Embracing God's Authority for True Transformation
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to talk about the concept of authority, specifically God's authority, and how it impacts our lives. Reflecting on my own journey, I shared how I struggled with my sexual orientation and how surrendering that struggle to the Lordship of Christ transformed my life. This led me to a ministry where I help others navigate similar issues, emphasizing that Christ can do anything in a life surrendered to Him.
We live in a world with numerous problems—morality, justice, and mercy issues—but these are merely symptoms of a deeper issue: an authority problem. Our world no longer believes in a God who has the authority to tell us how to live. This lack of belief in divine authority is the root cause of many societal issues. God, as the great physician, doesn't just treat symptoms; He addresses the root cause.
Authority, as defined in the Greek word "akousa," means the power to rule, judge, and exercise supernatural power. God has the authority to create, judge, and heal. However, our understanding of authority is often tainted by negative experiences, making us wary of submitting to any form of authority. But God's authority is different; it is just, loving, and aimed at our ultimate good.
Jesus demonstrated this divine authority through His miracles and teachings, always pointing back to His intimate relationship with the Father. He did nothing on His own but only what He saw the Father doing. This intimate connection is the source of His authority and power. Similarly, our authority as believers comes from our alignment and intimacy with God.
We often hear the phrase "God is in control," but a more accurate statement is "God is in charge." While we have free will, God is sovereign and will have the final say. This understanding should give us peace, knowing that despite the chaos around us, God is steering the ship.
Finally, I encouraged everyone to examine their lives and identify areas where they need to surrender to God's authority. This process of sanctification is ongoing, transforming us from one degree of glory to another. By aligning our lives with God's authority, we can walk in the power and authority that Jesus promised us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Surrender to God's Authority: Surrendering our struggles and desires to God's authority is the first step towards transformation. When we align our lives with His will, we experience His power and grace in ways we never imagined. This surrender is not about losing freedom but gaining true freedom in Christ. [11:45]
2. Root Cause of Societal Issues: The myriad problems in our world—morality, justice, and mercy issues—are symptoms of a deeper issue: a lack of belief in God's authority. Addressing this root cause by recognizing and submitting to God's authority can bring about true healing and transformation in society. [17:17]
3. God's Authority is Just and Loving: Unlike human authority, which can be abusive and unjust, God's authority is rooted in love and justice. He is the good judge who can bring beauty from ashes and joy from despair. Trusting in His authority means trusting in His character and His ultimate plan for our lives. [22:35]
4. Intimacy with God as the Source of Authority: Jesus' authority came from His intimate relationship with the Father. Similarly, our authority as believers comes from our intimacy with God. By focusing on our relationship with Him, we can walk in the same power and authority that Jesus did. [34:42]
5. Sanctification is a Process: The journey of aligning our lives with God's authority is ongoing. It involves continuous surrender and transformation from one degree of glory to another. This process, known as sanctification, is a lifelong journey that brings us closer to the image of Christ. [45:46]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[10:14] - Introduction and Crowd Participation
[11:00] - Ministry Background and Personal Testimony
[12:11] - Cultural Issues and Church's Response
[13:00] - Authority and Kingdom Authority
[14:37] - Personal Struggles and God's Authority
[16:05] - Symptoms vs. Root Cause
[17:17] - The Great Physician
[18:34] - Authority Problem in the World
[19:47] - Redefining Authority
[20:26] - Greek Word for Authority
[21:12] - God's Authority Over Creation
[22:35] - God's Authority to Judge
[24:20] - Supernatural Power and Authority
[25:34] - Misconceptions About Authority
[26:27] - God is in Charge, Not in Control
[27:55] - Free Will and God's Sovereignty
[30:02] - Trusting God's Sovereignty
[31:34] - Jesus' Demonstration of Authority
[33:11] - Intimacy with the Father
[34:42] - Authority Through Intimacy
[35:45] - Struggles with Sin and Authority
[36:20] - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
[38:31] - Misuse and Wasting Away
[40:14] - Alignment with God
[41:18] - Faith as Allegiance and Loyalty
[42:59] - Condemnation vs. Conviction
[43:59] - Process of Sanctification
[45:46] - Transformation from Glory to Glory
[48:00] - Life and Growth in Christ
[49:02] - Invitation to Surrender
[50:42] - Aligning Life with God
[51:51] - Need for Kingdom Authority
[52:24] - Church's Response to LGBTQ Issues
[53:28] - Revival and Transformation
[54:32] - Pulse Nightclub Shooting
[56:06] - Testimonies and Authority
[58:09] - God's Redemption and Restoration
[59:47] - Walking in Kingdom Authority
[01:00:21] - Invitation to Surrender
[01:01:59] - Prayer and Reflection
[01:03:37] - Trusting God's Goodness
[01:05:12] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NIV): "Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
2. John 5:19-20 (NIV): "Jesus gave them this answer: 'Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.'"
3. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (NIV): "But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 list as behaviors that prevent inheriting the kingdom of God?
2. According to John 5:19-20, what is the source of Jesus' authority and actions?
3. In 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, what happens when someone turns to the Lord, and how are they transformed?
4. How did the pastor describe his personal struggle with authority and surrendering to God's authority? [14:37]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that certain behaviors will prevent inheriting the kingdom of God in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11? How does this relate to the concept of authority discussed in the sermon?
2. How does Jesus' relationship with the Father, as described in John 5:19-20, model the source of true authority for believers? [33:42]
3. What does the process of transformation described in 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 imply about the nature of sanctification and authority in a believer's life? [45:46]
4. How does the pastor's testimony about his struggle with sexual orientation illustrate the impact of surrendering to God's authority? [11:45]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to surrender to God's authority. What steps can you take this week to begin aligning that area with His will? [01:00:51]
2. The pastor mentioned that societal issues are symptoms of a deeper authority problem. How can recognizing and submitting to God's authority bring about change in your community? [17:17]
3. How can you cultivate a more intimate relationship with God to walk in the same power and authority that Jesus did? What practical steps can you take to deepen this intimacy? [34:42]
4. Think about a time when you experienced injustice. How can trusting in God's just and loving authority help you find peace and healing in that situation? [22:35]
5. The pastor spoke about the ongoing process of sanctification. What is one specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to grow? How can you actively participate in this process? [45:46]
6. How can you support others in your small group or community who are struggling with issues of authority and surrender? What practical actions can you take to encourage and walk alongside them? [11:45]
7. The pastor emphasized that God is in charge, not in control. How does this understanding affect your view of free will and God's sovereignty in your daily life? [26:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Surrendering to God's Authority
When we surrender our struggles and desires to God's authority, we open ourselves to transformation. This surrender is not about losing freedom but gaining true freedom in Christ. By aligning our lives with His will, we experience His power and grace in ways we never imagined. This act of surrender is the first step towards a life of purpose and fulfillment. It is an invitation to let go of our own plans and trust in God's perfect plan for us. [11:45]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: Addressing the Root Cause of Societal Issues
The myriad problems in our world—morality, justice, and mercy issues—are symptoms of a deeper issue: a lack of belief in God's authority. When society rejects divine authority, it leads to chaos and brokenness. Recognizing and submitting to God's authority can bring about true healing and transformation. By addressing this root cause, we can begin to see changes in our communities and the world at large. [17:17]
Jeremiah 17:9-10 (ESV): "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds."
Reflection: Think about a societal issue that deeply concerns you. How can recognizing and submitting to God's authority help address this issue in a practical way?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Just and Loving Authority
Unlike human authority, which can be abusive and unjust, God's authority is rooted in love and justice. He is the good judge who can bring beauty from ashes and joy from despair. Trusting in His authority means trusting in His character and His ultimate plan for our lives. This trust allows us to rest in the assurance that God is working all things for our good, even when we cannot see it. [22:35]
Psalm 89:14 (ESV): "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced injustice. How can trusting in God's just and loving authority bring you peace and hope in that situation?
Day 4: Intimacy with God as the Source of Authority
Jesus' authority came from His intimate relationship with the Father. Similarly, our authority as believers comes from our intimacy with God. By focusing on our relationship with Him, we can walk in the same power and authority that Jesus did. This intimacy is cultivated through prayer, worship, and studying God's Word, allowing us to align our hearts with His. [34:42]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 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 intimacy with God this week? What specific steps will you take to cultivate a closer relationship with Him?
Day 5: The Ongoing Process of Sanctification
The journey of aligning our lives with God's authority is ongoing. It involves continuous surrender and transformation from one degree of glory to another. This process, known as sanctification, is a lifelong journey that brings us closer to the image of Christ. As we grow in our faith, we become more like Jesus, reflecting His love and grace to the world around us. [45:46]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you see God working to transform you? How can you cooperate with the Holy Spirit in this process of sanctification?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "And you know what? Christ can do anything in a life surrendered to him. Amen? I was not enthusiastic enough. So I'm going to need to get you on board. Let's try it again. Amen. Thank you. Even if you don't agree with me, I don't care. You're going to say it. So, you know, fake it till you make it sort of situation." (17 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We live in a world that no longer believes in a God who has the authority to tell us how to live. We have to address this authority issue. But before we can address it, and Roger said it wonderfully, when we hear that word authority, it doesn't invoke a lot of good feelings in us, does it?" (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God is not fair. Can we all just say that real quick? God is not fair because fairness says everyone's treated equally. And I don't want your justice. I want my justice. I want what God sees. I want what God sees. I want what God needs and what he will give to me because what I might need to heal my heart and to restore my soul is not the same thing that you might need because all of us have very different histories and different personalities." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is the captain of the ship. He has told us how this story ends. No matter what we're facing, the authority of God to be sovereign over our world is one of the most reassuring things that we can believe in. That's why we sang that song today of the waters, the storm comes, the waters rise, the world shakes, but I have peace that makes no sense. Why? Because I trust in the authority of a God who loves me and who's in charge." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Do you want to be a believer who walks and acts like Jesus? Do you want to operate in kingdom authority and power? Then I want to challenge you to this. Don't rest in condemnation. Don't rest in complacency. Instead, can we invite the Holy Spirit to speak to us individually? Can you invite him to just put his finger on one thing? And maybe he already is." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When we look at our world and we see all of these issues, we can try to attack these issues. We can try to attack these individual issues, but it kind of feels like playing whack-a-mole where you're hitting one thing and another thing pops up and it just never quite addresses the real issue. Because we do have morality issues. We have justice issues. We have tons of issues in our culture, but those are just symptoms." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The good physician is going to say, okay, that's a symptom. Let's look at the other symptoms and let's trace it back to the cause and deal with the cause. If you find out you have a tumor and the headache is just a symptom, you will go through much worse than a headache to deal with the tumor. You will root that thing out and you'll go through whatever you have to to deal with the cause and not just the symptom. And God being the great physician does not answer prayers that we pray asking for relief from a symptom. He will let the symptom persist until we address the cause." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Every single one of us can find ourselves on that list. How many of you have lied before? Raise your hand. Okay, exhibit A. Half of you did not raise your hand. Guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty. Like, Jesus is watching. He's here. He's here. Let's try that again. How many of you have lied? And yet still, some people are like, I'm not raising my hand. Okay, well, God bless. I love you. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you. We've all struggled with sin." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The process of becoming more and more aligned under the authority of God and operating in more and more power based on the intimacy that we have with God and our understanding of our identity and our inheritance actually is that process of sanctification. And that's a really fancy religious word that basically is summed up in this scripture that says this. It's 2 Corinthians 3, 16-18. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now, the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So if you are a believer in Jesus and you're like, I've changed, but I'm not walking in power, don't feel shame. Feel the invitation. Feel the invitation to invite the Holy Spirit to say, what today do you want to put your finger on and help me surrender to your authority so that I can walk in greater authority and power? That's the God we serve. You know, I'm growing and learning in my experience in this, and as I was preparing this, the Lord is so rude to me." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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