman stumped her foot and yelled, "Get !" The dog tucked his tail between his legs and took off. Wigglesworth said he hollered out loud without even thinking, "that's the way you've got to do with the demons and evil spirits !" AS A ROARING LION : the Scripture in (1 Peter 5) it says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith. . ." (vv. 8- 9). (Ephesians 6:10) says, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Many people read that verse and thank the Lord is telling them to be strong in themselves. But the Scripture doesn't say a word about being strong in yourself. It says to be strong in the Lord. "I don't know whether I can make it or not," people say. Certainly you can make it. Don't even think about it. Be strong in the Lord. Be strong in the power of His might, not your power or might. (1 John 4:4) says, "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." He that is in the world is Satan, the god of this world and the head of principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world. But the power that's in you is greater than the power that is in the world, because the power that backs our authority is greater than that which backs our enemies.