WALKING IN DOMINION
Theme: WALKING IN DOMINION (PART 1)
Anchor Scripture: Genesis 1:26–28
Supporting Scriptures: Psalm 8:4–6; Luke 10:19; Romans 5:17; Ephesians 2:6; James 4:7; 1 John 4:4
Introduction
Dominion is one of the original blessings God gave humanity at creation. Before sin entered the world, God established mankind with authority, purpose, and responsibility.
Genesis 1:26 says:
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion…”
God did not create man to be a victim of circumstances. He created man to exercise authority under God's authority.
Dominion does not mean becoming God. Dominion means representing God and exercising the authority He has entrusted to us.
The believer is not called to live under the dominion of fear, sin, Satan, circumstances, or the pressures of this world. Through Christ, we have been brought into a position of spiritual authority.
Romans 5:17 says:
“…they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
Notice the expression: “shall reign in life.”
God's intention is not merely that we survive life; He wants us to reign in life through Christ.
WHAT IS DOMINION?
Dominion means authority, rule, mastery, control, or the power to govern within an assigned sphere.
Biblically, dominion is the authority delegated by God to mankind to exercise His will and purpose upon the earth.
Dominion is delegated authority
God said:
“Let them have dominion…” — Genesis 1:26
This means dominion originates from God.
You don't have dominion because you are strong.
You don't have dominion because you are educated.
You don't have dominion because you have money.
Your ultimate authority comes from God.
Psalm 24:1 says:
“The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof…”
Everything belongs to God, and He gives authority to His children to steward what He has placed in their hands.
Importance things to know about dominion
1. DOMINION WAS GOD'S ORIGINAL PLAN FOR MAN
Genesis 1:28 says:
“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it…”
Notice the progression:
Bless → Be fruitful → Multiply → Replenish → Subdue → Have dominion.
Dominion was connected to God's blessing and purpose.
God did not create Adam merely to occupy the garden.
Adam was created to cultivate, govern, protect, and represent God.
This teaches us something important:
You were not created merely to exist.
You were created to make a difference.
You were created to influence your environment.
You were created to bring God's order into your sphere.
You were created to represent the King.
2. SIN DAMAGED MAN'S DOMINION
When Adam sinned, humanity experienced a terrible loss.
Sin brought separation from God and subjected humanity to the consequences of rebellion.
Instead of ruling properly, man became dominated by things he was supposed to govern.
Fear began to dominate man.
Genesis 3:10:
“I was afraid…”
Before sin, Adam was confident in God's presence. After sin, fear entered.
Sin brought shame.
Sin brought death.
Sin brought bondage.
Sin distorted man's relationship with creation.
But thank God, Jesus came to restore what was lost.
3. JESUS CHRIST RESTORES OUR AUTHORITY
Jesus Christ is central to understanding dominion.
Colossians 1:13 says:
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”
Notice the two dimensions:
Delivered from darkness.
Transferred into the Kingdom.
The believer is no longer under the authority of darkness.
Jesus defeated Satan through His death and resurrection.
Colossians 2:15 says:
“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them…”
The cross was not a defeat.
The cross was a victory.
The resurrection announced that the power of death had been broken.
4. OUR DOMINION IS IN CHRIST
One of the most important truths about spiritual authority is this:
We don't operate in dominion independently of Christ.
Our authority is derived from Him.
Jesus said in Matthew 28:18:
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
Then He commissioned His disciples.
Luke 10:19 says:
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy…”
The authority belongs to Christ, but He gives His people authority to operate in His name.
Therefore, dominion is not arrogance.
Dominion is Christ-centered authority.
5. DOMINION BEGINS WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF WHO YOU ARE
Many believers live beneath their spiritual privileges because they don't understand their identity in Christ.
Ephesians 2:6 says that God:
“…hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
Your position has changed.
You are not spiritually homeless.
You are not abandoned.
You are not powerless.
You belong to Christ.
1 Peter 2:9 declares:
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people…”
You are royalty because you belong to the King.
You cannot consistently walk in dominion while thinking like a slave.
Your identity influences your authority.
6. DOMINION OVER SIN
One of the greatest expressions of dominion is the ability to say NO to sin.
Romans 6:14 says:
“For sin shall not have dominion over you…”
This is powerful.
God doesn't want sin ruling you.
Anger should not rule you.
Lust should not rule you.
Bitterness should not rule you.
Unforgiveness should not rule you.
Greed should not rule you.
Addiction should not rule you.
Fear should not rule you.
If Christ is Lord, sin cannot be your master.
Walking in dominion means allowing the Holy Spirit to govern your desires, decisions, thoughts, and actions.
7. DOMINION OVER FEAR
Fear is one of the greatest enemies of dominion.
2 Timothy 1:7 says:
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Fear paralyzes.
Fear makes people abandon opportunities.
Fear causes people to see giants instead of God's promises.
Consider David and Goliath.
Goliath saw David as a victim.
David saw Goliath as an opportunity for God's glory.
David said:
“The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion…he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.” — 1 Samuel 17:37
Dominion changes your perspective.
You don't deny the existence of problems.
You recognize that God is greater than the problem.
1 John 4:4 says:
“Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
8. DOMINION OVER YOUR MIND
Your mind is a major battlefield.
Proverbs 23:7 says:
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”
If the enemy can control your thinking, he can influence your actions.
That is why Scripture says in Romans 12:2:
“Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
You must learn to reject thoughts that contradict God's Word.
When the enemy says:
“You will never succeed.”
The Word says:
“I can do all things through Christ…” — Philippians 4:13
When fear says:
“You are alone.”
God says:
“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” — Hebrews 13:5
When the enemy says:
“You are defeated.”
The Word says:
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” — Romans 8:37
9. DOMINION THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD
You cannot walk consistently in dominion while neglecting God's Word.
Psalm 119:105 says:
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
The Word gives you:
Direction
Wisdom
Discernment
Faith
Courage
Spiritual understanding
Knowledge of God's will
Jesus demonstrated this when Satan tempted Him.
Jesus repeatedly responded:
“It is written…”
Matthew 4.
Jesus did not fight temptation with human reasoning.
He stood on the Word.
A Word-filled believer is a spiritually fortified believer.
Know the Word.
Believe the Word.
Speak the Word.
Obey the Word.
Live the Word.
10. DOMINION THROUGH PRAYER
Prayer is another dimension of spiritual authority.
Prayer is not simply asking God for things.
Prayer is fellowship with God, alignment with His will, spiritual warfare, intercession, and the exercise of kingdom authority.
Jesus said in Matthew 18:18:
“Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven…”
Prayer connects earthly situations with heavenly authority.
A prayerless Christian is vulnerable because prayerlessness weakens spiritual alertness.
Jesus said:
“Watch and pray…” — Matthew 26:41
Prayer keeps the believer spiritually awake.
When you pray, you don't run from challenges.
You confront them with God.
11. DOMINION THROUGH FAITH
Faith is essential to walking in dominion.
1 John 5:4 says:
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”
Faith sees beyond circumstances.
Faith believes God's Word even when circumstances disagree.
Faith says:
“God is still faithful.”
Faith says:
“God is still working.”
Faith says:
“This situation will not determine my destiny.”
Faith says:
“I will trust God.”
12. DOMINION REQUIRES OBEDIENCE
You cannot separate dominion from obedience.
James 4:7 gives a powerful principle:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Notice the order:
1. Submit to God.
2. Resist the devil.
3. The devil flees.
Many people want to resist the devil without submitting to God.
But spiritual authority is strongest when we are under God's authority.
A soldier has authority because he operates under the authority of his commander.
Likewise, the believer exercises spiritual authority effectively when he remains submitted to Christ.
13. DOMINION OVER CIRCUMSTANCES
Walking in dominion doesn't mean there will never be difficulties.
It means difficulties don't have the final word.
Paul experienced:
persecution
imprisonment
rejection
shipwreck
hardship
hunger
opposition
Yet he could say:
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed…” — 2 Corinthians 4:8
A person walking in dominion may experience pressure without becoming defeated by pressure.
Dominion is not the absence of battles.
Dominion is victory in the midst of battles.
14. DOMINION IN YOUR FAMILY
God wants His authority reflected in our homes.
Joshua declared:
“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15
Dominion in the family means establishing an atmosphere where:
God is honored.
Prayer is practiced.
God's Word is respected.
Love is demonstrated.
Children are taught God's ways.
Forgiveness is practiced.
Peace is cultivated.
The family should not be governed by anger, confusion, hatred, or fear.
Your home should become a place where God's kingdom is represented.
15. DOMINION IN YOUR WORK AND ASSIGNMENT
God wants His people to exercise godly influence in their workplaces, businesses, ministries, communities, and professions.
Joseph is a powerful example.
Wherever Joseph went, he brought excellence and God's wisdom.
In Potiphar's house, Joseph prospered.
In prison, Joseph distinguished himself.
In the palace, Joseph became a national leader.
Your environment should feel the impact of your presence.
Daniel is another example.
He served under pagan governments but never surrendered his devotion to God.
Daniel 6:3 says:
“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes…”
Dominion includes excellence, integrity, wisdom, and influence.
16. DOMINION IS NOT DOMINATION
This distinction is important.
Dominion is not oppressing people.
Dominion is not controlling people.
Dominion is not manipulating people.
Dominion is not becoming proud.
Jesus demonstrated servant leadership.
Mark 10:43 says:
“Whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister.”
Kingdom dominion is expressed through service.
The greater your authority, the greater your responsibility to serve.
17. THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS US FOR DOMINION
Jesus said in Acts 1:8:
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…”
The Holy Spirit gives us power to become effective witnesses.
He gives:
spiritual power
boldness
wisdom
discernment
spiritual gifts
divine direction
courage
Walking in dominion without dependence on the Holy Spirit can lead to fleshly confidence.
We need the Holy Spirit.
Dominion is not human strength.
It is divine empowerment.
18. DOMINION REQUIRES SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE
You cannot expect spiritual authority while neglecting spiritual disciplines.
Develop a lifestyle of:
Prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Studying the Word
2 Timothy 2:15
Fasting
Matthew 6:16–18
Worship
John 4:23–24
Obedience
John 14:15
Fellowship
Hebrews 10:25
Giving
2 Corinthians 9:7
Spiritual discipline builds spiritual strength.
19. DOMINION OVER THE WORKS OF DARKNESS
The believer has authority against the works of darkness.
Luke 10:19 says:
“I give unto you power…over all the power of the enemy…”
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that:
“We wrestle not against flesh and blood…”
Therefore, our response to spiritual opposition should not be hatred toward people.
People are not our ultimate enemies.
We deal with spiritual opposition through:
Prayer
God's Word
Faith
Righteousness
The name of Jesus
The authority of Christ
The power of the Holy Spirit
20. THE NAME OF JESUS IS A WEAPON OF AUTHORITY
Philippians 2:9–10 says:
“God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name…”
There is authority in the name of Jesus.
We pray in His name.
We preach in His name.
We confront darkness in His name.
We trust in His name.
But the power is not in merely repeating the words “Jesus.”
The authority comes from the person of Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him.
Acts 19:15 demonstrates that simply using the name without relationship is not enough.
HOW TO WALK IN DOMINION DAILY
1. Know who you are in Christ.
Identity produces confidence.
2. Know God's Word.
You cannot exercise authority you don't understand.
3. Stay submitted to God.
Authority flows from submission.
4. Maintain a prayer life.
Prayer keeps your spirit sensitive.
5. Walk in holiness.
Sin weakens spiritual confidence and fellowship with God.
6. Exercise your faith.
Don't merely know the Word—act on it.
7. Speak correctly.
Proverbs 18:21 says:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”
Speak faith.
Speak God's Word.
Speak hope.
8. Refuse fear.
Don't allow fear to make your decisions.
9. Walk in love.
Dominion without love becomes oppression.
10. Serve God's purpose.
True dominion is stewardship.
ENEMIES OF DOMINION
There are things that can hinder a believer from walking effectively in dominion.
A. Ignorance
Hosea 4:6:
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”
B. Sin
Sin gives room for spiritual bondage.
C. Fear
Fear paralyzes faith.
D. Disobedience
Disobedience separates our actions from God's instructions.
E. Prayerlessness
Prayerlessness weakens spiritual alertness.
F. Unbelief
Unbelief limits what we are willing to receive and act upon.
G. Wrong associations
1 Corinthians 15:33 says:
“Evil communications corrupt good manners.”
H. Bitterness and unforgiveness
They can imprison the heart and destroy spiritual peace.
I. Pride
Pride makes people attempt to operate independently of God.
THE MARKS OF A PERSON WALKING IN DOMINION
A person walking in dominion will increasingly demonstrate:
1. Spiritual confidence
2. Self-control
3. Courage
4. Wisdom
5. Faith
6. Excellence
7. Integrity
8. Prayerfulness
9. Spiritual discernment
10. Kingdom influence
11. Victory over sinful patterns
12. Ability to stand during difficult seasons
Dominion is not merely something you proclaim.
It is something your life demonstrates.
JESUS: OUR PERFECT EXAMPLE OF DOMINION
Jesus demonstrated dominion over:
sickness
demons
storms
nature
sin
death
religious opposition
poverty and lack
fear
When the storm arose, Jesus said:
“Peace, be still.” — Mark 4:39
When demons confronted Him, they obeyed.
When sickness appeared, He healed.
When death confronted Lazarus, Jesus called him out.
When Satan tempted Him, He stood on the Word.
Jesus demonstrated what a life fully submitted to God looks like.
DOMINION MUST BE USED FOR GOD'S GLORY
The ultimate purpose of dominion is not self-exaltation.
It is God's glory.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father…”
God blesses you so that you can become a blessing.
God gives influence so you can influence others toward Him.
God gives resources so His kingdom can advance.
God gives authority so His will can be established.
The highest expression of dominion is not saying, “Look how powerful I am.”
It is saying:
“Look how powerful my God is.”
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
Lift your voice and declare:
I am created in the image and likeness of God.
I receive grace to walk in dominion.
I will not be dominated by fear.
Sin shall not have dominion over me.
I am seated with Christ in heavenly places.
I walk in the authority of the name of Jesus.
Every power resisting God's purpose for my life is broken in Jesus' name.
I receive grace to overcome every spiritual opposition.
My mind is governed by the Word of God.
I walk in divine wisdom and discernment.
I refuse to live as a victim when Christ has called me to victory.
My family shall experience the order and peace of God.
My life shall become a testimony of God's power.
I shall exercise godly influence wherever God places me.
I receive grace to overcome every limitation.
I will not die before fulfilling my divine assignment.
Every power assigned to frustrate my destiny shall fail.
I walk in victory over every work of darkness.
I am more than a conqueror through Christ.
From this day forward, I walk in dominion, in Jesus' mighty name!
PRAYER POINTS
1. Prayer for spiritual authority
Father, empower me by Your Spirit to walk in the authority You have given me in Christ, in Jesus' name.
2. Prayer against fear
Every spirit of fear operating in my life, lose your hold over me, in Jesus' name.
3. Prayer against bondage
Every power seeking to dominate my life contrary to God's will, be broken in Jesus' name.
4. Prayer for the mind
Father, renew my mind and establish my thoughts in Your Word.
5. Prayer for divine boldness
Lord, give me boldness to stand for truth and righteousness wherever I go.
6. home and let Your peace reign in my family.
7. Prayer for purpose
Lord, give me grace to fulfill my divine assignment without distraction.
8. Prayer against limitation
Every limitation standing between me and God's purpose for my life, be removed in Jesus' name.
9. Prayer for kingdom influence
Father, make my life a channel through which others will encounter Your goodness and power.
10. Prayer for grace
Lord, give me grace to remain humble, obedient, prayerful, and spiritually disciplined as I walk in dominion.
CONCLUSION
Beloved, God did not create you to live perpetually under the circumstances of life.
You were created in His image.
You have been redeemed by Christ.
You have received the Holy Spirit.
You have access to God's Word.
You have been given spiritual authority.
Therefore, rise into your God-given position.
Don't allow fear to dominate you.
Don't allow sin to dominate you.
Don't allow discouragement to dominate you.
Don't allow people to determine your destiny.
Don't allow circumstances to dictate your faith.
Don't allow the enemy to convince you that you are powerless.
Your authority is not based on your feelings.
Your authority is based on Christ.
Romans 5:17 declares that those who receive God's grace and righteousness “shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
So arise.
Stand in faith.
Pray with authority.
Walk in holiness.
Speak the Word.
Follow the Holy Spirit.
Serve God's purpose.
And let your life demonstrate that Jesus Christ is Lord.
You are not called merely to survive.
You are called to reign.
You are called to walk in dominion!
In Jesus' mighty name. Amen.
