Session 1: partnering with God John 14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” … 28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me” … John 16 7But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

We are designed for partnership with God Genesis 1:26-27: man made in the image of God Genesis 1:28: man commissioned to fill the earth and to rule over it Genesis 1:31: … and it was very good Psalm 8: … man declared ruler over God’s creation; everything under man’s feet

The partnership was broken in the Fall Luke 4:5-6 : 5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendour; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus described the devil as prince (ruler) of the world (John 14:30); thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10) Paul described the devil as ‘prince of the power of the air’ (2 Corinthians 4:4)

The partnership remains our birthright ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ (Is 46:10) Genesis 3:15 – the promise of the offspring of woman crushing the head of the serpent (cf Psalm 8:6) Romans 16:20 - ‘The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.’

Jesus came to restore to mankind what man had handed over to the devil His message was repent for the kingdom of God is at hand (Mark 1:15) He came to destroy the devil’s work (1 John 3:8) He declared that he would build his church (Ekklesia=gathering) and that the gates of hell would not overcome it (Matthew 16:18) He would restore the keys of authority (to rule) to man (Matthew 16:19)

John 14 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.  

Jesus knew that for us to live according to his original purposes – as partners with God / co-regents with Himself - we need more than just being restored to our place of birthright; we need the power to be able to exercise our authority. John 16 7But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 2 and the day of Pentecost – Peter’s declaration that the time had come for Joel’s prophecy to be fulfilled: ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.’ Ephesians 1 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms …

Restoring their identity Isaiah 61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,     because the Lord has anointed me     to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,     to proclaim freedom for the captives     and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour     and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3     and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty     instead of ashes, the oil of joy     instead of mourning, and a garment of praise     instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness,     a planting of the Lord     for the display of his splendor. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins     and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities     that have been devastated for generations. Binding the broken Restoring their identity Restoring their destiny

Session 2: Commissioned to heal

First Jesus sends out the twelve with AUTHORITY over EVERY sickness, disease, and evil spirits.... Matthew 10:1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them AUTHORITY to drive out evil spirits and to heal EVERY disease and sickness. Then Jesus sends out the seventy-two with the SAME AUTHORITY Luke 10:9 - HEAL THE SICK who are there and tell them, „The kingdom of God is near you‟ Luke 10:17-20 - The seventy two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I HAVE GIVEN YOU AUTHORITY to trample on snakes and scorpions and TO OVERCOME ALL THE POWER OF THE ENEMY; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Then Jesus commissions ALL believers Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “ALL AUTHORITY in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore GO and MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” What did Jesus COMMAND his disciples to do? “HEAL THE SICK, raise the dead, cleanse those who have skin diseases, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:7-9) Jesus has COMMISSIONED us to HEAL THE SICK. The Authority that Jesus was given, is the Authority he now gives to us! This Authority is MISSION FOCUSSED! Jesus has given us the go ahead – GO AND HEAL THE SICK

Session 3: Understanding kingdom authority ‘Kingdom authority is a state of being. It oozes from your pores, and shouts out who you are, and affects everything around you. Kingdom authority is the believers right to exercise power in the context of mission’ (Mark Marx) You have kingdom authority when you have legitimacy and power

Legitimacy is the right to exercise power Anchor your faith in this: 1. It’s our birthright. We are children of God John 1:11-13 yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. 2. It’s our inheritance. We are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ Romans 8:15-17 for you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ”Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God‘s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ 3. Every believer has a legitimate right to exercise power. That means you! Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father on a throne of power and authority, and you are seated with him (Ephesians 1:17-21, 2:6)

The King issues orders from his throne The King issues orders from his throne. It’s from this place of rest we minister with kingdom authority 1.Kingdom authority doesn’t come by tagging five words onto a prayer! Acts 19:13 (seven sons of Sceva) - they would say, "in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 2. Kingdom authority is recognised by demons! Acts 19:15 the evil spirit answered them, ”Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" (they ended up getting pretty badly beaten)

Legitimacy without power. 1 Legitimacy without power. 1. As believers we have legitimacy, but we also need power 2. A person can have legitimacy, but have no actual power. For example, a king can be in exile, but be powerless, being outside of his kingdom 3. We have to set our hearts and minds on the things of God’s kingdom. If we don’t, we choose a self imposed exile, devoid of power 4. Remember power and authority is given for the purpose of mission

We need revelation and understanding to think differently We need revelation and understanding to think differently! Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2) Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:1-3) I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:17-21)

We have to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus We have to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus! We pray for insight and understanding. We set our hearts and minds on things above, so that we begin to think and act like Jesus. We develop a kingdom mentality, and a heavenly perspective. We make room for faith to take root and grow. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) “When a believer gains insight and understanding, and grasps hold of kingdom authority truths, healing can be ministered in many creative ways!” (Mark Marx)