10 Things You Should Know About Delegated Authority

If you happen to cross paths with someone wearing a badge, holstering a firearm, and driving a vehicle with flashing lights and a siren, you know that this is probably someone you should respect. That person is packing plenty of delegated authority - and they can have a great impact on your life.
Like any law-enforcement officer, you, as a believer and follower of Jesus, carry your own share of delegated authority. You’ve been deputised by Jesus - endued with Kingdom power and authority - to marshal great impact in the world for the kingdom of God (Matthew 28:18-20).

Ask yourself these questions: Are you walking in the full extent, strength and benefit of that authority? Are you effectively enforcing God’s Word and exerting His power in your personal life and the community around you? If you recognize that you could be using more of the authority you have in Christ to make a lasting impact in the world, read on for 10 Things You Should Know About Delegated Authority.

1. Know your authority – by studying up on it.

As a 12-year-old, Jesus went to the Temple in Jerusalem on His own and sat under the religious teachers of His day, listening and asking questions (Luke 2:46-47). He was learning who He was as a follower and Son of God, which included His authority as a believer. You can do the same by reading and studying God’s Word, communing with Him, listening to the preached Word, and fellowshipping with other believers.

2. Know the source of your authority – then set your focus.

All authority comes from God (Romans 13:1), so don’t let the enemy, your flesh or natural circumstances talk you out of it. Keep your focus on the truth: God has put “all things” under your feet (Psalm 8:6), and no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).

3. Know the value of your authority – then prioritize accordingly.

When Joseph and Mary discovered that Jesus had wandered off by Himself without approval from them, and was at the Temple in Jerusalem listening to the religious teachers, they couldn’t comprehend His explanation: “But why did you need to search?… Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:48-49). For Jesus, finding His identity – and authority – in God was an important priority. You can do the same by finding your identity in Christ in the Word.

4. Know the purpose of your authority – then make it your legacy.

Peter testified that “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil” (Acts 10:38). Everything God gives you is found in THE BLESSING. Take what He has given you and minister it to everyone you encounter. Build an eternally minded legacy while you’re on this earth.

5. Know the jurisdiction of your authority – then go for it.

Jesus told His disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations [peoples]” (Matthew 28:18-19). Where is it that God has specifically sent you to go and make disciples? Ask God for your “Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

6. Know the power behind your authority – then activate it with faith.

Again, Jesus told His disciples, “These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name…speak in new languages…. handle snakes with safety…. place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed” (Mark 16:17-18). Release your faith and walk in your God-given power as Jesus intended. Boldly pray, lay hands on the sick, and declare God’s goodness everywhere you go.

7. Know the limitations of your authority – then follow the plan.

Jesus modelled staying within certain boundaries: “I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say” (John 12:49-50). Stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit and His leading. Go where He says to go. Do what He says to do. And keep listening for what’s next.

8. Know the challenges to your authority – then stand your ground.

Law-enforcement officers wear body armour for good reason, and so should we: “Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:11-12). The next time the enemy comes against you – because he will – stand strong against him knowing that he cannot penetrate your armour.

9. Know how to delegate your authority – then pass it along.

Jesus knew how and when to teach, empower and delegate to His disciples (Matthew 10:1) – and you’re charged to do the same. You can also empower – delegate to – the angels of heaven what needs to be done, because authority is always transferred with words – words spoken in faith (Matthew 26:53-54; Luke 7:6-8).

10. Know there’s always room to grow – so start where you are and continue to exercise your authority.

“By my authority he will grow in power. I will extend his rule over the sea, his dominion over the rivers. And he will call out to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation’” (Psalm 89:24-26). In Jesus’ early days of ministry, people noticed two particular qualities about Him: the authority with which He ministered and the power that backed that authority (Luke 4:31-40). But even the Son of God had to grow and develop in that authority and power. And you can too!

Meditate on these 10 Things You Should Know About Delegated Authority. They will help you walk out God’s specific plan for your life with power, take authority over any obstacle that gets in your way, and minister life and healing to others!