7 Strategic Ways To Exercise Authority - and Stand Your Ground!

The Apostle Paul knew what you would be up against as a believer in these last days. And he knew it wouldn’t be easy. In fact, he warned us by saying, “Be careful how you live…. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Maybe you find yourself challenged to “make the most of every opportunity” when it comes to growing in your faith, holding your family together, achieving financial goals, or just finding motivation to get out of bed most mornings.

Thankfully, Paul didn’t leave us hanging, but offered some solid advice for successfully navigating through these tough end times: “Put on every piece of God’s armour so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm” (Ephesians 6:13).

Paul then went on to list in Ephesians 6, 7 Strategic Ways to Exercise Authority – and Stand Your Ground! These are time-tested strategies we can use to combat the “evil” of our generation and overcome it by giving voice – confessing – and joining our faith to the power of God’s Word. Speak these confessions aloud every day to stand your ground!

1. Put on the belt of truth (verse 14).

I put on the belt of truth. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life that I follow (John 14:6). I am faithful to Jesus’ teachings, and I know Jesus (the Truth), and He (the Truth) sets me free (John 8:31-32).

2. Put on the armour of God’s righteousness (verse 14).

I put on the righteousness of God. I have been made right with God (Romans 5:1). The enemy has nothing in me, nothing on me and no power over me (John 14:30).

3. Put on the shoes of peace (verse 15).

I put on the shoes of peace that come from the good news. I am ready to preach the good news of peace with God (Isaiah 52:7, AMPC). I am always ready to explain the hope I have as a believer (1 Peter 3:15).

4. Hold up the shield of faith (verse 16).

I hold up the shield of faith that stops the fiery arrows of the devil. The “switch of faith” is always turned on in me and in my household (Hebrews 11). Jesus holds me securely, and the evil one cannot touch me (1 John 5:18).

5. Put on salvation as your helmet (verse 17).

I put on salvation as my helmet. I am covered by the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7, 9; Hebrews 10:18-22). I am covered by the Name of Jesus (Acts 4:12). I am covered by prayers and intercessions of Jesus (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 3:1; 1 John 2:1).

6. Take up the sword of the Spirit (verse 17).

I take up the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Word. God’s Word is alive and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Faith comes to me by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:13-17, NKJV).

7. Pray in the spirit (verse 18).

I pray in the spirit – in other tongues – at all times and on every occasion (1 Corinthians 14:15). I remain alert, and I am persistent in my prayers for all believers, everywhere (1 Timothy 2:1-4; 1 Peter 5:8-9). I never stop praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

These 7 Strategic Ways To Exercise Authority and Stand Your Ground will help you defeat the enemy and see more victories in your life. Paul knew the only way we can stay strong in any endeavour is to put on the whole armour of God, so we can stand firm against all the strategies of the devil (Ephesians 6:11). We have to take each piece of God’s armour and put it on, apply it and exercise it (Ephesians 6:11). Then, we activate each of these heavenly pieces of armour by giving voice to them and releasing our faith. This is how we exercise our authority. After the battle, once the dust has settled and we’ve done all to stand – we will be found standing in our authority, and victorious in every area of life!