Episode Overview

In this episode of The Small Voice Ministries podcast, Pastor Mike Dean and Seth unpack one of the most foundational—and often misunderstood—biblical doctrines: the authority of the believer. Drawing from Scripture, pastoral experience, and decades of ministry, they explore how Christ’s victory over sin and death empowers believers to live boldly, pray effectively, and engage spiritual warfare with confidence. This conversation challenges passive Christianity and calls listeners to rediscover the freedom, intimacy, and responsibility that come with being united to Christ. If you’ve ever struggled with fear, anxiety, prayer, or understanding your role in God’s kingdom, this episode lays crucial groundwork.

Key Takeaways & Talking Points

• What the “authority of the believer” actually means and why every Christian has it through union with Christ

• Luke 10 and Ephesians 1–2 explained: how Jesus’ authority flows to His church today

• Why rejoicing in salvation doesn’t negate exercising spiritual authority

• How understanding biblical authority transforms prayer, repentance, and spiritual maturity

• Real-world ministry examples of freedom from fear, OCD, depression, and strongholds

• The importance of hearing God’s voice before engaging in spiritual warfare

• Why healing and deliverance are secondary to the gospel, not replacements for it

  
  

• Episode Timestamps

  • 0:00 – Introduction & episode setup

• 1:10 – Defining the authority of the believer

• 4:20 – Christ’s authority over sin, death, and the enemy

• 9:00 – Reading and unpacking Luke 10:17–20

• 12:30 – Does this authority apply to all believers or only the 70?

• 15:45 – Kingdom expansion and reclaiming what was lost in Adam

• 20:00 – Ephesians 1–2 and being seated with Christ

• 28:45 – How authority changes prayer and spiritual confidence

• 33:00 – Pastoral case study: OCD, fear, and freedom in Christ

• 39:20 – Healthy vs. unhealthy approaches to spiritual warfare

• 42:00 – How to begin praying with authority

• 49:30 – Hearing God’s voice and identifying root strongholds

• 56:00 – Why salvation is always the primary goal

• 59:20 – Closing encouragement and blessing

Host Bios

Pastor Mike Dean is a seasoned pastor, counselor, and teacher with over four decades of ministry experience. He specializes in biblical counseling, spiritual warfare, and helping believers walk in freedom through a healthy, Scripture-centered understanding of Christ’s authority.

Seth Dean is the host of The Battle and The Bride podcast and a teacher focused on theology, Christian discipleship, and cultural engagement. Through thoughtful dialogue and biblical depth, he aims to equip believers to live faithfully and courageously in every sphere of life.

Resources & Scriptures Mentioned

• Luke 10:17–20 – Jesus grants authority over all the power of the enemy

• Ephesians 1:15–23; 2:1–7 – Union with Christ and spiritual authority

• John A. MacMillan, The Authority of the Believer (1923)

• Psalm 2 – Christ’s kingship and authority

• The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13)

• Concepts of union with Christ, adoption, repentance, and spiritual warfare