Understanding God’s Greater Authority in Everyday Language
When you look at the world—whether in ancient times or today—it’s easy to feel like there are invisible forces pulling strings behind the scenes. The apostle Paul, a key voice in the early Christian movement, actually talked quite a bit about these “powers”—spiritual forces, rulers, or influences that seem larger than life and sometimes even a little scary. But here’s the good news in simple terms: no matter how big or dark these powers seem, God is always bigger, and Christ’s victory puts them in their place.
What Are These “Powers”?
Paul describes powers as part of the world God made—not as rivals to God, but as created things. Think of it like this: just as oceans, mountains, and even gravity are part of creation, so too are spiritual powers. They might have some influence, but they’re not all-powerful. They don’t run the show, and they can’t break free from God’s control.
In Romans 8:38-39, Paul reassures us that no power—whether physical or spiritual, good or bad—can stop God from loving us. These powers are on the list of things that *cannot* separate us from God’s love. So while they’re real, they’re not the main story.
Christ’s Supreme Authority
Here’s where it gets even better. Paul makes it clear: Jesus Christ is the ultimate authority. In Colossians 1:15-16, Paul says Jesus is the “visible image of the invisible God.” Everything was made through Him—thrones, powers, rulers, you name it. They all exist because of Him, and for Him. That puts Christ far above anything else you could imagine.
But Christ’s power isn’t just about creation—it’s about redemption too. In Colossians 2:15, Paul says that when Jesus died on the cross and rose again, He basically “disarmed” these powers. Imagine a superhero taking away the villain’s weapons and declaring victory. That’s what Jesus did! The powers lost their bite—they no longer have any real claim over us.
Why Christ’s Power Is Greater
Sometimes, people worry that the powers of darkness have the upper hand. Paul’s message is the opposite: Christ’s power is foundational, eternal, and unbeatable. Ephesians 1:20-21 says God raised Jesus from the dead and put Him at His right hand—“far above all rule and authority, power and dominion.” There’s no higher name or greater power, now or ever.
For everyday people, this means we have a mighty protector. If you trust in Christ, you’re under His authority, safe from whatever spiritual powers might try to threaten you. The victory has already been won—you don’t have to fight for it, just stand in it.
What Does This Mean for Us?
It’s practical, not just spiritual theory. Through Christ, our relationship to these powers has changed. They may still be out there, trying to mess things up, but they can’t control or destroy those who belong to Christ. Romans 8:38-39 says it again: nothing—no power—can separate us from God’s love.
This isn’t a call to ignore evil or pretend darkness doesn’t exist. Instead, Paul encourages us to “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-12), because our fight isn’t against people, but against these spiritual powers. By trusting in God, praying, and staying connected to the Holy Spirit, we can overcome and live with confidence.
Conclusion: The Real Power Story
The powers of darkness may seem impressive, but they’re not running the universe. God’s power, shown in Jesus, is far greater. He made everything, rules everything, and has already won the fight. Christ’s life, death, and resurrection broke the grip of darkness and set us free.
For anyone who believes, that’s a reason to hope and to live boldly. You aren’t alone, and you aren’t powerless—the greatest power in existence is on your side. The powers of darkness have no hold, and the light of God’s kingdom is stronger than anything. That’s the message Paul wanted us to know, and it’s just as true today as it was then.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 