The Authority of the Believer: How to Use the Power God Has Already Given You

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” — Luke 10:19 (NIV)

Over the past few weeks on The Gospel Citizen, we have been on a journey that anchors our faith in God through challenging seasons and storms in our lives. We have explored what it means to trust God, remain thankful in the storm, and reframe our minds despite the chaos around us. These teachings are not just encouraging—they’re preparatory.

They lead us to this pivotal truth:

God has placed authority in us.

Not just to survive—but to speak, shift, declare, and reign. - Jeremiah 1:9-10; Job 22:28; Mark 11:23

Like me, many Christians live with faith in God’s power but without an understanding that He has delegated that power to us. We believe in miracles, but we still pray as if we’re powerless. We know God is great, but we don’t realize that He has given us the legal right to enforce His will on the earth through faith-filled words and actions.

Sometimes we know this fact but somehow completely forget to live by this. We go about life powerless and fearful, subject to the systems of the world when God says we are above the systems of the world. - Colossians 3:1-3; Romans 12:2; 1 John 5:4.

This is a gentle reminder that it’s time to walk in what’s already been given. Today’s post is a great first step for anyone looking to exercise their authority as a believer. We have included relevant explanations, scriptures and resources to help us understand better but please be encouraged to dig deeper with each scripture and reference and the Holy Spirit will reveal deeper things to us.

What Does It Mean to Have Spiritual Authority?

Spiritual authority is the delegated right from God to act in His name, speak His Word, and execute His will on the earth. It is a divine partnership—He is the power, but we are the vessel and voice.

“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” — Ephesians 2:6

This isn’t metaphorical—it’s positional. To be seated with Christ is to share in His victory and rule. It means we are no longer victims of circumstances but victors through Him.

Jesus told His disciples: “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy.” — Luke 10:19

• Snakes and scorpions represent demonic powers, spiritual attacks, and any force opposing God’s will.

• “All the power of the enemy” means there is no level of darkness that outranks the authority of a believer walking in Christ. 🔥

  
  

This power is not reserved for apostles or pastors—it belongs to every child of God.

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What Then is the Source of this Authority

As followers of Jesus, our authority does not originate with us—it is delegated by Christ, who holds all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18) .

1. Jesus Owns Universal Authority

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

From this position—seated at God’s right hand—Jesus entrusts His followers with His delegated authority (Matthew 28:18‑20) .

2. We Are Seated with Christ

“He raised us up and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6), far above all rulers and powers (Ephesians 1:20‑22). Our position is not earthly—it’s spiritual and exalted.

3. Authority Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Jesus promised that we would “receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” in Acts 1:8—a power that equips us to witness and minister in His name (Luke 9:1‑2; Mark 16:17‑18) .

4. Authority Through Spoken Word

Scripture empowers us to speak life or death (Proverbs 18:21), “bind and loose” (Matthew 18:18), and even command spiritual forces—“destroy and overthrow, build and plant” (Jeremiah 1:9‑10)—all through faith-filled declarations aligned with God’s Word .

5. Understanding Spiritual Position and Responsibility

Though Satan and other forces exist, believers are not subject to them. We are called to resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7). And yet, we remain under divine authority—fully anchored in meekness, love, and submission to God, not seeking dominion apart from His will.

Faith vs. Pleading: Knowing When to Stand and When to Cry Out

Let’s be clear: there is a time and place for crying out to God. David did it constantly (Psalm 86:1-7). Jesus did it in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44). It’s a biblical expression of dependence.

But there’s also a time to stop pleading and start standing. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” — Hosea 4:6

We often beg God to “come through,” when He’s already empowered us to speak, bind, loose, rebuke, and declare.

This is the exact shift that transformed Andrew Wommack’s ministry. In The Believer’s Authority, he writes: “I spent years asking God to do what He had already given me the power to do.”

Kenneth E. Hagin echoes the same in his classic, The Believer’s Authority: “God will not do what He has told you to do. If you don’t exercise your authority, it will go unused—even though it’s fully yours.”

This doesn’t mean we stop praying. It means we shift how we pray—from desperation to dominion.

Biblical Examples of Authority in Action

We see countless examples of men and women in Scripture who walked in this divine authority:

• Moses stretched out his staff and parted the Red Sea—not because he was powerful, but because he obeyed God’s command (Exodus 14:16).

• Joshua commanded the sun to stand still—and it did (Joshua 10:12–14).

• Elijah called fire from heaven and stopped rain for years—through prayer and boldness (1 Kings 17–18).

• Peter and John told the lame man, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk”—and he did (Acts 3:6–8).

  
  

They weren’t superhuman. They simply believed God and acted in faith.

Modern Testimonies of Authority

Kenneth E. Hagin, once bed-ridden as a teenager with a heart condition, discovered the truth of Mark 11:23–24. He began to speak God’s promises over his life—and got up out of bed, fully healed. He then taught others to do the same.

Andrew Wommack tells of praying for his son who had died. He didn’t plead. He took authority. After five hours of commanding life back into his body—his son was raised from the dead.

These testimonies show what happens when we stop waiting on God to move—and move with Him.

But What Happens When Authority “Doesn’t Seem To Work”?

Here’s the honest tension we must address:

What do we do when we’ve declared, stood, and believed—and nothing changes? We must remember the following:

1.Spiritual Resistance Is Real

Daniel’s answer was delayed not because he lacked faith, but because of spiritual warfare (Daniel 10:12–13). The moment you declare God’s Word, heaven responds—but resistance may delay the visible result.

2. Faith is Not Control

God’s promises are sure, but He is still sovereign. We don’t use authority to control God—we use it to align with His will. Sometimes, His will includes a process, a waiting period, or a deeper work.

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” — Job 13:15

3. The Call to Stand Is Ongoing

“Having done all… stand.” — Ephesians 6:13

Keep standing. Keep declaring. Keep believing. Don’t let the delay convince you that your authority isn’t real.

Both Andrew Wommack and Kenneth Hagin teach that not every breakthrough is immediate. The key is consistency and perseverance—faith that outlasts the trial.

Practical Steps: How to Walk in Your Authority Daily

Here’s how to walk in and maintain your spiritual authority:

1. Know Your Identity in Christ

Study scriptures about who you are:

Ephesians 1:19–23, Colossians 2:9–10, Romans 8:11, 1 John 4:4.

2. Renew Your Mind Daily

Your authority flows through your mindset. Read the Word. Listen to truth. Reject lies and fear.

(See: The Mind Matters)

3. Pray With Boldness, Not Begging

Pray like someone seated with Christ. Declare healing, speak peace, rebuke fear.

4. Speak God’s Word

Your words shape your world. Don’t cancel your prayers with negative speech (Proverbs 18:21).

5. Use the Name of Jesus

That name is above every name—use it with reverence and boldness (Philippians 2:9–10).

6. Resist the Devil

James 4:7 says when you resist, he will flee. Not might—will. But resistance is active, not passive.

7. Stay Filled with the Holy Spirit

Your power source is the Holy Spirit. Cultivate your connection through worship, prayer, and listening.

8. Don’t Give Up

Even if things don’t change immediately, God is still moving. His Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11).

Final Encouragement: Take Your Place in Christ

“The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” — 1 John 4:4

You are not powerless. You are not helpless.

You have authority—not because of what you’ve done, but because of who Christ is in you.

The enemy hopes you stay silent. But when you know your authority, you stop reacting—and start ruling.

🔥 What to Do Next

• Reflect: Where have you accepted defeat instead of standing in authority?

• Declare: Speak a promise from God over your life every day this week.

• Encourage: Share this truth with someone else who needs it.

Recommended Scriptures for Further Meditation

• Jeremiah 1:9-10 (in fact the whole chapter);

• Job 22:28;

• Mark 11:23-24

• Colossians 3:1-3;

• Romans 12:2;

• 1 John 5:4

📘 Recommended Books for Deeper Study

• The Believer’s Authority – Kenneth E. Hagin

• The Believer’s Authority – Andrew Wommack

• You’ve Already Got It! – Andrew Wommack (for the “pleading vs. receiving” revelation)

You’ve Got the Power. Walk in It.

The world is waiting for believers who don’t just believe in God’s power—but use it.

Let this be the season you stop waiting for change—and be the change through the authority that lives in you.

Don’t just know it. Live it. Declare it. Expect it.

In Jesus’ name.