Jurisdiction Jurisdiction is the realm or sphere within which legitimate authority may be exercised. We’ve been given authority Luke 10:19-20 (NLT) 19 Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. 20 But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” But there are boundaries of jurisdiction Acts 17:26 (NLT) 26 From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. When responsibility is given, authority is provided to fulfill it. Boundaries of Authority 2 Corinthians 10:13-15 (NLT) 13 We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you. 14 We are not reaching beyond these boundaries when we claim authority over you, as if we had never visited you. For we were the first to travel all the way to Corinth with the Good News of Christ. 15 Nor do we boast and claim credit for the work someone else has done. Instead, we hope that your faith will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended. Applying authority requires knowing where it is given. Areas of Jurisdiction Self Till self is controlled, everything else is vulnerable. Proverbs 25:28 (NLT) 28 A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. Thoughts are under our responsibility and authority Proverbs 25:28 (NLT) 28 A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. Coming under authority enables resistance to the devil. James 4:7 (NLT) 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. The Spirit of the Lord gives power over self. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. Progressive responsibility of authority. Matthew 25:21 (NLT) 21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ Knowing realm is critical Home Our home is our responsibility with given authority. Joshua 24:15 (NLT) 15 But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.” Not ours to dominate individuals 2 Corinthians 1:24 (NLT) 24 But that does not mean we want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm. We’re not the Lord 1 Peter 5:2-3 (NLT) 2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. Assignment The area of assignment Luke 9:1-2 (NLT) 1 One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. 2 Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Ambassadors of God’s will 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT) 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” Ministry assignment is a boundary of authority 2 Corinthians 10:13-15 (NLT) 13 We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you. 14 We are not reaching beyond these boundaries when we claim authority over you, as if we had never visited you. For we were the first to travel all the way to Corinth with the Good News of Christ. 15 Nor do we boast and claim credit for the work someone else has done. Instead, we hope that your faith will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended. Only the area of responsibility - without controlling. 1 Peter 5:2-3 (NLT) 2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. Jurisdiction vs Inlfuence Have spiritual authority over areas of responsibility, but influence beyond into every other realm. Prayer vs Command Authority - Influence - Intercession Intercessory prayer is beyond jurisdiction with Godly influence. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT) 1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. Territorial authority Prayer with authority over: Neighborhoods Cities Streets Where we occupy in prayer doesn’t enable dominance over people and their chosen spiritual lordship. It’s His authority, subject to His will. Matthew 28:18-19 (NLT) 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Our influence in authority is never a personal identity. It remains His alone. Our will never qualifies authority John 6:38 (NLT) 38 For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. Authority flows from alignment In every instance, it’s by the Father’s direction in action. John 5:19 (NLT) 19 So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. Ask: Father, what are you doing here? What have You entrusted to me? What are You asking me to do? What authority do I have in this jurisdiction? Jesus’ model: His own life - “no one takes my life” Sickness - “Rise, take up your bed” Demons - “Come out of him.” Nature - “Peace, be still” Disciples - “Follow me” With no judgment over decisions made - ruler, Samaritan village’s rejection, home town Authority does not equal control The enemy needs jurisdiction Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT) 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Footholds Anger Bitterness Unforgiveness Deception Repeated sin Need to identify the enemy coming in through the door. James 4:7 (NLT) 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 4 Realms Self - direct responsibility Myself Choices Thoughts Assignments Responsibility - God given jurisdiction Family Ministry Resources Relationships Needy - possessed, afflicted Influence - Affecting others beyond jurisdiction - prayer Friends Coworkers Neighbors Community Harvest Intercession - things beyond authority to affect God’s will. Cities Nations Government Other families World events Foreign peoples Jurisdiction - comes with boundaries Spiritual influence - goes far beyond them. Exercise authority where there is a foothold, an opening of a will. Exercise prayer and intercession into all other realms. Determine area of jurisdiction and take responsibility for it.