Empowered to Overcome: Authority and Faith in Christ
Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the goodness and faithfulness of God, to remind ourselves of who we are in Christ, and to stand strong in the face of life’s challenges. We began by acknowledging the power of God’s presence—how His anointing brings freedom, healing, and transformation from the inside out. No matter what we face—be it sickness, fear, stress, or relational struggles—God’s Word assures us that we are not defined by our past or by the labels others put on us. Instead, we are new creations, chosen by God, and given authority over every work of the enemy.
We explored the truth that our authority in Christ is not just a theological idea, but a practical reality. Jesus has given us power over the enemy, and we are called to exercise that authority by speaking God’s Word over our lives. Our words carry weight; life and death are in the power of the tongue. When we declare God’s promises, we activate His power in our circumstances. I shared personal testimonies of overcoming sickness and breaking through limitations by refusing to accept negative labels and instead confessing God’s truth.
We also looked at biblical examples—like Paul and Silas in prison, and Ezekiel speaking to the dry bones—to see how faith-filled words and worship in the midst of adversity invite God’s miraculous intervention. Standing strong means not just hearing the Word, but doing it: declaring, believing, and acting on God’s promises even when circumstances seem unchanged.
To stand strong, we must use the tools God has given us: immersing ourselves in His Word, cultivating a life of prayer, and maintaining an attitude of worship. These disciplines renew our minds, align our hearts with God’s truth, and open the door for His Spirit to work in and through us. Even when we feel weak or unworthy, God’s love remains constant. He calls us to reject the lies of the enemy, to forgive, to walk in love, and to remember that our best days are ahead. No matter our age or season, God is not finished with us—our losing days are over, and we are called to live as more than conquerors through Christ.
Key Takeaways
- You Have Authority in Christ
The moment you received Jesus, you became a new creation with real authority over the enemy. This authority is not based on your feelings or past mistakes, but on God’s unchanging Word. When you face attacks—whether in your health, mind, or relationships—remember that you are empowered to speak the name of Jesus and command those things to leave. Stand firm in your identity as one chosen and equipped by God. [36:18]
- Your Words Shape Your Reality
Life and death are in the power of the tongue. The words you speak over yourself, your family, and your circumstances either reinforce defeat or release God’s victory. Even when you don’t see immediate change, persist in declaring God’s promises. Refuse to let negative labels or self-talk define you; instead, let God’s truth be the loudest voice in your life. [49:05]
- Faith Is Activated by Speaking and Doing
Faith is not just believing in your heart, but also confessing with your mouth and acting on what you believe. Like Paul and Silas, or Ezekiel with the dry bones, breakthrough comes when you praise, pray, and speak God’s Word in the darkest moments. Don’t wait for feelings to catch up—let your confession lead the way, and watch God’s power manifest. [01:00:28]
- Use the Tools God Has Given: Word, Prayer, Worship
Transformation comes through consistent time in God’s Word, a lifestyle of prayer, and an attitude of worship. These are not religious duties, but lifelines that renew your mind, strengthen your spirit, and invite God’s presence into every area of your life. Even five minutes a day can shift your perspective and open the door for God’s wisdom and peace. [01:05:45]
- You Are Loved, Called, and Not Finished Yet
No matter your age, background, or what you’ve been through, God’s love for you is unchanging and His plans for you are not over. Reject the lie that you are finished or that your best days are behind you. God says your losing season is over—He is doing a new thing, and your days of victory are just beginning. Let this truth anchor your heart and fuel your hope. [01:24:35]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[27:06] - Entering God’s Presence
[36:18] - Standing Strong in Christ
[41:43] - Personal Testimony: Taking Authority
[49:05] - The Power of Words
[01:00:28] - Faith in Action: Biblical Examples
[01:01:23] - How to Stand Strong in Trials
[01:02:50] - Immersing in God’s Word
[01:05:45] - The Role of Prayer and Worship
[01:07:07] - Persevering When Answers Delay
[01:09:45] - Making Prayer a Priority
[01:10:32] - Rejecting the Enemy’s Lies
[01:12:49] - Praying for Others
[01:15:57] - Declaring God’s Promises
[01:18:23] - Your Losing Season Is Over
[01:24:35] - God’s Not Finished With You
[01:26:38] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Standing Strong in Christ
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### Bible Reading
- Luke 10:18-20 (NKJV)
> And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 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. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
- Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)
> Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
- Ezekiel 37:1-10 (NKJV)
> (The vision of the valley of dry bones, where Ezekiel is told to prophesy to the bones and they come to life.)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 10:19, what kind of authority does Jesus say He gives to His followers? What does He say this authority is over?
2. According to Proverbs 18:21, what is the result of the words we speak?
3. In the story of Ezekiel 37, what did God tell Ezekiel to do with the dry bones, and what happened when he obeyed?
4. The sermon mentioned that “life and death are in the power of the tongue.” What are some examples from the sermon of how words can shape reality? [[49:05]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that our authority in Christ is not based on feelings or past mistakes, but on God’s Word. Why is it important to separate our identity from our past or from what others say about us? [[36:18]]
2. The pastor shared personal stories about overcoming sickness and negative labels by speaking God’s truth. What does this suggest about the relationship between faith, confession, and breakthrough? [[41:43]]
3. In the examples of Paul and Silas in prison and Ezekiel with the dry bones, what role did speaking and worship play in inviting God’s intervention? [[01:00:28]]
4. The sermon says, “Standing strong means not just hearing the Word, but doing it: declaring, believing, and acting on God’s promises even when circumstances seem unchanged.” What does it look like to “do” the Word in real life? [[01:01:23]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “You have authority in Christ.” Is there an area of your life right now where you need to take spiritual authority? What would it look like to do that this week? [[36:18]]
2. The pastor shared about refusing to accept negative labels and instead confessing God’s truth. Are there any negative labels or self-talk you need to reject? What is one promise from God’s Word you can declare over yourself instead? [[49:05]]
3. “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Think about the words you’ve spoken over yourself, your family, or your situation recently. Are they building up or tearing down? What is one practical way you can start speaking life this week? [[49:05]]
4. The sermon encourages us to use the tools God has given: His Word, prayer, and worship. Which of these do you find hardest to practice regularly? What is one small step you can take to grow in that area this week? [[01:05:45]]
5. The pastor said, “Even when you feel weak or unworthy, God’s love remains constant.” When have you felt unworthy, and how did remembering God’s love help you? How can you remind yourself of His love daily? [[01:10:32]]
6. The message declared, “Your losing days are over—God is doing a new thing.” Is there an area of your life where you need to believe that your “losing season” is over? What would it look like to step into a new season of victory? [[01:18:23]]
7. The sermon talked about forgiving others and walking in love. Is there someone you need to forgive or show love to this week? What is one action you can take toward that? [[01:10:32]]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person stand strong in their identity in Christ, to use their words to speak life, and to walk in the authority and love He has given.
Devotional
Day 1: You Have Authority in Christ
As believers, we are given real authority over the enemy and all his works—not because of our own strength, but because of our identity in Christ. The moment you were saved, you became a new creation, chosen and empowered by God, and no past mistake or present struggle can take that away. When challenges arise—whether sickness, fear, or anxiety—you can stand firm, knowing that Jesus has given you the right to speak His name and see change. Let this truth settle deep in your heart: you are not powerless, but equipped to overcome every attack of the enemy by the authority Jesus has given you. [36:18]
Luke 10:18-20 (NKJV)
And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 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. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to actively use your God-given authority and speak the name of Jesus over it today?
Day 2: Your Words Have Power
The words you speak carry the power of life and death, shaping your reality and influencing your future. When you declare God’s promises over your life, you activate faith and invite God’s power to work on your behalf. Even when circumstances seem unchanged, persist in speaking life, healing, and victory—refusing to let negative labels or discouragement define you. As you align your confession with God’s Word, you’ll see transformation in your mind, body, and circumstances, because your voice has the authority to move mountains. [49:05]
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Reflection: What is one negative statement or label you’ve been speaking over yourself that you can replace with a promise from God’s Word today?
Day 3: Stand Strong by Declaring God’s Word
When you face battles, don’t just wait for things to change—stand strong by declaring God’s Word over your situation. The Bible is filled with examples of people who spoke God’s truth in the midst of impossible circumstances, like Paul and Silas praising in prison or Ezekiel commanding dry bones to live. As you speak God’s promises, you invite His presence and power to bring freedom, healing, and breakthrough. No matter how dry or hopeless things may seem, God’s Word spoken in faith brings life and victory. [01:00:28]
Ezekiel 37:4-6 (ESV)
Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”
Reflection: What is one “dry bone” area in your life that needs you to boldly declare God’s Word over it today?
Day 4: Use the Tools God Has Given You
God has equipped you with powerful tools—His Word, prayer, and worship—to help you stand strong and experience victory. Even when you don’t feel like it, spending time in Scripture, praying for yourself and others, and worshiping God opens the door for His Spirit to move in your life. These habits aren’t just religious routines; they are lifelines that renew your mind, strengthen your faith, and connect you to God’s power. Make it a priority to use these tools daily, and watch as God transforms your heart and circumstances from the inside out. [01:07:07]
Ephesians 6:17-18 (ESV)
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally use God’s tools—Scripture, prayer, or worship—today to strengthen your spirit?
Day 5: You Are More Than a Conqueror
No matter what your past looks like or what battles you’re facing, God calls you a winner—more than a conqueror through Christ. Your losing season is over, and your best days are ahead because God’s love and power are at work in you. Refuse to let discouragement, shame, or the opinions of others define your future. Instead, embrace your identity as a beloved child of God, destined for victory, and declare that your story is not finished—God is just getting started with you. [01:18:23]
Romans 8:37-39 (ESV)
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection: Where have you been living with a “losing” mindset, and how can you begin to declare and believe that you are more than a conqueror in Christ today?
Quotes
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