Today's "Faith Food" by Kenneth E. Hagin speaks of power and authority.
Authority
"Behold,
I give unto you power, authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over
all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke
10:19).
The Greek word "exousia" means authority. However, it is often translated as "power" in the King James Version of the New Testament. In our text, for example, two different Greek words are translated as "power," yet the correct translation of the first word is "authority."
Our verse should read, "I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy."
What is the difference between power and authority?
Well, what can one uniformed police officer do to direct the flow of rush hour traffic? He can do a great deal. Is it because the policeman has the power to hold back these mighty machines? No! His most strenuous efforts couldn't stop the swiftly passing cars. He doesn't have the power to do it, but he has something far better. He is invested with the authority of the government he serves. Even a stranger in the city recognizes this authority and obeys it.
Authority is delegated power.
Confession: I have been given authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing shall by any means hurt me.
The Greek word "exousia" means authority. However, it is often translated as "power" in the King James Version of the New Testament. In our text, for example, two different Greek words are translated as "power," yet the correct translation of the first word is "authority."
Our verse should read, "I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy."
What is the difference between power and authority?
Well, what can one uniformed police officer do to direct the flow of rush hour traffic? He can do a great deal. Is it because the policeman has the power to hold back these mighty machines? No! His most strenuous efforts couldn't stop the swiftly passing cars. He doesn't have the power to do it, but he has something far better. He is invested with the authority of the government he serves. Even a stranger in the city recognizes this authority and obeys it.
Authority is delegated power.
Confession: I have been given authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing shall by any means hurt me.
As born again believers, we have the same Spirit Who raised JESUS from the dead living IN US! We are children of the Living God, heirs of God and joint (equal) heirs with JESUS Himself! All that we have belongs to HIM, and all that HE has belongs to US! WE operate in HIS Name and with all the authority that comes with His Name! THAT authority is greater by far, than all of the power that the enemy possesses! Study and meditate on these TRUTHS from the Word of God until faith rises; then go out and use HIS authority to thwart the schemes, strategies, tricks, traps and plans of the enemy! People will be set free and GOD will get the GLORY! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Who You Say I Am":
Shalom in Him!
