Do You Know the Difference Between Authority and Power?

One of the most important lessons for a Church leader to know and be prepared to teach clearly and constantly is this: See these two terms mentioned in Luke 10:19.

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

We believers, in ourselves, are no match for the wiles and might of Satan, yet in prayer we stand in the name and authority of the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ,
“who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.” I Peter 3:22

“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:6

Picture a hulking criminal standing before the elderly, frail judge. The authority of the one on the bench is what counts!