Walking In Authority Over Spiritual Forces: Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Messianic Believers

 


Walking In Authority Over Spiritual Forces: Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Messianic Believers


Understanding our authority in Yeshua is crucial, but walking in that authority is an even deeper call to action. It’s a lifestyle of faith and reliance on God’s power. For Messianic Jewish believers, walking in authority over spiritual forces means actively engaging in spiritual battles with the knowledge that our strength comes from God alone. This chapter explores how to exercise this authority in everyday life, backed by the truths in the Tanakh, to resist spiritual forces and to stand as a light in a world filled with darkness.


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1. God-Given Authority in the Face of Spiritual Battles


The Scriptures make it clear that, although spiritual battles surround us, God equips His people to walk in victory. The Tanakh contains numerous examples of individuals who, by God’s empowerment, overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges. Their authority came from their relationship with God, a truth that remains central to us as Messianic believers today.


Psalm 18:32-34 (NASB)

"The God who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless. He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze."


In these verses, King David describes God as the one who prepares him for spiritual warfare. David acknowledges that his strength, skill, and victory come from God alone. This truth applies to us: our authority is God-given, and it is He who prepares us to face spiritual opposition.


2. Aligning with God’s Will as the Basis of Authority


Walking in authority over spiritual forces is not about asserting personal power; it is about aligning ourselves with God’s will and His purposes. The authority we carry is derived from our relationship with God and our alignment with His covenant promises. Our calling, therefore, is to listen to His voice and submit to His leading.


Deuteronomy 28:7 (NASB)

"The LORD shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they will come out against you one way and will flee before you seven ways."


This promise to Israel highlights that victory is guaranteed when we remain faithful to God. When we walk in His ways, He goes before us, scattering our enemies and ensuring that we have the authority to overcome any opposition. Our confidence, then, is not in our own strength but in God’s covenant faithfulness.


3. Speaking and Declaring God’s Word


One of the most powerful ways to walk in authority over spiritual forces is through the spoken word. The Tanakh is full of examples where God’s people declared His promises and His truth, leading to victory in battle and spiritual breakthroughs. Speaking God’s Word reinforces our authority, reminding both ourselves and the enemy of God’s power and promises.


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 declare God’s Word, it carries the authority of the One who spoke it. Whether in prayer, in conversation, or even as proclamations of truth over our lives and situations, God’s Word never fails to accomplish His purposes. As Messianic believers, we can speak Scripture with confidence, knowing that it is effective in bringing God’s power to bear in our lives.


4. Relying on God’s Strength in Weakness


In spiritual warfare, we often encounter situations that reveal our limitations. These moments remind us that the authority we carry is not about human strength but about God’s strength in us. When we acknowledge our dependence on God, we allow His power to work through us more fully.


Zechariah 4:6 (NASB)

"Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the LORD of hosts."


Our authority over spiritual forces is effective only when we rely on God’s Spirit. This verse from Zechariah reminds us that victory does not come from human strength or ability, but from God’s Spirit working in and through us. In times of spiritual opposition, acknowledging our own weakness and inviting God’s strength enables us to stand firm with the full authority He has given us.


5. Overcoming Fear and Walking in Faith


Fear is one of the enemy’s most common tactics to undermine our authority and make us doubt our position in God. Yet Scripture repeatedly calls us to be courageous, trusting that God is with us. Walking in authority means replacing fear with faith, standing on God’s promises even when the challenges appear overwhelming.


Joshua 1:9 (NASB)

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."


God’s command to Joshua is a timeless reminder of His presence with His people. As Messianic believers, we have Yeshua as our Messiah, interceding for us and giving us the confidence to face any spiritual battle. Embracing faith in God’s power, rather than yielding to fear, enables us to walk in the authority He has given.


6. The Authority to Resist Temptation


One of the most personal aspects of spiritual warfare is the battle against temptation. We are called to resist not only external forces but also internal struggles that seek to pull us away from God’s path. Walking in authority means exercising self-discipline and standing firm against the enemy’s attempts to lead us astray.


Proverbs 4:23 (NASB)

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life."


The authority to resist temptation is rooted in guarding our hearts and aligning our desires with God’s Word. The enemy often attacks through subtle temptations, but we can resist by focusing on God’s truths and rejecting anything that seeks to pull us away from Him. As we do this, we strengthen our authority and witness as people committed to God’s Kingdom.


7. Engaging in Spiritual Warfare through Worship


Worship is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. Throughout the Tanakh, worship was used not only as a means of praise but also as an expression of trust and reliance on God. When we worship, we shift our focus from the enemy to God, declaring His greatness and aligning ourselves with His purposes.


Psalm 149:6-9 (NASB)

"Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples... to execute on them the judgment written; this is an honor for all His godly ones. Praise the LORD!"


This passage from the Psalms reveals the dual nature of worship and warfare. Worship brings us into alignment with God, strengthening our spirits and diminishing the power of spiritual forces against us. As Messianic believers, we are called to praise God in all circumstances, knowing that our worship is a declaration of His sovereignty over all spiritual powers.


8. Taking Every Thought Captive


One of the greatest battlegrounds in spiritual warfare is the mind. Walking in authority means recognizing the lies of the enemy and replacing them with God’s truth. The Scriptures encourage us to take every thought captive, aligning our minds with God’s perspective rather than allowing ourselves to be swayed by fear, doubt, or deception.


Isaiah 26:3 (NASB)

"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You."


When we trust in God and keep our minds focused on Him, we experience peace that protects us from the enemy’s tactics. Taking every thought captive involves being vigilant over our thought life, refusing to entertain thoughts that contradict God’s promises or truths. This is part of our spiritual authority, enabling us to maintain clarity and confidence in God’s will.


Conclusion: Walking Boldly in the Authority of Yeshua


Walking in authority over spiritual forces is both a privilege and a responsibility. It requires us to live in close relationship with God, fully relying on His strength and wisdom. Our authority is effective only when we are committed to walking in God’s ways, speaking His truths, and trusting His power over any spiritual opposition.


Psalm 27:1 (NASB)

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?"


This declaration by David reflects the confidence we can have in God. As Messianic believers, our authority in Yeshua empowers us to live boldly, standing firm in the face of any spiritual forces. Walking in this authority is not about asserting ourselves, but about fully embracing our identity in Yeshua, knowing that He has conquered all. As we continue to grow in faith, may we walk in this authority with courage, purpose, and unwavering trust in our Messiah.


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