Scripture Text: Nehemiah 4
Memory Verse: “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19
Lesson Aim: To explore the importance of our recognizing and walking in the authority God has given us.
Key Points
- Walking in authority is a matter of position, posture, and preparedness.
- Preparedness is to be fit or suitable, adapted, ready.
- God has given us power over all the power of the enemy.
- It is important to recognize and use the authority God gave us.
Not too far from our church, a representative of the police department is parked with a camera and radar detector. His sole purpose is to get a picture of all who are driving over the speed limit. The governing body of the city passed laws that give him the authorization to carry out the duties that are assigned to the position of a police officer. Whether he gives out a ticket or not, he is walking in authority. Walking in authority is more than a mere authorization to act or legal power. It is a matter of position, posture, and preparedness.
Position is sometimes used to define a point occupied by troops for tactical reasons. God has strategically positioned each member of the Body of Christ as an offense for His next move and a defense against the plans of the enemy. One such instance is in Nehemiah 4 where the people of God were under constant threat as they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. Some of the men guarded the work while others worked with a sword by their side. There were even some who worked with one hand while holding a weapon in the other.
The Body of Christ should take the stance of the men who worked with weapon in hand. We should be fully aware of the enemy’s threats but understand that the primary purpose of the authority God has given us is to advance the Kingdom of Heaven.
Posture denotes the believer’s inclination, natural attitude toward present conditions. In the account related above, Nehemiah’s posture was steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. No matter what challenges he faced, Nehemiah was determined to complete his assignment. He refused to be distracted by meetings, and he was never fooled by the deception of others, as he remained focused on advancing the kingdom of God despite the adversity. As people of authority, our attitude should be the same regardless of the condition.
Preparedness is defined as made fit or suitable, adapted, ready. Not only were the men in Nehemiah’s account prepared mentally (in thought), but also their preparedness was evident in their attire. They were dressed with the tools to build and armor to fight. They were ready to defend if attacked. This is very similar to what Paul wrote to the church of Ephesus when he admonished them “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). Paul’s primary focus in Ephesians 6 was to make sure the Body was prepared to fight when the evil day came.
Questions and Discussion
- Why is understanding authority important? Romans 13:1-7
- In the context of Luke 9:1 and Luke 10:19, what has God given us authority over?
- How does position impact our ability to walk in authority? Ephesians 2:5-6; 4:11, 15; Titus 1:5; 2:15
- What can we learn from Nehemiah’s example? Nehemiah 4
- How can we walk more effectively in God-given authority? Galatians 5:1; 2 Timothy 2:15; James 4:7; 1 Peter 3:7