AIR STUDY – PRACTICAL FAITH – SESSION 3
THE PRACTICAL USE OF FAITH 1
ROMANS CHAPTER 4, VERSES 17 TO 25
THE AUTHORITY OF FAITH
Faith is realized when our divine authority is EXERCISED. The practical use of our faith becomes a reality only when we know what authority we have and what we have authority over. The Bible describes our faith-authority relationship in several ways. Besides Jesus identifying the link between authority and faith in Matthew 8, another revelation can be found in the covenant of Abraham. If ever there was someone who walked out in practical faith, it was Abraham.
That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.
Romans 4:17-25 (NLT)
We can collect some clues as to how Abraham could walk in the authority of his faith in God.
- Abraham believed His God could call that which was not as though it were and that he had the same ability because of His faith in God (Romans 4:17).
- Abraham hoped when it was hopeless (Romans 4:18).
- Abraham believed in the promises of God even when it was unbelievable (Romans 4:18).
- Abraham was not governed by the condition of his flesh (Romans 4:19).
- Abraham did not allow the condition of other’s flesh to affect his faith or authority (Romans 4:19).
- Abraham allowed tribulations to strengthen his faith. (Romans 4:20).
- Taking up on his faith-inspired authority was Abraham’s worship of God (Romans 4:20).
- Abraham remained convinced that circumstances would not dictate his authority (Romans 4:21).
- He knew that the heavenly status his faith gave him meant he had been declared righteous (Romans 4:22).
- Abraham understood the generational magnitude of his authority and faith (Romans 4:23-25).
WHAT OUR AUTHORITY COVERS
Practical faith is the unapologetic expression of our supernatural authority. Our faith in Jesus brings us into a partnership with His authority. It qualifies us to walk in the authority Jesus has bestowed upon us. He was the Word that created us with the original Genesis authority and was the Word that became flesh that exploded our supernatural authority. Authority over what? Here are the three primary areas in our faith in Jesus gives us authority over:
1AUTHORITY OVER SIN
Your faith in Jesus gives you authority over sin. Sin does not have RIGHTS in your life when you express your faith in Jesus. That means habits, strongholds, abuse, or addictions, do not have the right to affect you if you take authority in faith over them. “I don’t know why I do these things” is no longer an excuse in a life of authority. Sin does not just happen; it is allowed to happen.
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.
John 8:31-36 (NLT)
NEXT SESSION: INCREASING YOUR AUTHORITY OVER SIN.
2AUTHORITY OVER SATAN
You have authority over the devil.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Colossians 1:11-14 (NLT)
You don’t have to claim it; it just is. Whether you claim it or not, whether you believe it or not, you have authority over sin, you have authority over satan.
NEXT SESSION: STAMPING ON THE DEVILS HEAD
3 AUTHORITY OVER THE WORLD
You have authority over the world.
For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
1 John 5:4-5 (NLT)
We have authority over the WORLD SYSTEM and the ways of the world. The world no longer has a pull or draw on you.
NEXT SESSION: LIVING AS CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM
RECALL AND REMINDER
The ABRAHAMIC Covenant
Review the unconditional covenant of Abraham (Covenants 1 Session 4)
Conduct an AIR STUDY on Galatians 3:29 and describe what impact the Abrahamic covenant has on your faith and authority.
Five links between your faith and authority were provided in the previous session. Write out two of the links in your own words and journal their impact on your life personally.
SUMMARY QUESTIONS
- What’s Abraham got to do with our faith and authority?
- How does the infallibility of God’s Word affect our authority?
- How does faith link us to supernatural authority?
- Name and describe the three areas we have authority over.
- List some ways the world has taken authority over our lives.
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