Power or Authority?

Power isn’t the answer to overcoming the evil one. Jesus gave His disciples authority over the power of the enemy, not power over the enemy’s power. What’s the difference?

Power is the ability to get things done. It involves strength and force. God sustains everything by His Word. All power is authorized or allowed by God, even Satan’s.

Authority, on the other hand, is the legalized right to use someone else’s power—but you must use it as told and prescribed. An ambassador doesn’t come to a foreign country with an army. He might even be a twit. But he has all the power of the country he represents behind him. As long as he’s authorized and walking in obedience to that authority, he has complete access to the power even though, on his own, he has no power at all.

We have been authorized to speak and to invite with the full backing of heaven. The kingdom will come through our obedience but we must walk in authority, not power. Jesus always did what His Father told Him to do. So must we. God’s strength is perfect in our weakness.