Authorized to Access God's Power and Authority

Devotional

Day 1: Believing Authorizes Us to Access God’s Power

When we come to faith in Jesus, we are not only forgiven of our sins but also granted access to the authority and power of God. This access is not based on our feelings or past mistakes, but on the finished work of Christ and our belief in Him. Just as a hotel key card authorizes entry to a room, our faith in Jesus authorizes us to operate in His name, to see strongholds broken, prayers answered, and lives transformed. God wants every believer to know that they are usable and empowered, not just in theory but in practice, to make a difference in the world. [07:40]

Mark 16:17-18 (ESV)
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Reflection: When was the last time you stepped out in faith, believing God could use you to pray for someone or serve in His power? What is one way you can act on your God-given authority today?

Day 2: The Power and Uniqueness of the Name of Jesus

There is no other name like the name of Jesus; it is the only name that brings salvation, breaks the power of sin, and causes all of heaven and earth to bow. Jesus’ name is not just a title but the very authority and resource of heaven, and God will not share His glory or His name with any other. As believers, we are called to honor, trust, and boldly use the name of Jesus, knowing that all of God’s promises and power are released through it. [24:45]

Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)
“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to declare the name of Jesus with greater confidence and authority? How can you honor His name in your words and actions today?

Day 3: God’s Word and Promise Empower Our Authority

The authority we have in Jesus is inseparable from the Word of God, which is His unbreakable promise and the foundation of our faith. God’s Word became flesh in Jesus, and it is His Word that empowers His name and guarantees that what He has promised will come to pass. When we stand on God’s Word, we are standing on the very bond and law of God, which cannot be compromised or changed, and this gives us confidence to access all of heaven’s resources. [35:09]

John 1:14 (ESV)
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Reflection: What is one promise from God’s Word that you need to stand on today? How can you remind yourself of God’s unbreakable Word in a practical way?

Day 4: We Are Authorized as God’s Family and Joint Heirs

When we are born again, we are transferred from the family of Adam to the family of God, becoming joint heirs with Christ and spiritual brothers and sisters. This new identity means that the bondages, penalties, and limitations of our old life are broken, and we now have access to all of God’s resources and authority. Embracing our place in God’s family empowers us to live as overcomers, not just survivors, and to see every moment as a divine opportunity for God to work through us. [14:50]

Romans 8:16-17 (ESV)
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”

Reflection: How does knowing you are a joint heir with Christ change the way you view your challenges and opportunities? What is one way you can live out your identity as part of God’s family today?

Day 5: Exercising Our Authority to Make a Difference

Jesus has given us authority over all the power of the enemy, and He calls us to move beyond merely surviving to actively making a difference in the world. As we grow in confidence and understanding of our authorization, we begin to see opposition as opportunity and become the miracle someone else is praying for. God wants us to be willing and available, trusting that as we step out in faith, He will move through us with signs, wonders, and transformed lives. [49:17]

Luke 10:19 (ESV)
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that needs a touch from God? How can you step out in faith this week to pray for them or serve them, trusting in the authority Jesus has given you?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering centered on the profound truth that every believer is authorized by God to walk in His power and authority. This authorization is not reserved for a select few, but is the inheritance of all who believe in Jesus Christ. Through faith in Christ, we are not only forgiven and set free from the power of sin, but we are also adopted into God’s family, given access to His resources, and empowered to make a difference in the world around us. The signs and wonders Jesus spoke of—casting out demons, speaking in new tongues, healing the sick—are not distant relics of the early church, but are meant to follow all who believe, even today.

Belief is the entry point. It is through believing in Jesus and His finished work on the cross that we are transferred from the family of Adam, bound by sin, into the family of God, marked by freedom and authority. This new identity is not based on our feelings or our past, but on the unchanging Word of God and the power of Jesus’ name. Just as a hotel key card or a passport grants access, so the name of Jesus grants us access to all of heaven’s resources. We are not called to merely survive or limp through life, but to live as overcomers, carrying the presence and power of God into every situation.

The authority we carry is not our own, but Christ’s. We are authorized to use His name, and all of heaven stands behind that name. This means that when we pray, when we confront darkness, when we minister to the hurting, we do so not in our own strength, but in the authority of Jesus. The miracles, deliverances, and healings that follow are the result of God’s faithfulness to His Word and His promise. Even when we don’t feel particularly anointed or powerful, our obedience and willingness to step out in faith allows God’s power to flow through us.

As we grow in this understanding, our perspective shifts from self-preservation to kingdom impact. We begin to see every moment as a divine opportunity, every challenge as a chance for God’s power to be displayed. Our dreams, our prayers, our daily lives become arenas for God’s authority to be exercised. The invitation is open: step into all that God has authorized you to do, and let the signs and wonders that follow those who believe become a reality in your life.

Key Takeaways

1. Belief is the Gateway to Authority True spiritual authority begins with believing in Jesus Christ. This belief is not just intellectual agreement, but a heart-level trust that transfers us from the family of Adam into the family of God. Through this faith, we are not only forgiven but empowered to live free from the bondage of sin and to walk in the authority Christ has given us. Our authorization is rooted in our identity as children of God, not in our feelings or past failures. [10:25]
2. The Name of Jesus Grants Access to Heaven’s Resources The name of Jesus is not merely a religious phrase, but the very key that unlocks all of heaven’s power and provision. When we pray or minister in His name, we are drawing on the authority and backing of God Himself. There is no substitute for His name, and no other way to the Father; all spiritual power and victory flow through Jesus alone. This is why the enemy works so hard to diminish or profane that name, but for the believer, it remains the source of all spiritual effectiveness. [24:45]
3. Authority is Exercised Through Obedience, Not Feeling Many believers disqualify themselves from being used by God because they don’t feel worthy or anointed. Yet, just as a hotel key works regardless of how the guest feels, our spiritual authority is based on what Christ has done, not our emotions. When we step out in obedience—praying for the sick, confronting darkness, sharing the gospel—God honors His Word and moves through us, often in ways we do not expect or feel in the moment. Faithfulness and availability are the keys to experiencing God’s power. [23:26]
4. God’s Promise is Backed by His Unbreakable Word The authority and power we walk in are guaranteed by the infallible Word of God. Jesus is the living Word made flesh, and every promise He has given is secured by His character and faithfulness. Even in places where the gospel is opposed, God is moving through dreams, visions, and miracles, demonstrating that His Word cannot be stopped. Our confidence is not in our circumstances, but in the unchanging nature of God’s promise. [35:09]
5. Maturity Means Moving from Survival to Impact As we grow in understanding our authorization in Christ, our focus shifts from merely surviving life’s challenges to actively seeking how God can use us to impact others. We begin to see every situation as a divine appointment, and even our dreams become arenas for spiritual authority. This maturity is marked by a willingness to step out, to pray, to serve, and to expect God to move—not for our own sake, but for the sake of those around us and the advancement of God’s kingdom.

** [47:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:21] - Honoring Guests and Family
[01:22] - Remembering Sharon Thran
[03:32] - Prayer for the Thran Family
[03:53] - Mark 16: Signs Following Believers
[06:15] - What It Means to Be Authorized
[10:25] - The Power of Belief and Salvation
[14:21] - From Adam’s Family to God’s Family
[17:59] - The Boundary Between Success and Failure
[20:11] - The Seven Sons of Sceva: Unauthorized Authority
[23:26] - Confidence in Our Spiritual Authorization
[24:45] - The Uniqueness of Jesus’ Name
[28:09] - Jesus’ Sacrifice and the Power of Innocent Blood
[31:13] - Paradise, Resurrection, and the Saints of Old
[34:51] - God’s Promise and the Power of His Word
[36:56] - Miracles and Missions Around the World
[40:45] - Testimonies of Healing and the Gifts of the Spirit
[44:38] - Obedience, Availability, and Growing in Authority
[46:19] - Taking on the Name of Jesus
[48:04] - Spiritual Authority in Every Area of Life
[49:39] - Authority and Power: Exousia and Dunamis
[51:25] - Invitation to Salvation and Prayer
[52:51] - Altar Call and Closing Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Mark 16:17-18 (ESV) — > “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Observation Questions

According to Mark 16:17-18, what are the specific signs that Jesus says will follow those who believe in Him?
In the sermon, what everyday objects did the pastor use to illustrate what it means to be "authorized" as a believer? [[06:15]]
What story from the book of Acts did the pastor mention to show the difference between being truly authorized and just using Jesus’ name without faith? [[20:11]]
How does the pastor describe the process of moving from the “family of Adam” to the “family of God”? [[14:21]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus made such bold promises about signs following those who believe? What does this say about the kind of life He expects His followers to live? [[03:53]]
The pastor said that our authority as believers is not based on our feelings or our past, but on what Christ has done. Why is this distinction important for how we live out our faith? [[23:26]]
In the story of the seven sons of Sceva, what was missing that caused their attempt at deliverance to fail? How does this relate to the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly believing in Him? [[21:27]]
The sermon talks about being “authorized” to use the name of Jesus, similar to having a key card or a passport. What does it mean, practically, to use the name of Jesus in prayer or ministry? [[06:31]]

Application Questions

The pastor challenged the church to move from “just surviving” to living with kingdom impact. In what areas of your life do you feel like you’re just surviving? What would it look like to step into God’s authority in those areas? [[47:32]]
Have you ever felt unworthy or disqualified from being used by God because of your past or your feelings? How does the truth that your authority is based on Jesus, not your emotions, change your perspective? [[23:26]]
The sermon encouraged believers to pray for the sick, confront darkness, and share the gospel, even when they don’t feel “anointed.” Is there a specific situation or person where you sense God is prompting you to step out in faith this week? What’s holding you back? [[44:38]]
The pastor shared a testimony of healing that happened even when he didn’t feel anything special. How does this story encourage you (or challenge you) to be available for God to use you, regardless of how you feel in the moment? [[41:51]]
The name of Jesus is described as the “key” to all of heaven’s resources. Are there areas in your life where you have not been using the authority of Jesus’ name? What is one practical way you can start doing this? [[36:25]]
The sermon talked about seeing every moment as a divine opportunity. Can you think of a recent situation that could have been a “divine appointment” if you had seen it that way? How might you approach similar situations differently in the future? [[47:32]]
The pastor mentioned that as we mature, even our dreams can become arenas for God’s authority. Have you ever experienced God speaking to you or using you in unexpected ways, even in your sleep or in dreams? How can you invite God into every part of your life, including the areas you might not expect? [[48:04]]

Sermon Clips

When we give our hearts to Christ, our sins are nailed to the cross. That's what it means to encounter salvation. We're saved not only from the penalty of sin, but we're saved from the controlling power of it. That's when I began to realize things I used to do before I knew the Lord, I didn't have to do anymore. That's why I wanted to become a preacher of the Gospel. I wanted people to encounter and experience what God had done and continues to do for me. [00:12:04] (31 seconds) #FreedFromSinPower

We no longer look at ourselves as survivors, but we see ourselves as overcomers. Not just holding on until the trumpet of God sounds or until the Lord says our time on this earth is complete and we go home to be with Jesus. I don't know about you, but I'm not hanging on for dear life. I want to be the devil's worst nightmare. I want to cause an eruption. I want to cause an earthquake in the spirit realm. Wherever God takes me, I want to be instant, in season and out of season. I want to make a difference. [00:18:37] (34 seconds) #OvercomerNotSurvivor

God wants us to come to that place where we have such confidence in His Word, such confidence in what he has promised, such confidence in our position, such confidence in the authority and the power that's been granted to us on his behalf, that when we're faced with a situation, it's no different than putting that key on the scanner and watching it go green and the door opens and God's power is unleashed. [00:23:56] (31 seconds) #ConfidenceUnlocksPower

If the word of God can be compromised, there's no power in the name of Jesus. It's just another name. Just call him Jesus, right? But because the word of Almighty God stands behind that name, that word that is infallible, that word that never breaks. That's what brings the authorization that all of us receive in that name. [00:35:01] (24 seconds) #WordBacksJesusName

If you begin to judge how God can use you based on your self perception, you'll never do a thing for the Lord. But I can promise you, as you make yourself available, even with all of your idiosyncrasies, and we all have them. But if you make yourself available, when God sees you're willing, you're going to experience his ability. And then the end result, you're going to find as God continues to move through you more and more, your walk with him is going to become closer and closer. Your confidence, your faith in him is just going to excel and grow and multiply, all because you were willing to do what Jesus said. These signs will follow you. [00:44:48] (44 seconds) #WillingnessUnlocksAbility

When we're born again, we take on the name of Jesus. Whoa. How's that, Pastor? We're Christians. Christ isn't the last name of Jesus. It's his title. It's his authority. It's his deity, the anointed one, Christos in the Greek. And when we commit our lives to Christ, when we're born again, when we're saved, we become Christians, anointed ones, we're authorized. We become an authority to carry on and do what Jesus did. [00:46:22] (35 seconds) #ChristiansAreAuthorized

``It's time to be the miracle someone else is praying for. Let the signs and wonders that follow you become a part of you. Just do it. Just do it. It's like the first time. Maybe your son or your daughter swung a baseball bat. They kept missing. But do you remember the time when they connected, the ball went. You just keep doing it. Till you connect. And then you'll find it'll happen over and over again. Amen. You are authorized to use his name. That's it. [00:50:21] (40 seconds) #BeTheMiracle

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