Christian Living

Exercising Spiritual Authority

by Shaila Touchton
05/25/25
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As believers, we are called to exercise spiritual authority in our lives, communities, and the world. Spiritual authority is not about dominating or controlling others but about living under God's authority and exercising His will on earth. In this sermon, we will explore what spiritual authority means, its biblical basis, and provide practical examples of how to exercise it.

What is Spiritual Authority?

Spiritual authority refers to the power and influence that comes from living a life surrendered to God and His Word. It is the ability to represent God's interests on earth, to speak and act on His behalf, and to see His will accomplished in our lives and the lives of others.

The concept of spiritual authority is rooted in the Bible. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). This prayer acknowledges God's sovereignty and our desire to see His will accomplished on earth.

In Luke 10:19, Jesus says, "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." This verse emphasizes the authority that believers have been given to overcome the enemy and advance God's kingdom.

Examples of Exercising Spiritual Authority

1. Prayer

Prayer is a fundamental way to exercise spiritual authority. When we pray, we are acknowledging God's sovereignty and inviting Him to work in our lives and the lives of others. We can pray for our families, communities, and nations, asking God to bring about His will and purposes.

• Scripture: "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16).

2. Declaring God's Word

Declaring God's Word is another way to exercise spiritual authority. When we speak God's Word, we are releasing His power and authority into our lives and the lives of others. We can declare Scripture over our families, finances, and health, trusting that God's Word will accomplish its purpose.

• Scripture: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21).

3. Laying Hands on the Sick

Laying hands on the sick is a biblical way to exercise spiritual authority. When we lay hands on the sick, we are releasing God's healing power and authority into their lives. We can trust that God will work through us to bring healing and restoration.

• Scripture: "They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover" (Mark 16:18).

4. Casting Out Demons

Casting out demons is another way to exercise spiritual authority. When we cast out demons, we are releasing people from the enemy's bondage and oppression. We can trust that God will work through us to bring freedom and deliverance.

• Scripture: "In My name they will cast out demons" (Mark 16:17).

5. Blessing Others

Blessing others is a powerful way to exercise spiritual authority. When we bless others, we are releasing God's favor and goodness into their lives. We can bless our families, friends, and communities, trusting that God will work through us to bring about His purposes.

• Scripture: "The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand" (Deuteronomy 28:8).

Conclusion

Exercising spiritual authority is not about self-exaltation or domination but about living under God's authority and exercising His will on earth. As believers, we have been given the power and influence to represent God's interests on earth. By praying, declaring God's Word, laying hands on the sick, casting out demons, and blessing others, we can exercise spiritual authority and see God's kingdom advanced in our lives and the lives of others.