God’s plan, expressed in Psalm 8:4-6 above, was that mankind should have dominion over the earth, subduing it fully. However, Adam and Eve sinned against God and forfeited their right to rule.

Man’s sinful behaviour increased until God intervened and judged the earth with a flood. Then came man’s futile attempt to establish new dominion in the building of the great Tower of Babel. The result was the introduction of different languages, the scattering of earth’s people, and the formation of nations.

Satan is usurper who struts around like the owner of the universe. Unless we resist him he will continue to have a sway over our lives. Peter admonished us with these words: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Kenneth Copeland wrote that dominion was “given by God to mankind from the beginning (Genesis 1:26-28), our dominion is not to rule over other people; but instead, we are meant to have authority over every situation — physical, financial, emotional and spiritual. Most Christians do not boldly take their place in a position of dominion because it is little preached or studied.”

What Does It Take To Walk In Dominion?
To walk in dominion you must know who you are in Christ. (1 Cor.1:30,31); you must learn to walk in faith like the saints of old did; and you must have faith in the promises of God (Hebrews 11). To walk in dominion you need to know how to use the word of God as the sword of the Spirit. To walk in dominion you have to be a man of prayer (1 Thes. 5:17; Eph. 6:18). To walk in dominion you have to fast regularly (Mt.17:21).

To walk in dominion you must not allow the flesh to dominate and control your life (Romans 12:1-2). A life of holiness is mandatory for those who desire to walk in dominion (1 Peter 1:14-16; 2 Tim.1:9). To walk in dominion you have to live a life of obedience (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). To walk in dominion you must put on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Those who want to walk in dominion must forgive others (Mark 11: 25-26). Those who desire to walk in dominion must preach the gospel wherever they go (Psalm 45:17; 145: 6-7). Walking in dominion requires living a life of praise (Psalm 22:3; 1 Peter 2:9).

Paul demonstrated what it means to walk in dominion during his ministry. In Acts 16:18, he exorcised a demon from a girl with the spirit of divination. That led to his arrest and imprisonment. In prison, while he sang and prayed at midnight, an earthquake occurred which led to the salvation of a whole household (Acts 16:16-34).

In Ephesus, God did unusual miracles through Paul. He wielded authority over demons to the point that the sons of Sceva tried without success to emulate him (Acts 19:11-19). In Acts 27:13-38, his prayer and fasting rescued 276 people on board a ship with him. Then, in Acts 28:2-10, he prayed for Publius’ father to be healed and he survived the sting of a viper.

In all, Paul showed that he was an enigma who exercised dominion wherever he went.
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