Speech Synthesis

As Christian youths or young adults, we need to understand the difference between power and authority; God gives believers both, but they are not the same. Understanding this helps us operate spiritually.

Authority is the spiritual right or legal permission to operate. It is the legal right to command, rule, or act on behalf of someone greater (Jesus Christ). It is the delegated right to exercise control. Authority comes from God's position and appointment, not from human strength. Luke 10vs19. Jesus gave his disciples authority over demons and sickness; he gave them the right to rule over the enemy.

A police officer, or last man officer, in Lagos, South-West Nigeria, may not be physically stronger than the cars, but his badge gives him authority to stop cars, and drivers must obey. Authority in the life of a Christian is the right to command demons to leave, to pray in the name of Jesus, and to enforce Christ's victory over all situations. Matthew 28vs18.

Power is the ability, strength, or supernatural energy to accomplish something. It is the capacity to make things happen. For instance, when the Holy Spirit came in the upper room, the Disciples received power. Acts 1vs8, acts 2vs1-4.Power enables you, as a child of God, to perform miracles, heal the sick, cast out demons, and preach with boldness.

Authority is the legal right to act, while power is the ability to act. Authority comes from position, while power comes from empowerment. Authority is delegated by God, but the Holy Spirit supplies power. Authority is to give commands, and power carries them out. Luke 9vs1. This Bible verse clearly shows us that our Lord Jesus Christ gave both authority and power.

Authority is the ability to command demons, and power is the ability to enforce that command. A Christian (Child of God) may have authority but not manifest power if such a person is not walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit; this is because authority comes from your identity in Christ Jesus, while power flows from your relationship with the Holy Spirit, which is why the book of Zechariah 4:6 says, "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, this is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, not by might, not by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."

Authority is the right to rule, while power is the ability to enforce that rule. Authority is like a king's crown; power is like the army behind the throne. God gives his children both through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Many Christians receive authority through Jesus Christ, yet some lose its effectiveness because of certain spiritual conditions.