Hey guys - Amazing message by Pastor Steve Deal on exercising spiritual authority…

Romans 8: 18-23 - In this scripture, Paul tells us that what we suffer now is nothing in comparison with the glory God will give to us – the full rights we have as children of God. We have been given the authority as children of God to perform miracles, signs and wonders, but we don’t practice using our authority that often. As with anything, as you grow with something and get used to it, you become better at doing it. This same principle applies with the things of the Spirit.

We have to exercise our spiritual authority and gifts. Just as our faith gets built up and grows through prayer and worship, so our ability to use our spiritual authority will grow as we step out in faith and use what God has given us. We have the word of God and the Spirit of God backing our authority and bringing things to pass on our behalf, although we don’t always see an immediate result or effect. God gives us the force and the power to back the authority He has given. God the father is standing behind us as Christians, enforcing what we say and giving us the power and authority to make things happen.

So why doesn’t it always seem like anything happens? We aren’t exercising our faith or moving in our gifts. The word of God works. There is enough power in one Scripture to heal everyone around us. One word from God has the power to heal the world. We have to exercise our authority to speak the word into situations. We come expecting. We have to be desperate for God and desperate for something to happen. Then, we move in faith, exercising our spiritual authority and expecting God to move.

Part of using our gifts is allowing ourselves to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. We have put a bad connotation on the word control. We don’t like to be controlled. But we are all controlled by something (Romans 8). The definition of being in control is being able to direct a person, situation or activity. Out of control is no longer being able to manage. Under control, in case of danger or emergency, being dealt with safely or competently.

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature, think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. When your sinful nature controls your mind there is death. But if the Spirit controls your mind there is life and peace. Our sinful nature has never cared for the laws of God and therefore those controlled by a sinful nature can never please God. When led and governed by the Spirit, he begins to shape your thoughts and actions, and it becomes obvious who is controlling you based on your fruit.

There is a constant struggle raging in our minds between our sinful nature and our desire to serve God (Romans 7). Sometimes we get worn down because we are constantly fighting and constantly make the wrong decisions. But there is no condemnation for them who belong to Christ Jesus. The power of the Spirit has freed us from the destructive power of sin and destroyed sin’s control through Jesus.

The battle really kicks in during worship or when we are praying, but we have to press through. The Spirit begins to reveal things to us when we continue to focus, expect and cry out for God. God comes when we cry out to him. God wants to be desired, but how many of us come to him with that kind of desire? We have to get passionate about God again.

You have to come into the presence of God and unload (Psalm 66). The Bible says to cast your burdens upon Jesus because he cares for you. Then, worship him. Fan your spiritual flame and the spiritual gifts God has given you. God has anointed us to do amazing things. Look at the nature of Jesus: He’s not going to break you. He wants to encourage you and build you up. The Holy Spirit is always with you. He is just looking for some expectation.