Embracing Authority and Accountability in God's Kingdom

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace the Entire Word of God

Description: Embracing the entire Word of God means not selectively choosing parts of the scripture that suit our preferences. True wisdom and strength come from submitting fully to all of God's teachings. This complete submission is essential for operating in the power and authority given by God. When we pick and choose what to follow, we weaken our spiritual foundation and miss out on the fullness of God's plan for our lives. By embracing the whole counsel of God, we align ourselves with His will and open ourselves to His transformative power. [01:57]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a part of the Bible you tend to avoid or overlook? How can you begin to embrace and study that part more fully this week?

Day 2: Authority Balanced with Accountability

Description: Spiritual authority must always be balanced with accountability to ensure justice, equity, and prevent the misuse of power. Just as a young driver must adhere to rules and be accountable for their actions, so must we be accountable for the spiritual authority we are given. This accountability maintains the integrity and effectiveness of our spiritual authority. Without accountability, power can become corrupt and self-serving. By being accountable, we uphold the values of the Kingdom of God and ensure that our actions align with His will. [11:59]

"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." (Hebrews 13:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to increase your accountability? How can you seek out someone to help you stay accountable in your spiritual journey?

Day 3: The Power of Obedience

Description: Jonah's story illustrates the consequences of fleeing from God's call and the storms that arise from resisting divine authority. His eventual submission led to the repentance and salvation of an entire city, demonstrating the transformative power of obedience and accountability. When we obey God's call, we align ourselves with His purpose and allow His power to work through us. Obedience may require sacrifice and humility, but it brings about God's perfect plan and blessings that extend beyond our own lives. [19:33]

"And the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 'Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.' So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord." (Jonah 3:1-3a, ESV)

Reflection: Is there something God has been calling you to do that you have been resisting? What steps can you take today to begin obeying His call?

Day 4: Mentorship and Spiritual Fathers

Description: True authority comes from being under authority. Spiritual fathers and mentors are essential for guiding the next generation. Submission to godly mentors and leaders allows us to gain the wisdom and authority needed to overcome the enemy and advance the Kingdom of God. Mentorship provides support, accountability, and guidance, helping us grow in our faith and navigate the challenges of life. By seeking out and submitting to spiritual mentors, we position ourselves to receive the impartation of wisdom and authority that comes from their experience and relationship with God. [40:23]

"Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" (1 Peter 5:5, ESV)

Reflection: Who are the spiritual mentors in your life? How can you seek their guidance and submit to their authority to grow in your faith?

Day 5: Unity and Community

Description: The church's strength lies in its unity and mutual accountability. Every member has a role to play, and it is through submission to God's authority and the governance of the church that we create a strong, united community capable of achieving great things for the Kingdom of God. Unity brings a sense of belonging, purpose, and the power to overcome anxiety and loneliness. By working together and holding each other accountable, we build a community that reflects God's love and advances His Kingdom. [55:43]

"So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching." (Romans 12:5-7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and strength of your church community? What specific actions can you take to support and encourage others in your congregation?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound concept of authority and accountability within the Kingdom of God. We began by emphasizing the importance of embracing the entire Word of God, not selectively choosing parts that suit us. The Gospel demands everything from us, and it is through this complete submission that we find true wisdom and strength. Jesus gave His disciples power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases, a gift not given to the masses but to those willing to lay aside their own agendas and serve wholeheartedly.

We delved into the story of Jonah, who was given a message of authority but chose to run from it. His journey illustrated the consequences of fleeing from God's call and the storms that arise when we resist divine authority. Jonah's eventual submission led to the repentance and salvation of an entire city, demonstrating the power of obedience and accountability.

Authority in the Kingdom of God is always balanced with accountability. Just as a young driver must adhere to rules and be accountable for their actions, so must we be accountable for the spiritual authority we are given. This accountability ensures justice, equity, and prevents the misuse of power. We also discussed the importance of mentorship and the need for spiritual fathers and mentors to guide the next generation. True authority comes from being under authority, and it is through submission that we gain the power to overcome the enemy and advance the Kingdom of God.

The message concluded with a call to action for men to rise up, submit to God's authority, and lead their families and communities with integrity and strength. The church is poised for its greatest moments, but it requires every member to be involved, accountable, and united in purpose. The benefits of authority and accountability are a sense of belonging, purpose, and the power to overcome anxiety and loneliness. As we submit to God's authority and the governance of the church, we create a community that is strong, united, and capable of achieving great things for the Kingdom of God.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Embrace the Entire Word of God: Selectively choosing parts of the scripture weakens our spiritual foundation. True wisdom and strength come from embracing the entire Word of God and submitting fully to its teachings. This complete submission is essential for operating in the power and authority given by God. [01:57]
2. Authority Balanced with Accountability: Just as a young driver must be accountable for their actions, spiritual authority must be balanced with accountability. This ensures justice, equity, and prevents the misuse of power. Accountability is essential for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of our spiritual authority. [11:59]
3. The Power of Obedience: Jonah's story illustrates the consequences of fleeing from God's call and the storms that arise from resisting divine authority. His eventual submission led to the repentance and salvation of an entire city, demonstrating the transformative power of obedience and accountability. [19:33]
4. Mentorship and Spiritual Fathers: True authority comes from being under authority. Spiritual fathers and mentors are essential for guiding the next generation. Submission to godly mentors and leaders allows us to gain the wisdom and authority needed to overcome the enemy and advance the Kingdom of God. [40:23]
5. Unity and Community: The church's strength lies in its unity and mutual accountability. Every member has a role to play, and it is through submission to God's authority and the governance of the church that we create a strong, united community capable of achieving great things for the Kingdom of God. [55:43]
### [55:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:57] - Embracing the Entire Word of God
[04:18] - Prayer for Authority and Activation
[06:10] - Jesus' Unique Ministry and Authority
[07:58] - Power Over the Enemy
[09:54] - Authority and Accountability
[11:59] - The Importance of Accountability
[13:44] - Corruption and Checks and Balances
[14:59] - Authority in Governance
[19:33] - Jonah's Story: Obedience and Accountability
[23:52] - The Power of Repentance
[25:11] - God's Accountability to Jonah
[26:50] - Authority and Submission
[27:53] - The Need for Community and Unity
[30:14] - The Church's Greatest Moments
[31:03] - The Benefits of Authority and Accountability
[32:43] - Belonging and Mental Health
[33:20] - Israel's Journey to Belonging
[34:29] - Joining and Submitting to Authority
[35:10] - The Biblical Authority Structure
[36:31] - The Enemy's Attack on Families
[37:01] - Submission to Christ
[38:04] - The Issue of Fatherless Homes
[39:51] - The Danger of Independence
[40:23] - Submission and Mentorship
[41:16] - The Importance of Spiritual Authority
[42:15] - Impartation of Authority
[44:01] - The Role of the Bishop
[45:49] - The Need for Accountability
[47:31] - Alignment with Jesus
[48:55] - The Rise of Leadership
[50:24] - The Lack of Mentors
[52:01] - Governance and Community
[53:38] - The Role of Mentorship
[55:43] - Mutual Dependence in the Body of Christ
[57:37] - The Danger of Independence
[59:23] - The Importance of Accountability
[60:40] - Submission in Families
[62:06] - Praying for Authority
[63:53] - Impartation of Authority
[65:49] - Increasing Leadership Capacity
[67:11] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What specific authority and power did Jesus give to His twelve disciples according to Luke 9:1-2?
How did Jonah initially respond to God's command to go to Nineveh, and what were the consequences of his actions? [19:33]
According to Hebrews 13:17, what is the role of those who have authority over us, and how should we respond to them?
In the sermon, what analogy was used to explain the balance between authority and accountability? [11:59]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus gave authority specifically to His twelve disciples and not to the larger groups of followers? [01:57]
How does Jonah's story illustrate the consequences of fleeing from God's authority and the power of eventual obedience? [19:33]
What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between authority and accountability in the Kingdom of God? [11:59]
How does the concept of mentorship and spiritual fathers contribute to the proper exercise of authority within the church? [40:23]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you selectively chose parts of the scripture to follow. How did that impact your spiritual foundation? What steps can you take to embrace the entire Word of God? [01:57]
Think about a situation where you were given authority but lacked accountability. What were the outcomes? How can you ensure that your authority is balanced with accountability in your current roles? [11:59]
Have you ever experienced a "God storm" in your life, similar to Jonah? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [19:33]
Identify a spiritual mentor or father figure in your life. How has their guidance helped you grow in your faith? If you don't have one, what steps can you take to find a mentor? [40:23]
In what ways can you contribute to the unity and strength of your church community? How can you encourage others to submit to God's authority and the governance of the church? [55:43]
How can you, as a man, rise up to lead your family and community with integrity and strength? What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate this leadership? [30:14]
Reflect on the benefits of authority and accountability mentioned in the sermon. How can you apply these principles to overcome anxiety and loneliness in your life? [31:03]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "If you're going to get things out of the Word of God, if you're going to operate biblically, then you got to embrace the entire Word of God. There's no picking and choosing what parts of the scripture are for you. If you pick and choose what scriptures apply to your life, you're building your house on sand. And so that will fall eventually. And so I just want you to understand today that the gospel of the kingdom of God is not some wimpy, watered down, simple, and easy thing. The gospel requires everything of us." (51 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "In order for the kingdom of God to advance, it requires somebody or somebodies or peoples to get under the authority of God so that God's mission can be moved. The mission of the church is that the kingdom of God advance into every corner of our world. It's not to be held in a church building, but it's to advance into every corner of our society. Every nation and every language would hear the message of the gospel." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You can't have authority if you're not willing to submit to it. We want community. We want to be a part of something. That's why we're together. But you can't have community without accountability. And I'll tell you. This is something else that authority is not discussed or spoken of much in our generation because we live in a generation that wants independence. And so the lie is you can do this alone. But the reality is you can't do this alone." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "To belong is the antidote to anxiety. Mental health is on the rise. Lack of mental health, maybe I should say. We've got more anxiety medications than we've probably ever had. We've got more mental health issues than we've ever had. We've got more anxiety problems. You know what? Amen. When you feel like you're a part of something and you've got a purpose, it's the antidote. It's the antidote to anxiety. It's the antidote to feeling like you're alone and you don't belong and nobody cares. It's the antidote to feeling the pain of loneliness." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The benefits of authority and accountability are the sense of belonging. These are the benefits. Can I tell you why we need authority? Why should we have authority? Why do we want accountability? Because that's what makes us feel like we truly belong to something. Amen. You don't have a military unless you've got authority and accountability. But when you have authority and you have accountability, you create a brotherhood. You create a group of men that will die for one another." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Now, with authority comes accountability. And so, so, you know, it just goes to reason that if I hand my car keys to my son, I just handed him a tremendous level of a power, the power to put, I'm going to guess it's probably going to be wrong, but about 480 horsepower in the hands of a 14 year old, all tied to a foot pedal. Oh, my is right, brother. I have nervously handed those keys over. Please, dad, can I move the truck? And it's like one of those. Oh, Lord, you know, authority. All right. Now, what's the accountability? Son, don't spin the tires. Take it slow. Think twice before you turn the wheel. All these measures. Why do we have rules? Why do we have speed limits? Because of 16 year olds." (83 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jonah is carrying this authority, but Jonah decides to go rogue and he's MIA. The guy decides, I don't want to carry out God's authority and plan here. So you know what? I'm going to do. I'm going to find the map and look at the ports of call and I'm going to find the farthest thing from Nineveh I can find. And I'm going to buy a ticket and I'm going to head out and get away from that God forsaken city because I don't want to do the job I've been given. And God says, you start walking in my authority, Jonah, you're going to be held accountable to me. And though Jonah didn't have a human accountability, God was holding him accountable." (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We have to join ourselves to something, but in joining ourselves to it, we have to submit to it as well. The authority structure of the Bible makes it clear that in order to benefit from our relationships with one another, we must first come under the authority of Christ. And so the tactic of the enemy is to destroy the family. The Bible says, and it gives us a biblical example of the church, and it says that Christ is the head of the man. And it says that the man is the head of the woman. And it says that the children are to be subject to the parents." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If you want to be mentored, you must learn how to serve the elder generation. You got to serve the leaders. You got to serve the leaders. Children, if you want to be successful in your home, serve your parents. Serve them. Serve them to the best of your ability. Ask them what you can do around the house. Ask them how you can be of service. Give of yourself. You cannot be mentored unless you're willing to give of yourself." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If you don't have somebody that can tell you stop you're making a mistake you don't have any accountability in your life I'm my own man I'll do what I want to do that is a recipe for disaster I know what's right I can choose what's right scripture says in Noah's day every man did what was right in his own eyes no accountability and the whole world was destroyed that's what it's going to be like again everybody's going to be doing what they want to do but Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord because he was just because he was accountable to God he let God be the boss that's got to happen in our life we got to have a boss who's your boss ain't nobody telling me what to do that's not manly that's not that's not that's not powerful that's insecurity." (60 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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