Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

In 1 John 3:8, we are boldly reminded of the purpose behind the coming of our Savior: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” (NIV) This powerful declaration reveals the victory that is intricately tied to our faith. When we consider the implications of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we uncover a powerful truth: He came to not only confront death and sin but to offer us a rightful place in His victory. With Ephesians 2:6 highlighting our identity, we see that we are seated with Him in the heavenly realms. This means we are not merely passive observers; we are empowered to walk in the authority bestowed upon us.

The Significance of Jesus’ Mission

We often speak of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and how it had world-altering implications, but it is essential to dissect why this act was necessary. Death entered the world through sin, and with sin came a price that needed to be paid. Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NIV) The consequence of our wrongdoing is death—something that Jesus had to confront head-on.
Jesus, being fully God and fully man, chose to become flesh and blood, enduring the very realm that brought about death. As Hebrews 2:14 tells us, “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil.” (NIV) The purpose of Jesus’ coming was not just to teach us, heal us, or perform miracles; it was to dismantle the stronghold of sin and death and, through His resurrection, show His ultimate triumph.
As we reflect upon that seemingly dark moment when Jesus hung on the cross, we see a different narrative—the defeat of Satan. It appeared as if all hope was lost but remember, the story was not over. On the third day, Jesus rose again, breaking the shackles of death forever. “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 28:6, NIV). Those words heralded a new covenant, a new life, and a victory that would echo throughout eternity.

Sharing in Christ’s Victory

Jesus’ resurrection impacts our lives today in more than a ceremonial way. It alters our very existence. When we surrender our lives to Him, we do not merely become believers; we share in His death, burial, and resurrection. Romans 6:4 emphasizes this vital transformation: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (NIV)
Furthermore, Ephesians 2:6 solidifies our position in Him, stating, “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” (NIV) This is not just a metaphorical seating arrangement. We have been granted access to a position of authority that is backed up by the Creator of the universe! Jesus is in a place of ultimate power, seated at the right hand of the Father. In a breathtaking turn of events, when we are united with Him, we are also seated there.

Understanding Our Authority

Understanding the depth of what it means to be seated with Christ is critical for a victorious Christian life. This knowledge empowers us to confront the enemy with unwavering confidence. As followers of Christ, we possess authority; however, this authority is akin to that of a delegate who acts on behalf of a sovereign. We operate not in our own strength, but through the authority of Christ, who has already defeated the enemy.
Consider Matthew 28:18, where Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (NIV) Here, we find a pivotal truth: Jesus, under whose name all authority rests, delegates that authority to us, his followers. This is an empowering reality! We have the privilege of using the name of Jesus when we encounter obstacles or when the enemy attempts to creep into our lives.

Fight from a Place of Victory

What does this authority look like in our day-to-day lives? The truth is, too often, we are not aware of our rightful position. We face battles that are already won but neglect to pick up our armor, to speak the truth of God’s Word, or to wield the name that is above every name—Jesus.
When we face trials, whether they relate to health, finances, relationships, or mental wellbeing, we need to remind ourselves of our position in Christ. We can declare with authority that the enemy is defeated and use the powerful name of Jesus to combat any challenges that arise.
In Ephesians 6:10-11, we are instructed to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (NIV) This passage emphasizes the need for preparedness and awareness. The enemy does not quietly slip away; he plots and schemes against our wellbeing. However, with the armor of God equipped, we can stand our ground, secure in the knowledge that we are already victorious.

Overcoming Doubt and Weakness

When the enemy comes knocking, trying to instill doubt and take us down, we need to remember that he has been defeated! Our authority protects us, and our identity in Christ assures us of our victory. Revelation 12:11 reminds us, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (NIV). Here we see two crucial components of our victory: the blood of Christ and the powerful witness of our testimonies.
When we stand firm and declare our stories of God’s faithfulness, we activate our authority. This might look different for each of us—prayer, worship, confessions of truth, or even reaching out to fellow believers for support. The enemy’s tactics thrive on isolation and deception; however, when we stand together and harness the power of our collective testimonies, we create a fortress that cannot be breached.

Practical Steps to Step into Your Authority

Now that we’ve established the profound truth of our authority, let’s explore how to practically step into this divine empowerment in our daily lives:

1. Acknowledge Your Identity: Begin each day with a reminder of your identity in Christ. Speak affirmations over yourself—“I am a child of God. I am seated in heavenly places. I have the authority of Jesus within me.”
2. Pray Boldly: Commit to prayer that reflects your authority. When you pray, invite the power of Christ into every situation. Declare victory over your struggles and boldly ask for God’s intervention in your life.
3. Engage with the Word: Immerse yourself in Scripture. Knowledge of God’s Word fortifies your faith and empowers your declaration. Search for verses that resonate with your current battles and meditate on them.
4. Wield the Name of Jesus: When faced with fear or doubt, remember that you have the name of Jesus at your disposal. Speak His name into those moments. Declare victory, healing, strength, and peace with authority.
5. Testify and Share: Share your testimonies—those moments when God has intervened in your life. Encourage someone who may be struggling with their own battles. Your testimony ignites faith and strengthens our collective authority.
6. Seek Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who understand and affirm your authority in Christ. Engage in prayer gatherings or group worship, as the collective faith amplifies individual power.

Conclusion

As we dive into the Scriptures and the implications of Christ’s victory, we find ourselves called to walk in authority. From the floor of a darkened tomb, Jesus emerged as the victor, and our identity in Him allows us to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes.
Remember that when you trust and surrender your life to Jesus, you share in His death, burial, and resurrection, as well as in His ultimate victory over sin and death. The authority granted to you is not for self-serving purposes, but to advance God’s kingdom and uphold His will on earth.
Reflect today on what it means to live in that authority. How can you step forward in confidence, knowing that the battles have already been won? As you step boldly into this newfound power, you will discover the abundant life that God has prepared for you. Let us rise together, armed with the victory of Christ, and claim the abundant life promised in Him.