The Authority Of The Believer In Yeshua: Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Messianic Believers
One of the most empowering truths for Messianic Jewish believers is understanding the authority we have in Yeshua. When we place our faith in Him as the Messiah, we are granted a unique position and power in spiritual matters. This authority is not derived from our own strength, but from the authority given to Yeshua by God, which He imparts to His followers. The Scriptures illustrate this authority and the responsibility that comes with it, enabling us to stand firm against the forces of darkness and to live boldly as God’s people.
1. The Foundation of Authority in Yeshua
The concept of authority in spiritual warfare begins with understanding Yeshua's authority. As the Messiah, He holds a unique and unparalleled position granted by God Himself. Throughout the Tanakh, we see glimpses of a future ruler who would hold ultimate authority over all creation. For instance, in the Psalms, we find this prophecy:
Psalm 110:1 (NASB)
"The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’”
This passage speaks of the Messiah’s exalted position at the right hand of God, symbolizing divine authority and sovereignty. Yeshua’s resurrection and ascension confirm this authority, affirming that He rules over all spiritual powers and authorities. For believers, this means that our authority in spiritual warfare is rooted not in ourselves, but in Yeshua, who is seated at the right hand of God with all powers and authorities under His command.
2. The Believer’s Inheritance of Authority
When we come to faith in Yeshua, we are given a new identity as children of God, and with it, a share in His authority over spiritual forces. Just as the patriarchs and prophets of Israel walked in divine authority by God’s direction, we too, as Messianic believers, are called to walk in the authority given to us through our Messiah.
Genesis 1:26-28 (NASB)
"Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’"
From the beginning, God intended humanity to exercise authority in creation. Though sin disrupted this original design, Yeshua’s redemptive work restores us to our intended place. As a result, we regain a portion of the authority initially granted to humanity, allowing us to stand against spiritual opposition and to fulfill our calling as representatives of God’s Kingdom.
3. The Authority to Resist the Enemy
Scripture emphasizes the authority we have to stand firm against spiritual opposition. Yeshua Himself provided a model for confronting evil. When confronted by demonic forces, He exercised authority with confidence and ease, speaking directly to the forces of darkness and commanding them to leave. Yeshua imparted this same authority to His followers, giving us the power to resist the schemes of the enemy.
Psalm 91:13 (NASB)
"You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down."
This verse is a powerful reminder that, in God’s strength, we have the authority to overcome the enemy. As Messianic believers, we can approach spiritual battles with courage, knowing that Yeshua has granted us authority over spiritual forces. When we resist the enemy through prayer, faith, and reliance on God’s Word, we actively participate in the spiritual authority given to us.
James 4:7 (NASB)
"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
James reinforces this truth, teaching that when we submit to God and resist the devil, the enemy has no choice but to retreat. This is not because of any strength we possess, but because of the power and authority that come from our relationship with Yeshua.
4. The Authority to Bind and Loose
In Yeshua, we are given the authority to “bind” and “loose,” a concept that involves exercising spiritual control in specific situations. This authority, while needing to be wielded with wisdom and humility, allows us to impact spiritual dynamics through our faith.
Matthew 16:19 (NASB)
"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven."
This authority means that we can pray for God’s will to be done, binding forces that oppose His Kingdom and releasing His presence and truth in situations. For Messianic Jewish believers, this authority is particularly powerful in standing against deception, oppression, and any hindrance to God’s purposes.
In practical terms, this authority is exercised through prayer, declaring truth, and aligning ourselves with God’s will. When we declare God’s promises over our lives and the lives of others, we are participating in the work of binding and loosing, affirming the authority we have in Yeshua to bring about God’s Kingdom.
5. The Authority to Declare God’s Promises
The power of proclamation is central in the Tanakh, where God’s people are often instructed to declare His promises and Word. The authority of the believer is not about asserting our own will, but rather declaring God’s truths over situations in accordance with His purposes. This practice strengthens our faith and reinforces our spiritual authority, particularly in spiritual warfare.
Isaiah 55:11 (NASB)
"So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."
When we speak God’s promises over situations, we are using the authority given to us to call forth His will. Our words, when aligned with Scripture, have power in the spiritual realm. This is why it is so important for Messianic believers to know and declare God’s Word in every situation, trusting that His promises will be fulfilled.
6. The Authority of Unity in Yeshua
One of the most significant aspects of our authority in Yeshua is the power of unity. As we join together as a body of believers, our collective authority in Yeshua is strengthened. The Tanakh reveals that God moves powerfully when His people come together in unity, something that is especially true in spiritual warfare.
Deuteronomy 32:30 (NASB)
"How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had given them up?"
This passage highlights the multiplied strength that comes from unity among God’s people. For Messianic believers, there is power in standing together in prayer, worship, and shared commitment to God’s Kingdom. By joining with other believers, we amplify our authority against spiritual opposition and demonstrate the strength that comes from being united in Yeshua.
7. Walking in Authority with Humility and Obedience
Authority in Yeshua is not a license for pride or personal gain; it must be exercised with humility and a heart surrendered to God’s purposes. Yeshua modeled this humility, even as He wielded great authority. He showed that true authority is rooted in obedience to God’s will and love for others.
Micah 6:8 (NASB)
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
For Messianic believers, walking in authority means aligning ourselves with God’s character and intentions. It is a call to live justly, love kindness, and walk humbly as we exercise the power given to us in Yeshua. Our authority is effective only when it reflects God’s heart and purposes, honoring Him in every situation.
Conclusion: Embracing the Authority of a Messianic Believer
As Messianic believers, we are called to walk confidently in the authority granted to us through our Messiah, Yeshua. This authority is not of our own making but is a gift of God’s grace and power at work in us. Through Yeshua, we have the authority to stand firm against spiritual forces, to proclaim God’s promises, and to impact the spiritual realm in alignment with God’s will.
Psalm 18:32-34 (NASB)
"The God who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless... He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze."
Our authority in Yeshua is both a gift and a responsibility. As we rely on His strength, speak His promises, and act with humility, we are equipped to face any spiritual battle. May we walk in this authority with confidence, trust, and faith, knowing that the One who empowers us is faithful and will accomplish His purposes in and through us.
