Your Place in the Son
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I have friends and relatives who work in corrections and law enforcement. They tell me that they must stand in their place of authority. Although they show respect to the inmates and respect the danger of the criminal element, they cannot be “buddies” with them. To do so would put their lives and the lives of those they protect in jeopardy. They must stay in their position or place of authority. As believers in Christ we have a place of authority. Adam once had dominion over the whole earth. (Genesis 1:26) When Adam sinned, he forfeited or relinquished his position of authority. (Luke 4:6) When Jesus – Immanuel – was begotten of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, he was given the legal right to regain what was lost. |
As the Son of God, he was free from sin and regained the lordship that Satan had acquired over man when he died for our sins and arose victorious over death, hell, and the grave. Before He returned to the Father in heaven Jesus declared, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore” (Matthew 28:18-20).
Paul prayed that we would know “what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe . . . which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at his right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:19-20). Why is “places” in the plural? Because we were raised up together and made to sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:1, 6). As redeemed believers we are hidden in Christ and are given a position in the Spirit above the devil. (Ephesians 1:21; Luke 10:19) Satan wants to get us out of our place of authority. Paul tells us not to “give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27).
How can we stand in our place in the Son and our position of authority over the enemy? Here are some ways to keep your place in the Son – your place of authority.
First – RECOGNIZE your place of authority. The devil wants to keep us in ignorance and fear. Know who you are in Christ.
Second – RE-AFFIRM your place. “They overcame him by the blood . . . and the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:10-11; Romans 19:9). Verbally re-affirm your position of authority. Like Jesus, use the Sword of the Spirit on the devil.
Third – REPENT. When David sinned in the Bathsheba affair, he lost his place of authority and protection. (II Samuel 12) His family, nation, and rule suffered terribly. But when he repented of his sin, he was restored to his rightful position of authority and protection.
Fourth – RESIST the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
Fifth – RESOUND his praises. Praise is a weapon that binds the enemy with chains. (Psalms 149; Acts 16)
Sixth – RIGHTEOUSNESS is an armor of light and gives boldness. (Romans 13:12; Proverbs 28:1)
Seventh – REIGN AND RULE with Christ. We are seated with Christ in “heavenly places” of authority. Use that authority to go into all the world and preach the gospel. (Matthew 28:18-19; Ephesians 2:1, 6)
Have you found your place in the Son? Stand in your place of authority.
by: Cliff Sanders