Awakening Authority: Preparing as the Bride of Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we are called to wake up and prepare ourselves as the bride of Christ. Life can be overwhelming, and many of us feel drained and tired. However, Jesus is calling us to be vigilant, to fill our lamps with fresh oil, and to be ready for His return. This is a wake-up call for the church to pray fervently, worship passionately, and prepare for the spiritual battles ahead.
We are in a series called "Cultivating Culture," focusing on the values that define our community. Today, we delve into the authority we have as believers. Jesus has given us authority, not just over spiritual matters but also in various spheres of life, including government, home, and church. We are called to submit to earthly authorities unless they contradict God's Word. Jesus Himself modeled this by submitting to an oppressive Roman government while teaching His disciples about spiritual authority.
In our homes, husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, and children are to obey their parents. This authority is not about control but about mutual respect and love. In the church, leaders are to empower and guide, not manipulate or control. The church is a place of safety and growth, where we are strengthened for the mission field.
The enemy has power but no authority over us unless we believe his lies. Jesus has reclaimed the keys of authority and handed them back to us. Our authority is like a valuable currency; it holds immense value but is useless if not utilized. We must step into our authority, understanding that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us.
We are called to exercise this authority in our lives, over powers and principalities, and in our communities. This authority is not based on a formula but on a relationship with the Holy Spirit. We must be filled with His presence daily, not just during church services. Our strength and authority come from the Lord and His mighty power.
We also have authority over our own will, empowered by the Holy Spirit to exercise self-control. However, we do not have authority over others' free will. We can pray for them and break spiritual strongholds, but we cannot force them to change. We are in a training season, learning to step into our authority and believe in the promises of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Wake-Up Call for the Church: We are called to be vigilant and prepare ourselves as the bride of Christ. Life's busyness can lull us into spiritual slumber, but Jesus is calling us to wake up, pray fervently, and worship passionately. This is a time to fill our lamps with fresh oil and be ready for His return. [50:17]
2. Authority in Various Spheres: God has established different spheres of authority, including government, home, and church. We are to submit to earthly authorities unless they contradict God's Word. In our homes, husbands are to love sacrificially, and children are to obey their parents. In the church, leaders are to empower and guide, not manipulate. [51:22]
3. Spiritual Authority Over the Enemy: The enemy has power but no authority over us unless we believe his lies. Jesus has reclaimed the keys of authority and handed them back to us. We must step into this authority, understanding that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. [53:58]
4. Authority Through Relationship, Not Formula: Our authority comes from a relationship with the Holy Spirit, not from following a formula. We must be filled with His presence daily, not just during church services. Our strength and authority come from the Lord and His mighty power. [01:30:42]
5. Self-Control and Free Will: We have authority over our own will, empowered by the Holy Spirit to exercise self-control. However, we do not have authority over others' free will. We can pray for them and break spiritual strongholds, but we cannot force them to change. We are in a training season, learning to step into our authority and believe in the promises of God. [01:36:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:45] - Wake-Up Call for the Church
[2:30] - Preparing for Spiritual Battles
[4:15] - Cultivating Culture Series
[5:00] - Authority as Believers
[6:30] - Submission to Earthly Authorities
[8:00] - Authority in the Home
[9:30] - Authority in the Church
[11:00] - Spiritual Authority Over the Enemy
[12:30] - Utilizing Our Authority
[14:00] - Relationship with the Holy Spirit
[15:30] - Self-Control and Free Will
[17:00] - Training Season
[18:30] - Closing Prayer and Ministry Time
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 5:29 - "But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men.'"
2. Ephesians 6:10-12 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
3. John 14:12 - "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Acts 5:29 suggest about the priority of obeying God over earthly authorities?
2. According to Ephesians 6:10-12, what are believers instructed to do to stand against the devil’s schemes?
3. In John 14:12, what promise does Jesus give to those who believe in Him?
4. How did Jesus model submission to earthly authorities, and what was His approach to spiritual authority? [51:22]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How can believers discern when to submit to earthly authorities and when to stand against them based on Acts 5:29? [53:58]
2. What does it mean to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power as described in Ephesians 6:10-12? How can this be applied in daily life?
3. How does the promise in John 14:12 challenge believers to think about their potential impact in the world?
4. What are the implications of Jesus reclaiming the keys of authority and handing them back to us? How should this influence our daily actions and decisions? [01:05:18]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's busyness. How can you make time to fill your lamp with fresh oil and be vigilant in your spiritual life? [0:45]
2. In what ways can you submit to earthly authorities without compromising your obedience to God's Word? Can you think of a specific situation where this might be challenging? [53:58]
3. How can you exercise spiritual authority in your home, ensuring it is based on mutual respect and love rather than control? [58:00]
4. Identify an area in your life where you have believed the enemy's lies. How can you reclaim your authority in that area and stand firm in the truth of God's Word? [01:03:27]
5. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit, ensuring that your authority is based on this relationship rather than a formula? [01:30:42]
6. Think of someone in your life who is far from God. How can you pray for them and break spiritual strongholds without trying to control their free will? [01:36:00]
7. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How can you apply the concept of self-control, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to handle similar situations in the future? [01:35:03]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s key takeaways and apply them practically in their lives.
Devotional
Day 1: Wake-Up Call for the Church
Description: Life's busyness can often lull us into a state of spiritual slumber, making us forget our calling and purpose. We are reminded to be vigilant and prepare ourselves as the bride of Christ. This involves fervent prayer, passionate worship, and a readiness for His return. Jesus calls us to fill our lamps with fresh oil, symbolizing the need for a renewed and vibrant relationship with Him. This is a wake-up call for the church to rise from complacency and engage actively in spiritual disciplines. #!!50:17!!
Ephesians 5:14-16 (ESV): "For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, 'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.' Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to "wake up" spiritually and fill your lamp with fresh oil? Consider setting aside dedicated time for prayer and worship.
Day 2: Authority in Various Spheres
Description: God has established different spheres of authority, including government, home, and church. As believers, we are called to submit to earthly authorities unless they contradict God's Word. In our homes, husbands are to love their wives sacrificially, and children are to obey their parents. In the church, leaders are to empower and guide, not manipulate. This structure is designed for mutual respect and love, ensuring that each sphere operates in harmony with God's principles. #!!51:22!!
Romans 13:1-2 (ESV): "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."
Reflection: How can you show respect and submission to the authorities in your life today, whether at home, work, or church, while still honoring God's Word?
Day 3: Spiritual Authority Over the Enemy
Description: The enemy has power but no authority over us unless we believe his lies. Jesus has reclaimed the keys of authority and handed them back to us. We must step into this authority, understanding that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. This authority is like a valuable currency; it holds immense value but is useless if not utilized. We are called to exercise this authority in our lives, over powers and principalities, and in our communities. #!!53:58!!
Luke 10:19 (ESV): "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you believed the enemy's lies? How can you actively step into the authority Jesus has given you to overcome these lies today?
Day 4: Authority Through Relationship, Not Formula
Description: Our authority comes from a relationship with the Holy Spirit, not from following a formula. We must be filled with His presence daily, not just during church services. Our strength and authority come from the Lord and His mighty power. This relationship requires daily nurturing through prayer, worship, and reading the Word. It is through this intimate relationship that we can exercise our God-given authority effectively. #!!01:30:42!!
John 15:5 (ESV): "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit today? What specific actions will you take to ensure you are filled with His presence daily?
Day 5: Self-Control and Free Will
Description: We have authority over our own will, empowered by the Holy Spirit to exercise self-control. However, we do not have authority over others' free will. We can pray for them and break spiritual strongholds, but we cannot force them to change. We are in a training season, learning to step into our authority and believe in the promises of God. This understanding helps us focus on our own spiritual growth while interceding for others with love and patience. #!!01:36:00!!
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: What area of your life requires more self-control? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you exercise this fruit today?
Quotes
1. "I think we can be so easily lulled. So many of, I mean, almost every person I talk to is like, man, the summer's been so busy, and I'm so tired, and everything's so much. Anybody feeling that way? Like, life is so much, and, you know, it can just be draining, and we can be physically tired. And I think that Jesus is standing at the front, waiting for his bride, saying, wake up and get ready." [49:33] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need to pray for the people around us. We need to pray for ourselves to be strengthened and not to fall into a slumber like the world is. We need to worship our king. We need to lift our voices loud. It is time right now to worship the king of kings and let everything else fall aside." [49:33] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I believe the church is supposed to actually have a voice. And we're supposed to actually be praying for our cities and our counties and our states and our nation and our world to see the kingdom of God come. And not just be content to sit back and go, well, I guess the devil is having a fun day today. Let's just pray and wait for Jesus to come back." [53:58] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I believe that we are supposed to have authority in these areas. If you read throughout scripture. Just follow along. When there were judges and when there were kings who were good and honored God. The nation thrived. And the moment that you would start to see them slip away. It would almost go like generation to generation. There would be a good king. And then their son would be corrupt. And the nation would fall apart." [55:49] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I think that authority. Our authority as believers. Is one of the most valuable things that we have as believers. As sons and daughters of God. If you've given your life to Jesus. And if you haven't. You get that chance today. But if you've given your life to Jesus. And his Holy Spirit lives inside of you. You have the authority of Jesus." [01:07:50] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The truth is. We are the body of Christ. He is resurrected. And we live in resurrection life. Authority. I believe is like salvation. Salvation. We receive it right. And then we're told to go tell other people. And when we go tell other people. A lot of us get this mixed up. A lot of the church has gotten this mixed up. Where we think our job is to go tell people how dirty and rotten they are. And how condemned they are. And then we hope that that will help them to see like. Oh man. I really need a savior. Because I suck." [01:10:35] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The spirit who lives in you, no matter what you're going through right now, the spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who is in the world. All of the havoc of the world, all of the darkness and the lies, all of that junk combined, all of it combined, the worst of the worst in the world combined is not greater than the spirit living in you." [01:28:22] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Your authority comes from the spirit within you and not a formula. I don't think any of us want to be the sons of Sceva because they went in and they thought that if they could just use the formula. It's working for Paul. I've heard that Paul guy go, come out in the name of Jesus and then all these people are set free. People are getting healed. People are getting free from demons. All this stuff's happening. So let's just use that formula." [01:30:42] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We need to be getting into his word. You need to be spending time with him. Not in a formula. Not in, I'm going to read my five minutes today, but in a, Jesus, what do you have to say to me today? Jesus, you are my best friend. God, I need help right now. Holy Spirit, fill me up. What are you doing when no one's looking? Because if the only time you raise your hands is in worship and worship, in front of everybody else, then you're really not worshiping him. You're worshiping what other people think of you." [01:31:50] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I believe that honestly, Jesus himself established the church. He said to Peter, Peter, on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it. There is something about his church coming together, his people coming together, that is so powerful. And I think that we can be filled up and anointed and have prayer. And prayer and encouragement and all those things in church. But if this is the only place you're in God's presence, you are never going to have the authority that you need." [01:31:50] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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