Understanding Our Authority as Children of God

Devotional

Day 1: Christ Alone Is Our Foundation and Authority

When we build our lives on Christ as our foundation, we are anchored and sustained through every storm, because He alone holds all authority in heaven and on earth. No matter what we face, Jesus’ authority is not partial or limited; it is complete, and He delegates this authority to those who are His—His church, His children. This means that our confidence and peace do not come from our own strength or from anything in the world, but from the unshakable truth that Jesus is Lord, and He will never leave us nor forsake us. [53:08]

Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV)
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been relying on your own strength or authority instead of surrendering it to Jesus’ complete authority? How can you intentionally give that area to Him today?

Day 2: True Authority Flows from Relationship with Jesus

Spiritual authority is not about religious rituals or borrowed words; it is the delegated power given to those who have a real relationship with Jesus. Without this relationship, attempts to use His name are empty—like wielding a plastic badge with no power behind it. Only those who have made Jesus Lord of their lives are adopted as God’s children and can walk in the authority He gives, able to stand firm and see breakthrough in the spiritual realm. [01:11:31]

Acts 19:13-16 (NKJV)
Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

Reflection: Is your use of Jesus’ name rooted in a living relationship with Him, or just in tradition or hearsay? What step can you take today to deepen your personal walk with Jesus?

Day 3: Our Identity Is as Children of God, Not in Spiritual Power

While Jesus gives us authority to overcome the enemy and see miracles, our true joy and identity are not found in spiritual power or accomplishments, but in being God’s beloved children. Jesus reminds us not to rejoice in the authority we wield, but to rejoice that our names are written in heaven. Our worth and security come from being adopted into God’s family, not from what we can do for Him. [01:30:40]

Luke 10:19-20 (NKJV)
“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: In what ways have you been tempted to find your identity in your spiritual gifts, ministry, or accomplishments rather than in being a child of God? How can you shift your focus back to your relationship with Him today?

Day 4: Take Authority and Break Unholy Agreements

As children of God, we are called to examine our lives and homes for anything that does not honor God—objects, music, practices, or past covenants—and to take spiritual authority to break and remove them. The spiritual realm is real, and sometimes we unknowingly allow things in that hinder our freedom or invite oppression. By the authority given in Jesus’ name, we can break every chain, renounce ungodly ties, and walk in the freedom Christ purchased for us. [01:02:49]

Ephesians 5:8-11 (NKJV)
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

Reflection: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal if there is anything in your life or home that needs to be removed or renounced. What practical step can you take today to break agreement with anything that is not of God?

Day 5: Faith and Authority Go Hand in Hand

To walk in the authority Jesus gives, we must also confront unbelief and grow our faith. Authority is exercised by those who believe God’s promises and act on them, even in small things. Like a muscle, faith grows as we use it—by praying first, trusting God’s word, and recording His faithfulness. When we struggle with unbelief, we can ask God to help us, knowing He delights to strengthen our faith and remind us of His love and presence. [02:02:34]

Mark 9:23-24 (NKJV)
Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

Reflection: What is one promise of God that you struggle to fully believe or act on? Will you pray today, “Lord, help my unbelief,” and take one step of faith in that area?

Sermon Summary

When Christ is our foundation, we are anchored and sustained no matter what storms we face. God’s faithfulness is unchanging, and we are invited to cast every care, anxiety, and burden on Him, trusting that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Scripture repeatedly tells us not to fear, but to be still and know that He is God. Our peace is not rooted in circumstances, but in the presence and authority of Jesus, who has overcome the world and promises to never leave or forsake us.

We are called to acknowledge, trust, and lean on God daily—not just in crisis, but as a lifestyle. This means intentionally preparing our hearts before we enter our homes, workplaces, or gatherings, so we can be present and ready to serve and love those around us. Our identity is not found in what we do, but in who we are as children of God. Many struggle with identity because they have not rooted themselves in Christ, and as a result, they lack the authority and confidence that comes from being His sons and daughters.

Authority in the kingdom is not a plastic badge or a title; it is real, delegated power from Jesus to His church—those who have made Him Lord. This authority is spiritual, not physical, and it is only effective when we are in genuine relationship with Him. Just as a child has access to every room in their parent’s house, so we, as God’s children, have access to the authority and promises of God. But if we try to exercise authority without relationship, it is powerless—like waving a toy badge.

We must also be vigilant about what we allow into our lives and homes, recognizing that the spiritual realm is real. Objects, music, and even generational patterns can carry spiritual influence, and we are called to break any ungodly ties or covenants through the authority of Jesus. This includes breaking with fear, occult practices, and even soul ties from past relationships. Our authority is not for pride or self-exaltation, but to walk in freedom, bring deliverance, and point others to Christ.

Ultimately, our greatest joy is not in the power we wield, but in our identity as beloved children of God. We are to rejoice that our names are written in heaven, and to walk humbly, boldly, and obediently in the authority He has given us, always anchored in His love and faithfulness.

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Key Takeaways

1. True Authority Flows from Relationship, Not Ritual Authority in the spiritual realm is not about formulas, rituals, or borrowed words. It is the delegated power of Jesus, given only to those who are truly His—those who have made Him Lord and walk in relationship with Him. Without this relationship, attempts to exercise spiritual authority are empty and ineffective, like waving a toy badge with no power behind it. [51:46]
2. Spiritual Vigilance: Guarding What Enters Our Lives The spiritual world is real, and both blessings and curses can be transferred through what we allow into our homes and hearts—be it objects, music, or generational patterns. We must ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything that is not of God, and be willing to break and remove it, even if it means letting go of family traditions or sentimental items. This vigilance is not superstition, but a call to walk in freedom and purity as children of light. [62:49]
3. Identity Precedes Authority Our authority as believers is rooted in our identity as sons and daughters of God. It is not about spiritual accomplishments or titles, but about being adopted into God’s family through faith in Jesus. When we know who we are, we can walk confidently in the authority He gives, but we must never let the power become our identity—our true joy is that our names are written in heaven. [90:40]
4. Faith Must Be Exercised and Grown Every believer is given a measure of faith and access to the same authority, but our ability to walk in it grows as we exercise it—just like muscles. Start by trusting God in small things, making prayer your first response, and keeping record of His faithfulness. As you do, your faith will grow, and you’ll be able to trust Him for greater things, moving from praying for lost earrings to believing for healing and deliverance. [83:17]
5. Break Unbelief and Walk in Freedom Unbelief is a spiritual barrier that keeps us from walking in the fullness of our authority and inheritance. We must be honest with God, like the man who said, “I believe, help my unbelief,” and ask the Holy Spirit to break the spirit of unbelief in our lives. As we do, we step into the freedom, confidence, and miracles that come with our real identity as children of God, knowing we are seen, loved, and empowered by Him. [122:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[37:46] - God’s Faithfulness and Casting Our Cares
[38:43] - Anchored in Christ: Declaration of Faith
[40:54] - The Peace of Christ and His Promises
[42:04] - Reminding Each Other of God’s Faithfulness
[43:14] - Daily Acknowledging, Trusting, and Leaning on God
[44:36] - Preparing Our Hearts Before Entering Home
[46:39] - Real ID Series: Identity and Authority
[47:50] - The Value and Source of Spiritual Authority
[49:59] - Real vs. Fake Authority: The Power Behind the Badge
[52:02] - Delegated Authority: Jesus Gives to His Church
[55:09] - Authority Belongs to God’s Children
[57:06] - The Reality of the Spiritual Realm
[59:01] - Spiritual Transfer and Breaking Ungodly Ties
[66:19] - Copycat Christianity and Unusual Miracles
[70:03] - Sons of Sceva: Authority Without Relationship
[74:06] - Adoption and Access: Becoming God’s Children
[75:20] - Signs That Follow Believers
[78:15] - Paul and the Viper: Authority in Action
[83:17] - Exercising Faith and Building Spiritual Muscles
[90:40] - Rejoicing in Identity, Not Power
[95:21] - Spiritual Warfare and Standing Against Fear
[99:22] - Standing Firm Against Cultural Compromise
[102:30] - Authority Flows from Identity as God’s Children
[107:13] - Breaking Soul Ties and Walking in Freedom
[122:34] - Breaking Unbelief and Receiving God’s Love
[126:43] - Announcements and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) — > And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

2. Acts 19:13-16 (NKJV)
> Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

3. Luke 10:19-20 (NKJV)
> “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.”

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 28:18-20, what does Jesus say about the extent of His authority, and what does He command His followers to do with it?
In Acts 19:13-16, what happened when the sons of Sceva tried to use Jesus’ name without a real relationship with Him?
In Luke 10:19-20, what does Jesus say is the real reason for His followers to rejoice?
The sermon gave examples of “fake authority” versus “real authority.” What illustration did the pastor use to explain the difference? [[49:37]]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important that Jesus says “all authority” has been given to Him before He sends out His followers? How does this impact the way believers should view their own authority?
What does the story of the sons of Sceva teach about the dangers of trying to exercise spiritual authority without a genuine relationship with Jesus? [[01:10:03]]
The pastor said, “Authority in the kingdom is not a plastic badge or a title; it is real, delegated power from Jesus to His church.” What does this mean for how we approach spiritual challenges in our lives? [[51:46]]
Why does Jesus tell His disciples not to rejoice in their power over spirits, but instead to rejoice that their names are written in heaven? What does this say about where our identity should be rooted? [[01:30:40]]

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to “acknowledge, trust, and lean on God daily—not just in crisis, but as a lifestyle.” What is one practical way you can prepare your heart before entering your home, work, or gatherings this week? [[44:36]]
The pastor warned about allowing things into our homes or lives that can carry spiritual influence (objects, music, generational patterns). Is there anything the Holy Spirit is prompting you to remove or break ties with? What steps will you take? [[01:02:49]]
Have you ever tried to “borrow” someone else’s faith or authority, like the sons of Sceva? What would it look like for you to walk in your own relationship and authority with Jesus? [[01:10:03]]
The sermon said, “Our authority as believers is rooted in our identity as sons and daughters of God.” Do you struggle to see yourself as God’s beloved child? How can you remind yourself of your true identity this week? [[01:30:40]]
The pastor encouraged us to exercise our faith “like muscles”—starting with small things and growing. What is one small area where you can trust God first, before turning to other solutions? [[01:23:17]]
The message talked about breaking with unbelief by honestly telling God, “I believe, help my unbelief.” Is there an area of your life where you need to ask God to help you overcome unbelief? How will you do that this week? [[02:02:34]]
The sermon emphasized that our authority is not for pride or self-exaltation, but to walk in freedom and help others. How can you use the authority Jesus gives you to serve or encourage someone else this week? [[01:32:34]]

Sermon Clips

The spiritual world is very real. Whether you choose to believe it or not, which means that in the same way that there was an anointing upon Paul that had a residual effect on his clothes, that they went and put it on and they received their healing. The opposite of that can be true, which is this, that someone that is a demoniac full of demons and all kinds of accursed things of the enemy, and you go and grab, oh, I'm just changing shirts with so-and-so in the same way that the spiritual transference for the good can come, it can happen for the demonic as well. [00:58:11] (48 seconds)

If somebody ever tells you, when you're saying you need prayer or this thing, well, if you sow this seed and this amount, you're going to get that. That is not God. Did you hear me? That's not God. And there's a lot of these Facebook prophets that say, I feel in my spirit right now, there's 45 people that are going to sell me $35. And I have a special prayer for you. Run, delete and report. Okay. That's not God. You cannot buy God. [01:07:20] (40 seconds)

You and I, we are God's creation. Everyone is God's creation. But when we make Jesus the Lord of our life, we become adopted children of God, sons and daughters, with equal access and share to everything that is promised. [01:14:06] (18 seconds) #AdoptedChildrenOfGod

You and I, we are God's creation. Everyone is God's creation. But when we make Jesus the Lord of our life, we become adopted children of God, sons and daughters with equal access and share to everything that is promised. [01:14:06] (18 seconds)

The enemy knows that the signs and the wonders reach the lost. That the people in the island of Malta who didn't know who Jesus was, when the viper bit Paul, and he shook it off and kept walking around like if nothing, and it didn't swell, and he didn't die, and he said, that's Jesus who I want to talk to you about. [01:21:31] (23 seconds) #SignsReachTheLost

Every single one of us as a child of God have access to the authority given to us by God. Now, where's our level of faith to walk in that authority? That can be different because everyone's given the same measure of faith. [01:22:30] (19 seconds) #FaithUnlocksAuthority

Is our first reaction walking the authority? Because what happens when that's become our first reaction? Do you know why my kids do this? I'm not boasting on them, but I need to understand. Do you know why my kids do this? Because in our house, we are a house that believes that we pray about things and they know the stories because we keep record of when God does something crazy like that. [01:25:21] (20 seconds)

How can you believe that Jesus was sent from heaven, born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, died on the cross willingly, rose from the grave so that we can have access to God? How can we believe that, but then say, oh, but the gifts of the spirit aren't in operation anymore? [01:27:14] (23 seconds) #BelieveInAllGifts

How can you believe that Jesus was sent from heaven, born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, died on the cross willingly? He rose from the grave so that we can have access to God. How can we believe that, but then say, oh, but the gifts of the spirit aren't in operation anymore? [01:27:14] (23 seconds)

Our real identity is found as being the child of God. Our real identity is in that label, child of God. And when you and I understand that we come to him, receive salvation, and part of the salvation package is that authority, we do walk different. [01:33:10] (22 seconds) #IdentityInSalvation

We need to stop fighting the people and remember that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, Ephesians chapter 6. And that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but they're powerful in the Lord for the tearing down of strongholds. [01:35:14] (17 seconds) #SpiritualWarfareVictory

You will never, ever, ever compete well enough to look like the world. I need you to understand this. The world is always going to have prettier things, more elusive things, one more this, one more that. And we have something that the world can do for us. And we have something that the world can do for us. And we have something that never compete with, which is the blood of Jesus. [01:41:33] (29 seconds)

If you've never made Jesus the Lord of your life, you've got a dollar tree badge. How do I make Jesus the Lord of my life? The Bible says it's very simple. John 3, 16, Jesus said, for God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, me. That's what Jesus said, give me. For God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him would not perish, but have everlasting life. [01:43:22] (39 seconds)

If there's anybody today that feels this was way too deep, way too spiritual, and I'm leaving, I don't want to hear this stuff. I'd rather be in my happy-go-lucky Christianity. At least I did what God said to do. And I can sleep well knowing that I preached what he said and is scriptural and biblical, and you have no excuse before him anymore. I did my part. [01:49:41] (21 seconds) #NoExcusesBeforeGod

You are my son. You are my daughter. I see you. I love you. And we break unbelief. In the mighty name of Jesus right now, we take authority and we come against and we break unbelief. Fear. Freedom reigns in our lives as your children. [02:04:22] (35 seconds) #ChildrenOfGodFreedom

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