Jesus used two distinct words to express our "authority" over the powers ofthe Evil One. That authority is all-inclusive, unlimited, undeminished for all time. In bothcases it is his authority and his alone to give to another as his representative. Christ gaveus that representation before the throne when he said, "If you ask anything in my name,I will do it."

DUNAMIS: (Strong's numbering 1411) "Demonstrative Power"
The first word is "dunamis" from which we get our word for dynamite. It speaks ofactual power as in a wrestling match. It is physical or real strength, not figurative strength.It stands for his mighty works, as opposed to his mighty words.It is also this power that is referred to when miracles, signs and wonders are mentioned. It speaks of one's ability over the opponents strivings. It is explosive power.It is to that power our Lord refers when speaking of His coming in great power<1411> and glory.

Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven:and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son ofman coming in the clouds of heaven with power <1411> and great glory.

Matthew 6:13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (or the Evil One):For thine is the kingdom, and the power <1411>, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

EXOUSIA: (Strong's numbering 1849) "Authoritative Power"
Jesus said, "All power (exousia) is given unto me in heaven and in earth..."The next word is important, "THEREFORE, go and make disciples..."It is this authoritative power that Jesus gave to his disciples when he sent them out intothe world to heal and cast out demons.

Mark 3:15 And to have power <1849> to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:
Mark 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power<1849> over unclean spirits;
Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power <1849>.
Luke 4:36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority <1849> and power <1411> he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

Jesus joins both these words in the testimony of those who saw his mighty deeds, and the authority hehad to command evil spirits.

Luke 4:36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority <1849> and power <1411> he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

One is Holy Spirit power (dunamis) working in us (sign and wonders), the otheris the positional authority (exousia) of the believerwho is seated with Christ in heavenly places. (Ephesians)

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Ephesians 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

Ephesians 2:6
And hath raised us up together,
and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

It is for this reason that Jesus told the rejoicing disciples, who had cast out demons in his name,and who were revelling in the fact that demons were subject to them in his name,

Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

It the authority of a name written in heaven that gives us rights and privileges above those of demons. That is what it means to "Be seated with him in heavenly places."

It is the authority of our POSITION! We are in Christ, seated with him far above all principalities,and powers, and dominions, and mights. We are God's police officers, given authority of his nameand position to lay down the law! We don't make the law. We just declare it! The problem is mostChristians aren't declaring it.

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I have often been challenged on the idea of exercising authority inprayer. Perhaps that is good since in our day there are somedangerous doctrines of commanding God in the work of his hands.Authority of prayer has nothing to do with authority OVER GOD! It haseverything to do with exercising our vested authority OVER THE ENEMYand his work. Our authority is in declaring God's glory. Fear of the enemy is a snare. Intimidation andinsecurity are snares to our prayers. Equally a spiritual inferioritycomplex is a snare that paralyzes the Christian intercessor.

God has not given us the spirit of fear and intimidation. That shouldbe a forgone and obvious conclusion because of our position IN CHRIST.Authority over the enemy has nothing to do with our spiritual musclesor years of experience.

Jesus told the disciples it was simply amatter of fact, because THEIR NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN. In Acts 19the Jewish exorists tried using Jesus name as a formula against thedevil only to find they were powerless. The devils responded, "Jesuswe know, and Paul we know, but who are you!"

You and I are known in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, because our names are written inheaven. You are not known in heaven because you are a great preacher, or teacher, orprayer warrior. NO! You are known in heaven solely because of THE ONE WHOSE NAME YOU BEAR!You represent the name that is above every name! And at that name every knee shall bow,(demons included), and every tongue will confess (Satan as well!) thatJESUS CHRIST IS "KURIOS" LORD, to the glory of God.(Kurios, means supreme Commander In-Chief. King of kings, and Lord of lords!)

So stop sniveling in prayer, and start rejoicing in your positional authorityover Satan's reign. It is the heritage of every the child of God! My prayers are notabout me and my prayer power (dunamis). It is about His authority through me,and in spite of me.

WHO AM I IN CHRIST?

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Believe in the Auhority of Your Position

• Exodus 17:11-20 When Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed
• Judges 7:12 The Lord is with thee mighty man of valor.
• Judges 7:18-20 The Sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.
• 1Samuel 17:47 I come to you in the name of the Lord or hosts and the God of armies of Israel
• 2Chron 20:15 Be not afraid/dismayed by reason of the multitude: the battle is not yours but the Lord's
• Psalm 44:5-8 Through you we will push down our enemies...tread them under..I will not trust the bow
• Psalm 91:1- He shall deliver thee..cover thee...shield thee...hide thee...answer thee
• Isaiah 54:16-17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper;
• Isaiah 59:16 He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor:
• Isaiah 59:17 He put on righteousnes as breastplate and helmet of salvation
• Isaiah 59:19 When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit...LORD shall lift up a standard against him
• Ezekiel 22:30 I sought for a man, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap
• Daniel 11:32b They that know their God shall be strong and do exploits.
• Zechariah 4:6 Not by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord
• Matthew 4:10-11 Get outta here Satan! (get thee hence)
• Matthew 16:18-19 I will build my church and gates of hell will not prevail against it.
• Matthew 16:23 Get thee behind me Satan!
• Matthew 18:18-20 Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven:
• Matthew 28:18-20 All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
• Luke 4:18 Spirit anointed ...to declare liberty to the captives
• Luke 9:1-2 He gave them power and authority over all devils
• Luke 10:17-20 I give you power to tread on serp. and scorp. and all power of enemy
• Luke 11:20-22 A stronger than he is come...binds the enemy and spoils his goods.
• Acts 16:18 I command you in the name of Jesus...come out of her!
• Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.
• 2Cor 10:3-5 Weapons are not carnal but mighty through God to pulling down strongholds.
• Col 2:15 He...spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them
• Eph 1:19-23 Set Jesus far above all principalities, powers, might, dominion and every name...
• Eph 2:1-7 Seated with Christ in heavenly places.
• Eph 2:1-7 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus
• Eph 3:10-12 Through you...might be made known to powers in heaven...the wisdom of God.
• Eph 3:20 He is able to do exceedingly aboundantly above all that we ask or think.
• Eph 6:10-20 Be strong in the Lord...Put on the whole armor of God.
• Philp 1:28 In nothing terrified by your adversaries.
• Philp 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strenthens me.
• 1 Peter 5:8 Be vigilant;..your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seek to devour:
• 1John 2:12-13 The word of God is in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.
• 1John 3:8 For this purpose was the Son...manifested ...to destroy the work of the devil.
• 1John 4:4 Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world
• 1John 5:4 This is victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.
• 1John 5:18 He...keeps himself and the wicked one touches him not.
• Rev 12:10-11 They overcame him with the blood of the Lamb

Authority in Prayer Passages

• Psalm 2:8 Ask of me and I will give you the heathen...uttermost parts of the earth.
• Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen
• Psalm 37:4-5 Delight... trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass.
• Psalm 126:6 He that goes forth and weeping bearing precious seed shall come again rejoicing.
• Isaiah 65:24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer
• Jeremiah 33:3 Call on me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things
• Jeremiah 32:17-18 There is nothing too hard for thee:
• Matthew 7:7-11 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened
• Matthew 17:19-21 This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
• Matthew 18:19 If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, ..be done
• Luke 10:2 Pray the Lord of the harvest that he would thrust forth laborers into his harvest.
• Luke 11:9-13 Every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh
• John 16:24 Hitherto you asked nothing, Ask, and you shall receive that your joy may be full.
• Philp 4:4-8 Rejoice always...in everything by prayer and supplication let request be made known
• James 5:16 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
• 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.