The Bold Christian: Using Your God Given Spiritual Authority as a Believer

by Chuck Davis

Opposition! It is inevitable in any worthwhile pursuit. Jesus even promised challenge in the faith journey, In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33). There is a bit of a reflex in us when hearing these words from Jesus you have overcome but what about me. It does not always feel like I am overcoming.

Davis presents the case that one key aspect of being an overcomer for the Christ follower is the notion of spiritual authority. Living in a world that is rooted in power, Christ followers are challenged daily by powers that seek to interrupt or trample their success in the journey through Christ the world and the kingdom of darkness. Davis believes that while followers receive empowerment from the Holy Spirit, this power is only fully operational as they function out of their God-given authority. As believers, everything they need is at their disposal. However, they must actively appropriate their authority, both in attitude and in action. Davis provides a biblical theology of authority and real life examples of how he and others have embraced their spiritual authority to advance the kingdom of God. In essence, it is a manual for overcoming spiritual opposition in everyday life."

174 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2013

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reverend Dr. Chuck Davis graduated from Nyack College with a B.A. degree in Bible and subsequently earned Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary (ATS, abd a PhD in Sociology from Fordham University. He spent 10 years as a missionary in Mali, Africa and served as Professor of Intercultural Studies at Alliance Theological Seminary.

Reviews

[Shanan Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really solid book. Even though it's small, it packs a big punch and it was so educational that I found it a little hard to read. The author covers pretty thoroughly the topic of spiritual authority as believers. If you didn't know much about this topic previously, this book could be quite life-changing. As it was, I found it to be a good reminder to lay claim of the authority we have through Christ and take back ground against satan. I liked this quote: "His [satan's] authority depends on the cooperation of human beings." Let's be as uncooperative as possible for the Kingdom of God!

[Sean Muldowney · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is with good reason that many Christians resist conversations that talk about spiritual authority. A simple Google search on the subject will yield dozens upon dozens of current reports and articles detailing the misuse and abuse of power by those on top of hierarchical religious structures -- churches, schools, etc. An abusive leader will use his status to silence those underneath him and prevent the truth from coming to light by using threats and bullying. This is an atrocity, and we are in the debt of victims and advocates who are taking a stand exposing the abuse of so-called leaders.

We are also in the debt of leaders like Dr. Chuck Davis, who has written a timely and scripturally-grounded missive about what authentic spiritual authority is *truly* all about. He masterfully blends his formal theological training, pastoral experience, and cross-culural expertise to paint a vivid picture of why authority needs to become a regular part of every Christian's vocabularly and spiritual practice.

It cannot be emphasized enough that the notion of spiritual authority is ultimately for the good of humanity. Davis is both concise & poignant on this matter:

"Authority is delegated to those who are called to exercise it for the good of others."
"At Creation, God gave authority away. At the start of re-creation Jesus works in the same way."
"Jesus did not do miracles as a kingdom of God sideshow. In performing them, he was restoring the rule and authority previously forfeited by humanity."
"Jesus disapproves of our abuse of spiritual authority with the same passion that he holds against demonic destruction."

I do not want to harp on this one point alone, because the book provides a breadth of practical and powerful material that aids the believer in discipleship (note the subtitle: it's ultimately about mission!). But due to the current climate of well-known church leaders using authority to hurt rather than to empower, I want to especially affirm this book as an 'apology' in the recovery of authority. After working through it one will see how spiritual authority, flowing from a loving God, is to be used to push back and overcome darkness, as well as to empower others who are made in his image. Jesus was the perfect model of authority, and like all other aspects of the faith, we should not allow this crucial concept to be robbed from us by those who mishandle and hurt others.
(Quotes and review come from the Kindle edition)

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped raise critical issues for me at a key time in my life. I think Davis has a fairly balanced approach to the issue of authority. It isn't the only book that one should read on spiritual conflict, but it is a good one to add to the list.

[Jake Fraser · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you don't know much on your authority in Christ - this is definitely the perfect place to start...and if you are more knowledgable on it, this still shows such great scriptural background for our authority.