Discover what the Bible teaches about a believer’s authority in Christ. Dale & Rena Mae McDonald of Atlin Family Church explain spiritual authority, faith, prayer, and living victoriously through God’s Word.

What Is The Believer’s Authority?

Dale & Rena Mae McDonald

Atlin Family Church

Welcome to Atlin Family Church. We’re so glad you’ve joined us today. We’re Pastors Dale and Rena Mae McDonald, and today we’re sharing a topic that is very close to our hearts: What Is The Believer’s Authority?

This is an area where many believers—both new and seasoned—often struggle. Even those who have loved the Lord for many years can miss what Scripture clearly teaches about the authority we’ve been given as born‑again Christians.

This authority has nothing to do with position in a local church. It has everything to do with what Jesus has already given us through salvation. When we understand this, we stop merely reading the Word and begin experiencing the Word in our lives.

The Bible tells us that the Word of God is alive and powerful. It becomes alive when we take it by faith and act on it. When we engage the Word, we see it change real situations in our lives.

Why Believer’s Authority Matters

Many Christians struggle in their walk with God because they haven’t been taught their authority. Without it, believers often try to live the Christian life in their own strength—and that simply doesn’t work.

God’s power is available, but like electricity in a home, it must be understood and activated. The power is there, but we have to flip the switch. Scripture teaches us how to do that.

If believers are not taught this, it isn’t their fault. It’s the responsibility of pastors and teachers to teach the full counsel of God’s Word. You cannot live the Christian life successfully without understanding spiritual authority.

Authority Is Not Control

It’s important to clarify what biblical authority is not.

Believer’s authority is not about controlling people. That is witchcraft, and it is not of God. We do not use authority to manipulate others.

Our authority is exercised against:

• Demonic power
• Wrong belief systems
• Deception
• Spiritual opposition

We pray according to God’s Word so that truth, revelation, and understanding come into people’s lives.

Authority Changes the World Around Us

When believers understand their authority, it affects their entire world—including their families. Parents do have spiritual authority in their homes, and when exercised properly, it brings peace, protection, and blessing.

We’ve seen firsthand how praying God’s Word and speaking in faith brings supernatural results. God’s authority works in everyday life, not just in church settings.

Knowing God’s Will

Many prayers fail because people don’t know God’s will. But God has already revealed His will through His Word.

We don’t have to pray, “If it’s Your will.” God’s will is written plainly in Scripture. When we pray according to His Word, our prayers are powerful and faith‑filled.

Hope‑filled prayers are not faith‑filled prayers. Faith knows. Faith speaks. Faith acts.

When believers pray powerless prayers, disappointment follows, and too often God is wrongly blamed. Understanding authority breaks this cycle.

Authority Is a Gift, Not Something Earned

The authority we have comes entirely from Jesus. It cannot be earned, worked for, or achieved through effort. It is a free gift given to every born‑again believer.

We are placed spiritually into a position of authority because of what Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection.

Scripture Foundations for Believer’s Authority

The Bible makes it clear:

• We are made new in Christ
• Jesus gave His disciples authority
• That authority was demonstrated through healing and deliverance
• Satan was defeated and stripped of power at the cross
• Authority was restored to humanity through Jesus
• Believers are seated with Christ
• The Church is His body
• What is under Christ’s authority is also under ours

Jesus is the head. The Church is the body. The head and body function together.

Adopted Into God’s Family

As believers, we are adopted into God’s family. Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters. God is our Father.

That means:

• We share the same inheritance
• We have access to the same authority
• We are empowered to represent Christ on the earth

This truth takes time to renew the mind, but it transforms how we live.

The Great Commission and Authority

Jesus clearly stated that all authority in heaven and on earth was given to Him—and then He commanded His disciples to go.

Authority has a purpose:

• To make disciples
• To teach
• To demonstrate God’s Kingdom
• To advance God’s will on the earth

Believer’s authority is meant to be used.

Closing Thoughts

Understanding your authority in Christ is essential to living a victorious Christian life. God is pleased when His people walk in the authority He has given them.

This teaching is too important to rush, so we will continue this message in the next session as we go deeper into how to use believer’s authority in prayer and daily life.

Thank you for joining us at Atlin Family Church. We look forward to continuing this teaching with you.