February 9 – 15, 2008

TAKING YOUR AUTHORITY IN PRAYER

In this lesson you will learn that born-again believers have authority and how to take your authority. You will also learn about the weapons of your warfare.

I. Born-again believers have authority.

A. 1 John 5:18 – “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.” If you are born again you have authority and that authority is to overcome sin. To keep yourself (guard yourself) means you have a part in staying free of sin and that happens in your prayer life.

B. 1 John 5:4-5 – “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith” – v.4. The “world” is the whole system of darkness controlled by Satan that is going against God. This is the world, the flesh, and the devil. World overcoming power is delegated to those who are born again.

II. Jesus destroyed the work of the devil.

A. Colossians 2:14-15 – Jesus disarmed principalities and powers.

B. Hebrews 2:14-15 – Through Jesus’ death He destroyed the power of death, the devil.

III. How to take your authority.

A. If you have authority, but you don’t know it, it doesn’t do you any good.

B. If you have authority to do something about the works of darkness and you do know it, but you don’t use it, it still doesn’t do you any good.

C. To have authority you must be under authority. God gives His authority to those who will submit to His authority. He doesn’t give His authority to rebels, but He gives His authority to sons and daughters who obey Him.

IV. Weapons and armor of your warfare.

A. Ephesians 6:10-18 – The armor of God.

B. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 – The weapons of our warfare.

1. The name of Jesus – Mark 16:17.

2. The Word of God – Ephesians 6:17.

3. The blood of Jesus – Revelation 12:11.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• When did you find out you have spiritual authority?
• How have you used the armor of God in taking authority in your life?
• Share how you have used the name of Jesus, the Word of God, and the blood of Jesus to defeat the works of the enemy.

BE A DOER OF THE WORD

This week evaluate your life in the area of authority and be sure you are submitting to God’s authority so that you will have authority in your life.

SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSE: 1 John 5:4 – “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.”