Taking Your Authority in Christ: By Jennifer MaggioSample
We must take our place.
We've talked this week about understanding the barriers that can sometimes prevent us from walking in our full authority. I hope you evaluate each component in your life, asking the Lord to reveal and expose everything. Most of you will also know what Ephesians 6:12 tells us. "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." We are battling a war we do not see. We must follow the strategies of the unseen realm.
- Practice spiritual disciplines. When we look at Ephesians 6:13-17, we see the breakdown of the full armor required for effective warfare - the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the Gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. The "putting on" of the full armor is in daily pursuing each piece – truth found in the Word of God, righteousness found in our holy pursuit with Him, peace found when walking in obedience, faith found in the daily pursuit of prayer, salvation found in confessing Christ as Savior, and the sword, which is knowing the Word. The spiritual disciplines of prayer, praise, worship, fasting, reading, and holy living are how we suit up daily.
- Know your authority. Many times, the enemy is effective against us because we don't comprehend that he must bow to the name of Jesus. We've discussed all week understanding this authority, but I'll remind you of what Romans 14:11 says: "EVERY knee shall bow." This means Satan must bow to the power of the God living inside you and the blood of Jesus that bought you.
- Rebuke aloud. In Luke 4:35, we find Jesus rebuking aloud a demon who was attacking a man. The demon knew he must bow to Jesus Christ. The same is true for you. That same spirit lives in you according to Scripture, and we've been given the same authority to trample the heads of serpents. Aloud, begin to command tormenting spirits to go. While there is much I could say on this topic, start by saying, "Every spirit of confusion, you must go now in the name of Jesus. Every spirit of fear, go now in Jesus' name. Every spirit of anger, you must leave now. Come out in the Holy name of Christ Jesus." These verbal rebukes and commands must be obeyed. You will be surprised (likely) at the amount of spiritual torment that will leave your life by simply commanding.
- Remove all legal rights of access. This includes unforgiveness in your life, repeated and unconfessed sin, and more. The enemy cannot stand, torment, or confuse your life or those you love for another second. Take your place.
Points to Ponder:
- Want to understand more about spiritual warfare? Sign up for our ministry's free deliverance and inner healing videos at https://jennifermaggio.com/becoming-unstuck/.
- Are you a Single Mom? If so, join Single Mom University – absolutely free. With over 175 classes to grow your faith, you'll learn practical strategies to be a warrior single momma in Christ. Visit www.SingleMomUniversity.com and fill out a scholarship application using coupon code: YouVersion.
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About this Plan
Have you spent much time feeling beat up in your walk with the Lord, even though you know there is more? Most Christians sit weak, emaciated, and ill-informed of the power inside of them, and the enemy of our soul takes full advantage. The Lord said, "My people perish for lack of knowledge." Friends, you do not have to limp along in life another second. This devotional is for you.
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