Authority handed down
The word “authority” means the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. The Greek word is “exousia,” which means the power of choice. When we give our lives to the Lord, we give him authority to do as he pleases because we trust him. The Bible tells us that God works in us to will and to act according to his good pleasure (Phil 2:13). God has all authority. Job said that he does whatever he wants, and no one can turn him from that (Job 23:13). The Psalmist said that whatever pleases God, he does (Ps 135:6). Because God has the right to do as he pleases, he does not turn or deviate from doing it. God handed all the authority to his Son when he came and walked among men (Mt 28:18), and he told this to his disciples when he gave them the great commission.
Matthew 21:23
23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? And who gave thee this authority?
We see Jesus’ authority when he came to the fig tree with only leaves (Mt 21:19-20). When Jesus came near the fig tree and found only leaves, he cursed it, and immediately it dried up. The disciples marveled when they saw the tree’s leaves immediately become dry. Jesus’ authority was noticed in the way he spoke and taught. As Jesus taught in the synagogue, a man with an unclean spirit began to yell out, “Leave us alone, Jesus of Nazerreth”, but he rebuked him and cast him out. Everyone in the synagogue was astonished because he taught not like the Pharisees, but with authority that even the spirits obeyed him (Mk 1:22-27). That authority that Jesus had, he passed down to all who are adopted into the family of God (Lk 10:19).
We have the option to use the authority that has been handed down to us or not. Jesus mentioned a parable of a father who sent both of his sons to work in the vineyard. One of the sons said no, that he would not go, but after repenting, went. The other son said yes, but did not go (Mt 21:19-20). Repenting usually refers to turning away from something wrong. The son who said no understood that refusing to use the authority of the father was wrong. The decision to use the authority is ours. If we choose to use the authority that has been given to us, everything that is supposed to submit to it will, like sickness, unclean spirits, and obstacles.
Philippians 2:13
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Job 23:13
13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
Psalms 135:6
6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places
Matthew 28:18
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mark 1:25-27
25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
Luke 10:19
19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Matthew 21:19-20
19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. 20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!