Walking in the Authority of Christ

Knowing Who You Are and Acting Like It

Have you ever noticed how people listen when a police officer directs traffic, but if you tried the same thing, drivers might just honk and ignore you? The difference is authority. A police badge isn’t just metal—it represents the power of the law.

In the same way, our student ID lets us into school, a backstage pass gets someone into a concert, and a coach’s word carries weight on the team. Authority comes from the backing behind you, not just from who you are.

That’s how it works with our faith, too. As Christians, our authority comes from Jesus—the King of Kings—who said:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – Matthew 28:18

That means He has ultimate power over everything—spiritual, physical, seen, and unseen.

Jesus’ Unlimited Authority

In Matthew 8, a Roman centurion came to Jesus asking Him to heal his servant. The officer basically said, “You don’t even need to show up—just say the word.” He understood how authority worked. Soldiers obeyed his orders, and he knew sickness had to obey Jesus’ command.

Jesus wasn’t just a teacher; He had authority over life, death, sickness, and even the spiritual world.

Our Authority in Christ

The mind-blowing part? Jesus shares His authority with us. In Luke 10:19, He told His followers:

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

Here’s what that means for us:

• Authority – We carry Jesus’ backing.
• Snakes & Scorpions – Not actual reptiles, but symbols of temptation, lies, and attacks from the enemy.
• Power over the enemy – Satan can’t win when we stand in Christ’s authority.
• Nothing will harm you – Our souls, our salvation, and God’s love are untouchable.

Real-Life Examples for Teens

• Fear: When you feel anxious before a test or tryout, pray Philippians 4:6–7 and speak peace over your mind.
• Temptation: When friends pressure you to do something you know isn’t right, remember—you have the authority to say no.
• Lies: If someone spreads rumors about you, don’t let their words define you. God says, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).
• Anxiety: Before a big game, performance, or audition, speak God’s promises instead of letting nerves take over.

Living Like You Believe It

The early church wasn’t full of superheroes—it was full of ordinary people who lived out their God-given authority:

• Peter healed a paralyzed man.
• Paul cast out demons.
• Thousands believed after hearing the gospel.

And here’s the truth: you have that same authority today.

Your Challenge

Next time fear, lies, or temptation show up, stop and ask:

“What authority do I have in Christ over this?”

Then speak God’s Word into the situation. Remember—you’re not just a teenager trying to survive life. You’re a child of God, backed by the King of the universe.

So walk with confidence. You’re not powerless—you carry the authority of Christ.

We’ve all seen it—someone walking while glued to their phone, totally unaware of their surroundings… until bam! they walk into a pole. Maybe it’s even happened to you (no judgment).

The truth is, focus matters. If you’re walking, your focus should be on where you’re going—not your Ticktock feed. And if you’re following Jesus, your focus should be on Him, not on everything else fighting for your attention.

Hebrews 12:2 tells us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” That means making a choice to tune out the noise, stop staring at the storm, and lock eyes with Jesus.

Peter Walks on Water (and Then… Doesn’t)

After Jesus fed over 5,000 people, He sent His disciples ahead on a boat. Later, during a crazy storm, they saw Him walking on the water. Peter, being Peter, says, “If it’s you, tell me to come!” Jesus says, “Come.”

So Peter steps out of the boat… and he’s actually walking on water! But then—he notices the wind, sees the waves, gets scared, and starts to sink.

When his focus was on Jesus, Peter did the impossible. When his focus shifted to the storm, he sank like a rock.

Good Things Can Still Distract You

Martha in Luke 10 was doing something good—making food for Jesus. But Mary chose to sit at His feet and listen. Jesus told Martha that Mary had “chosen what is better.”

Sometimes our “storm” isn’t something bad—it’s busyness. Even good things (sports, school, serving at church, hobbies) can pull our attention away from just being with Jesus.

Serving God is awesome, but sitting with God is better.

Misplaced Focus

The Pharisees in Matthew 23 had serious focus issues. They were religious leaders, but they obsessed over tiny rules while ignoring “justice, mercy, and faithfulness.” They cared more about looking holy than actually knowing God.

It’s a reminder: You can be busy for God and still miss God entirely.

How to Keep Your Focus on Jesus

• Start your day with Him – Even 5 minutes of prayer or reading can set your mindset.
• Limit distractions – Turn off unnecessary notifications.
• Hang with the right people – Friends who encourage your faith make it easier to stay focused.
• Practice being still – Just sit quietly with God. (Yes, no phone. You’ll survive.)

The Challenge

For the next week, take 10 minutes a day to “sit at Jesus’ feet.” No phone, no music, no distractions—just read, pray, or be still.

Five minutes in the morning and five at night. That’s it. You’ll be surprised how much your focus shifts when you give Him your attention.

When you keep your eyes on Jesus, the storms won’t stop—but you’ll start walking right over them.

🎭 Why Do We Wear Masks?

On Halloween, masks are fun. They let us become someone or something else for a night. But in real life, masks can be more complicated. Many of us wear invisible ones daily—to fit in, to be accepted, or to meet the expectations of others.

Sometimes, we hide our true selves because we’re afraid we won’t measure up. At other times, we may even start believing the false identity we’re projecting. Over time, this disconnect can lead to confusion, low self-worth, and even despair.

😞 What’s Behind the Mask?

For some teens, those masks hide real pain—feelings of hopelessness, depression, or thoughts of suicide. In fact, suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers in the U.S., with more than two dozen teen suicides reported in just one local area in 15 months.

Often, these young people feel unseen and unloved. But the truth is—they are not alone.

💡 Who You Really Are

God’s Word reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Each one of us is a masterpiece, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27-28), filled with His Spirit and His purpose. When we base our identity on Him—not on the false fronts we sometimes show the world—we discover a strength and joy that no mask can match.

As believers, we are called to live out our faith boldly and authentically. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). If we hide behind a mask, we also hide the light of Christ within us—the light that can help others out of darkness.

❤️ A Call to Action

If you see someone who might be struggling behind a smile or hiding sadness behind humor, take a moment to reach out. Let your light shine by showing them the love of Christ. A kind word, a listening ear, or a simple prayer can make a life-changing difference.

And if you’re the one wearing a mask today, hear this:

👉 You are loved. You are seen. You have a purpose.

God’s promises are always yes and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20), and He never fails. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to face it alone.

🌟 Take Off the Mask

So this week, challenge yourself to live mask-free. Be who God created you to be. Step into your identity as a Child of God—with power, purpose, and love. Let the world see the real you, and let your light shine brightly for all to see.