spiritual authority

Matthew 12, 1 Timothy 3

Yesterday we studied the beginning of Barnabas and Paul's first missionary journey in their first recorded showdown with Elymas and Governor Sergius Paulus in Acts 13.  Paul exercised the authority of Christ Jesus to squelch Elymas's evil control over Serius Paulus so that he could hear the Gospel and trust the Lord for salvation.  In Matthew 12, Jesus demonstrates that He is Lord of the Sabbath and the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy of God's Chosen Servant.  One of the aspects of Christ's ministry was miraculous healings and casting-out demons.  Of course the knuckle-headed Pharisees accused Jesus of being empowered by Satan, to which Jesus responded,

^{Mt 12:25} ... "Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. ²⁶ And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive. ²⁷ And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said. ²⁸ But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. ²⁹ For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.

Question: does the authority of Christ over evil forces extend to every Believer in Christ (e.g., are we Believers all Deputies of The Sheriff?), or was that authority limited to Christ and His Apostles?  If we do posess that authority, which it seems to me at this point that we do, then why isn't an older Brother teaching me what it looks like to exercise that authority in accordance with the Holy Spirit?

Heavenly Father, I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!  He is Lord of the Sabbath.  He is Lord over Creation.  He is Lord of the Church.  And He is stronger than the Enemy who He is driving out of the world by His Church.  Lord, please teach me what it means for me to exercise your authority for the glory of your name.  I pray that you will give me discernment to see spiritual oposition for what it is and not be proud or fearful as I face spiritual battles in the power of the Holy Spirit and the armor of Christ.  I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.