We need to distinguish between power and authority!
Jesus is our primary example of walking in both. In order to fulfill our individual destinies, we must operate in both authority AND power for HIS Name to be glorified.
If we are sensitive to The Holy Spirit, we will be able to discern whether to use power or authority in a particular situation.
In Mark chapter 4, Jesus rebuked the storm and the sea. How did the disciples respond?
41 But they were overwhelmed with fear and awe and said to one another, “Who is this Man Who has such authority that even the wind and waves obey Him?”
By His authority, Jesus quieted the wind and waves. He did not command a miracle to come forth but instead removed the opposition with His authority.
GOD didn’t remove satan’s power, HE removed his authority.
It is written by The Holy Spirit in Jude:
8 Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries.
9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
Michael respected the power of the devil and did not have authority over him so he deferred to the Supreme authority of THE LORD YAHWEH to rebuke him. You and I operate not in our own authority, but only in the authority of Jesus Christ.
When you pray for the sick, you need authority. When you pray over deformities, you need power; sometimes you need both. For example, you can cast out cancer by authority, but you may need to restore or regenerate the organ that has been diseased and is only operating at a low level due to the compromise.
Both power and authority are often needed together!
Power is a gift that is given to us, we did nothing to deserve it. If we deserved it, it would be a reward.
Jesus spoke in Acts chapter 1:
8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Luke recorded what Peter said by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 2:
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
And in Acts chapter 10:
44 While Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit cascaded over all those listening to his message.
45 The Jewish brothers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on people who weren’t Jews,
46 for they heard them speaking in Supernaturally given languages (Tongues) and passionately praising God.
47 Peter said, “How could anyone object to these people being baptized? For they have received the gift of The Holy Spirit just as we have.”
48 So he instructed them to be baptized in the Name of Jesus, the Anointed One. After their baptism, they asked Peter to stay with them for a few more days.
It is through the Ministry of The Holy Spirit that we have power. What do you think happens when we grieve The Holy Spirit by our actions or words?
Authority is not a gift given to us. There is only one way authority comes, it is my relationship with The One Who has Supreme Authority.
Jesus spoke in Matthew chapter 28:
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.
17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe (faithfully follow) all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Authority is proximity centric. Relationship requires close proximity. We need to be in close proximity to THE LORD!