The Authority of Binding and Loosing

Matthew 18:18-20

Introduction

The Church has been delegated kingdom authority to act on heaven’s behalf in history. This heavenly authority given to believers can be seen in Matthew 18:18-20 with the principle of “binding and loosing,” which means to forbid or to permit. Binding and loosing is the transfer of authority from eternity into time. It is the legal right to use power – a legitimate, God ordained right. Believers can pray to access this power.

There are prerequisites for binding and loosing, and believers should use these as keys to the kingdom. If we want to access kingdom authority, we must approach it biblically, not secularly. The reason many believers are not seeing more authority in their lives is because they are not using the delegated authority that God is giving from heaven. Instead, some believers are using earth’s authority, or mixing it with heaven’s authority. In doing so, heaven’s authority is canceled out. Believers must have unity and be in agreement for God’s presence to be manifested or shown. Jesus must be the centerpiece, and believers must pray in His name for successful binding and loosing.

When believers use the principle of binding and loosing the right way, sin is addressed, prayers are answered, and God’s power is free to be released in history. This is the result to be expected when we bind and loose based on God’s standard and criteria.

Getting Started

1. What are the prerequisites for binding and loosing? Why is it important to have these prerequisites?
2. What happens when believers use the principle of binding and loosing the right way? Why is prayer important to accessing this authority?

Let’s Get Personal

1. How does it make you feel knowing you have a legitimate, God ordained right to use power? How does this truth affect your desire to pray?
2. How have you seen God’s authority at work in your life? How do you need to see God’s authority in your life right now?
3. Why is unity and being in agreement with others in the church critical to accessing heaven’s authority with the principle of binding and loosing? Pray with your group for what you need God to bind (forbid) or loose (permit) for you.

Take the Next Step

1. Think about your behavior. Are there some changes you need to make in how you approach prayer?
2. What can you do this week to ensure Jesus is the centerpiece?
3. Want to go deeper? Take a look at the following passages: Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15; 30:19; Exodus 17:9; Isaiah 46:9-10; Job 22:28; Matthew 16:18-19; 28:18; John 16:23-27; 20:23; Ephesians 1:10

Renew Your Mind

“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 18:19