Embracing God's Authority: Truth Over Feelings

 

Summary

Life often tempts us to believe that we are in control, that our plans and feelings should dictate our direction. Yet, the truth is that God alone has the final say—over our lives, our circumstances, and even over those who do not acknowledge Him. This reality is both humbling and freeing. Throughout history, God has used both believers and non-believers to accomplish His purposes, as seen with figures like King Cyrus. But for those who are His children, God’s final say is always for our good, even when it challenges us or calls us to surrender our own authority.

When Jesus began His ministry, He entered synagogues not as a recognized authority figure, but as an ordinary man. Yet, His teaching astonished people—not because of a title or position, but because He spoke with an authority rooted in truth. Unlike the religious leaders, whose words were full of information but lacked transformative power, Jesus’ words resonated deeply, cutting through pretense and pride. His authority was not about power or force, but about the undeniable truth that changes hearts.

This truth is timeless. God’s Word remains the final authority, unchanging and trustworthy, even when the world around us embraces “living your own truth.” The warnings in Jude remind us that rejecting God’s authority leads to destruction, as seen in the stories of Cain, Balaam, and Korah. Our world today mirrors these ancient patterns—people following their feelings, ignoring God, and suffering the consequences. Only the Holy Spirit can bring true change; we cannot change ourselves or others by sheer willpower.

Jesus modeled a life anchored in God’s truth, not in fleeting emotions or desires. Even when tempted, He responded with Scripture, showing us the importance of knowing God’s Word intimately. Just as a banker learns to spot counterfeit bills by knowing the real thing, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture so we can discern truth from deception. Our feelings may not always align with God’s promises, but we are called to take every thought captive and submit it to Christ.

In moments of loneliness, fear, or shame, God’s Word offers comfort, assurance, and value. We are precious to Him, and His truth has the power to push back the lies that seek to destroy us. The call is to cling to God’s truth daily, trusting that He has the final say, and to live out that trust in our actions. On this Mother’s Day, we also honor the nurturing, healing love that so many mothers reflect—a love rooted in the authority and compassion of Christ, who lifts us up and inspires us to serve others.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Authority Is Absolute and Good
No matter how much we plan or try to control our lives, God’s authority is final. He works through all people—believers and non-believers alike—to fulfill His purposes. For those who belong to Him, His final say is always for our ultimate good, even when it challenges our desires or understanding. Surrendering to His authority brings peace and security that self-reliance never can. [01:48]

- The Transformative Power of Truth
Jesus’ words carried a unique authority because they were rooted in truth, not in position or tradition. Truth has a way of resonating deeply, exposing pride and self-deception, and inviting real change. When we encounter God’s truth, it often challenges us, but it also brings clarity and freedom that information alone cannot provide. [05:39]

- The Danger of Rejecting God’s Authority
History and Scripture warn us of the consequences of living by our own truth and rejecting God’s authority. The stories of Cain, Balaam, and Korah, as well as the brokenness in our world today, show that self-rule leads to destruction. Only the Holy Spirit can transform hearts; our efforts to change ourselves or others apart from God are futile. [10:49]

- Discernment Comes from Knowing the Real Thing
Just as bankers learn to spot counterfeits by studying genuine bills, we must know God’s Word intimately to discern truth from deception. The enemy is skilled at twisting Scripture to suit his purposes, but God never contradicts Himself. Immersing ourselves in the whole counsel of Scripture equips us to recognize and reject lies, even when they sound spiritual or appealing. [16:29]

- Living by God’s Truth, Not Our Feelings
Our emotions are real but not always reliable. When feelings of fear, loneliness, or worthlessness arise, we must hold them up to the light of God’s Word. Taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ enables us to live in the freedom, peace, and assurance that God’s truth provides, regardless of our circumstances. [23:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:48] - God’s Final Say: Authority Over All
[02:46] - Jesus’ Pattern: Teaching in the Synagogue
[04:17] - What Does It Mean to Teach with Authority?
[05:39] - The Difference Between Jesus and Religious Leaders
[10:49] - Warnings from Jude: Rejecting God’s Authority
[11:48] - The Brokenness of Our World
[12:54] - Biblical Examples of Rebellion and Its Consequences
[13:58] - Jesus’ Example: Submitting to God’s Will
[16:29] - The Enemy’s Tactics: Twisting Scripture
[18:17] - Knowing the Real Thing: Discerning Truth
[19:53] - Choices: God’s Truth or Our Feelings
[22:09] - When You Feel Worthless or Guilty
[23:07] - Taking Every Thought Captive
[25:09] - Trusting God’s Final Say
[26:25] - Honoring Mothers: Reflecting Christ’s Compassion
[27:29] - Closing and Call to Honor Moms

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: God’s Final Say – Living Under God’s Authority

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### Bible Reading

- Mark 1:21-28 (Jesus teaches with authority in the synagogue at Capernaum)
- Jude 1:8, 11 (Warnings about rejecting God’s authority)
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 (“Take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ”)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Mark 1:21-28, what was the reaction of the people in the synagogue to Jesus’ teaching? What made His teaching stand out compared to the religious leaders? ([05:39])
2. According to Jude 1:8, 11, what are some of the consequences mentioned for those who reject God’s authority and follow their own desires? ([10:49])
3. In the sermon, what examples were given of people or groups in the Bible who suffered because they rejected God’s authority? ([12:54])
4. What does Paul mean in 2 Corinthians 10:5 when he says to “take every thought captive”? How does this relate to our feelings and God’s truth? ([23:07])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus’ words had such a deep impact on people, even though He didn’t have an official title or position? What does this say about the source of true authority? ([05:39])
2. The sermon mentions that God can use both believers and non-believers to accomplish His purposes (like King Cyrus). How does this challenge our ideas about who God can work through? ([01:48])
3. According to the sermon, why is it dangerous to “live your own truth” or let your feelings be your guide instead of God’s Word? ([10:49])
4. The pastor compared knowing God’s Word to a banker learning to spot counterfeit bills. Why is it important to know the “real thing” when it comes to Scripture? ([16:29])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon said that surrendering to God’s authority brings peace and security that self-reliance never can. Is there an area of your life where you are struggling to let go of control? What would it look like to surrender that area to God this week? ([01:48])
2. When was the last time you felt challenged or even uncomfortable by something you read in the Bible or heard in a sermon? How did you respond? Did you push back, or did you let God’s truth shape you? ([05:39])
3. The stories of Cain, Balaam, and Korah show the danger of rejecting God’s authority. Are there any “small rebellions” in your life—places where you know what God says, but you’re doing your own thing? What’s one step you can take to realign with God’s truth? ([10:49])
4. The pastor said that only the Holy Spirit can truly change a person. Is there someone in your life you’ve been trying to “fix” or change by your own effort? How can you shift from trying to control them to praying for the Holy Spirit to work in their life? ([12:54])
5. When you face feelings of fear, loneliness, or worthlessness, what is your usual response? Can you think of a specific promise from God’s Word that you can hold onto the next time those feelings come? ([22:09])
6. The sermon encouraged us to “take every thought captive.” What is one negative or untrue thought you struggle with? What would it look like to bring that thought to Jesus and replace it with His truth? ([23:07])
7. On Mother’s Day, the pastor highlighted the nurturing, healing love that reflects Christ’s compassion. Who in your life needs to experience that kind of love from you this week? How can you show it in a practical way? ([26:25])

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Closing Thought:
God’s authority is not just about power—it’s about truth, love, and our ultimate good. As you discuss, pray for the courage to trust God’s final say and to live out His truth in every part of your life.

Devotional

Day 1: God Has the Final Say

No matter our plans or efforts, God’s authority is ultimate and unchanging. Life often tempts us to believe we are in control, mapping out every detail and outcome, but Scripture and history show that God’s sovereignty extends over all people—believers and non-believers alike. Even when we don’t understand why things happen, or when we see evil seemingly triumph, we can rest in the assurance that God’s purposes will prevail. His authority is not limited by our understanding or our willingness to submit; He works through all circumstances, sometimes even using those who do not acknowledge Him, to fulfill His good and perfect will. [01:48]

Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV)
“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’”

Reflection: Where in your life are you struggling to let go of control and trust that God truly has the final say? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?


Day 2: The Authority and Truth of Jesus’ Teaching

Jesus’ words carried a unique authority that resonated deeply with people, not because of titles or positions, but because He spoke the truth plainly and powerfully. Unlike the religious leaders who relied on knowledge and tradition, Jesus’ teaching cut straight to the heart, offering life-changing truth that people instinctively recognized as genuine. His authority was not about power or status, but about the authenticity and clarity of God’s Word, which brings transformation when received. When we encounter the truth of Jesus, it challenges us, comforts us, and calls us to respond. [04:17]

Mark 1:21-22 (ESV)
“And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.”

Reflection: When was the last time you sensed God’s truth speaking directly to your heart? How can you make space this week to listen for His authoritative voice in your life?


Day 3: The Dangers of Rejecting God’s Authority

When people reject God’s truth and choose to live by their own feelings or desires, it leads to destruction and heartbreak. The Bible warns us, as in the book of Jude, about the consequences of ignoring God’s authority—polluting our lives, following selfish ambitions, and ultimately bringing harm to ourselves and others. This pattern is not new; it has repeated throughout history and continues today. Only God, through His Holy Spirit, can bring true change and rescue us from the destructive path of self-rule. [10:49]

Jude 1:8, 11 (ESV)
“Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones… Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion.”

Reflection: Is there an area where you’ve been following your own desires instead of God’s truth? What step can you take today to submit that part of your life to His authority?


Day 4: Knowing and Clinging to God’s Word

The only way to discern truth from error is to know God’s Word deeply—not just memorizing verses, but understanding the heart and intent behind them. The enemy is skilled at twisting Scripture, using it out of context to deceive and rationalize sin. Like a banker trained to recognize real currency, we must immerse ourselves in the genuine truth of God’s Word so that we can quickly spot what is false. When our feelings or circumstances contradict God’s promises, we are called to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ, letting His truth guide us above all else. [19:53]

2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can deepen your familiarity with God’s Word this week, so you can better recognize and reject counterfeit truths?


Day 5: Jesus’ Compassion and Power to Restore

Jesus not only taught with authority but also demonstrated His compassion and power by healing and restoring those in need. When He entered Peter’s house and healed his mother-in-law, He showed that His authority is not just about words, but about loving action that lifts people up and inspires them to serve others. This same compassion is reflected in the selfless love of mothers and caregivers, who bring healing and strength to their families. Jesus’ touch brings wholeness, reminding us to honor those who reflect His love and to trust Him to restore us in our weakness. [26:25]

Mark 1:30-31 (ESV)
“Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.”

Reflection: Who in your life needs encouragement or a healing touch today? How can you reflect Jesus’ compassion and authority by reaching out to them in love?

Quotes



And here's the truth that jesus told god's word is truth always has been always will be whether it's whether it's jesus speaking um to us directly or the words in your bible the word of god is true period this is the final authority nobody else gets the the final say the word of god is it. [00:09:28] (33 seconds)


The enemy knows scripture. Knows scripture better than you and I do. But he always takes it out of context. He pulls a verse out to make it say what he wants it to say that goes against what God's original intent was so that he can trick us. And we need to make sure that we're not allowing Satan to come into our lives and cherry pick scripture so that we can rationalize or justify our desire to control, to manipulate. [00:16:32] (32 seconds)


When Satan cherry picks scripture, pulls it out of context, the only way that we can verify that it's the real thing is to know. know the Word of God, to know the real thing. And I'm not talking about, oh, well, you know, Mark 1 10 says this, and to be able to reference it and spout it out. I'm talking about knowing the concept, the purpose of what God has in his Word. [00:18:46] (25 seconds)


Because when we decide that we're in charge, we're in control, we're setting ourselves up for a big fall. Our hearts are wired to do that too. The flesh is wired to go its own way, for pride, for control, to do things our way, to get what we want. And that's happened ever since Adam and Eve were ejected from the Garden of Eden. [00:13:46] (29 seconds)


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Transcript
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