Embracing Jesus' Authority: A Call to Mission

 

Summary

In this gathering, we are reminded of the profound call to live under the authority of Jesus Christ. Reflecting on my own journey, I recall the fear and uncertainty of my youth, grappling with the question of where God was leading me. Now, as I look back, I realize the importance of focusing on reaching those who have never heard the Gospel. The pull of a comfortable life is strong, but the call to spread the good news to unreached people is even stronger. This year, I have decided to dedicate my time to this mission, stepping away from speaking engagements to focus on those who have yet to hear about Jesus.

Living under the authority of Jesus is a beautiful thing, though often misunderstood in our world. Authority is seen as something to resist, yet in God's eyes, it is a source of protection and guidance. The story of Matthew's call to follow Jesus illustrates this perfectly. When Jesus, who commands the wind and waves, calls us to follow Him, it is not a burden but a privilege. Matthew understood this and immediately left his old life to follow Jesus.

The authority of Jesus is not just about power over nature or demons; it is about His authority over our lives. It is about simple obedience, stepping out in faith, and trusting in His plan. Jesus sends us out as sheep among wolves, warning us of the challenges we will face. Yet, He promises that those who endure to the end will be saved. This is not a call to a life of ease but a call to a life of purpose and eternal significance.

As we consider the cost of following Jesus, we must remember that His authority is for our good. It is better to be under His authority than to try to control our own lives. The American dream of comfort and security pales in comparison to the adventure of following Jesus. We are called to go, to reach the unreached, and to endure whatever comes our way, knowing that Jesus is with us to the end of the age.

Key Takeaways:

- The call to follow Jesus is a call to reach the unreached, to prioritize spreading the Gospel to those who have never heard it. This requires a shift from comfort to mission, focusing on eternal impact rather than temporary security. [01:20]

- Authority in God's kingdom is a beautiful thing, offering protection and guidance. Unlike the world's twisted view, God's authority is for our good, leading us to life and fulfillment. [06:25]

- Simple obedience is key to following Jesus. Like Matthew, we must be willing to leave our old lives behind and follow Him wherever He leads, trusting in His authority and power. [14:56]

- Jesus warns us of the challenges we will face as His followers, sending us out as sheep among wolves. Yet, He promises that those who endure to the end will be saved, encouraging us to persevere. [19:18]

- The American dream of comfort and security pales in comparison to the adventure of following Jesus. His authority is for our good, and being under His authority is better than trying to control our own lives. [26:43]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - Reflecting on Youthful Uncertainty
[01:06] - A Call to Reach the Unreached
[02:17] - Dedication to the Mission
[03:32] - Surrendering to Jesus' Authority
[05:41] - The Beauty of Authority
[07:27] - Misunderstanding Authority
[09:02] - Authority in God's Kingdom
[10:29] - Jesus' Authority Over Nature
[12:23] - Matthew's Call to Follow
[14:56] - The Privilege of Following Jesus
[16:26] - The Cost of Following Jesus
[18:30] - Challenges and Perseverance
[20:09] - Enduring to the End
[22:18] - The Call to Suffer for Christ
[25:08] - Embracing God's Will

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 8:23-27
2. Matthew 9:1-8
3. Matthew 10:16-22

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the reaction of the disciples when Jesus calmed the storm in Matthew 8:23-27? How did this demonstrate His authority? [10:29]

2. In Matthew 9:1-8, how did Jesus demonstrate His authority over both physical and spiritual realms? What was the crowd's reaction? [11:50]

3. According to Matthew 10:16-22, what challenges did Jesus warn His disciples they would face? How does this relate to the concept of living under His authority? [19:18]

4. How did Matthew respond to Jesus' call to follow Him, and what does this tell us about the nature of Jesus' authority? [14:56]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the authority of Jesus over nature, demons, and sickness in Matthew 8 and 9 illustrate the broader concept of His authority over our lives? [12:08]

2. What does it mean to live under the authority of Jesus, especially in a world that often views authority negatively? How does this contrast with the world's view of authority? [06:25]

3. In what ways does the call to follow Jesus, as seen in Matthew's response, challenge our modern understanding of discipleship and obedience? [14:56]

4. How can the warnings Jesus gives in Matthew 10:16-22 about persecution and endurance be understood in the context of His promise of salvation for those who endure? [19:18]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt the pull of a comfortable life. How can you shift your focus from comfort to mission, prioritizing the spread of the Gospel? [01:20]

2. Authority in God's kingdom is described as a source of protection and guidance. How can you embrace this view of authority in your daily life, especially when facing decisions or challenges? [06:25]

3. Like Matthew, are there aspects of your old life that you need to leave behind to follow Jesus more fully? What steps can you take this week to act on this decision? [14:56]

4. Jesus warns of the challenges His followers will face. How can you prepare yourself spiritually and mentally to endure these challenges, knowing that perseverance leads to salvation? [19:18]

5. The sermon contrasts the American dream with the adventure of following Jesus. How can you redefine success in your life to align more closely with the eternal significance of following Jesus? [26:43]

6. Identify one person in your life who has never heard the Gospel. What practical steps can you take this week to share the good news with them? [01:20]

7. Consider the areas of your life where you might be resisting God's authority. What changes can you make to surrender more fully to His guidance and protection? [06:25]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Call to Reach the Unreached
The call to follow Jesus is a profound invitation to step beyond the boundaries of comfort and security, focusing instead on the mission of reaching those who have never heard the Gospel. This requires a shift in priorities, moving from a life centered on personal ease to one dedicated to eternal impact. The allure of a comfortable life is strong, but the call to spread the good news to the unreached is even stronger. This mission is not just about geographical boundaries but also about reaching those in our immediate circles who may not know Jesus. The decision to dedicate time and resources to this mission is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the urgency of its message. [01:20]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Reflection: Who in your life has yet to hear the Gospel? How can you take a step today to share the love of Jesus with them?


Day 2: Understanding Authority in God's Kingdom
Authority in God's kingdom is often misunderstood in our world, where it is seen as something to resist. However, in God's eyes, authority is a source of protection and guidance, leading us to life and fulfillment. Unlike the world's twisted view, God's authority is for our good. It is a beautiful thing that offers us direction and purpose. When we submit to His authority, we find ourselves under His care and wisdom, which surpasses our understanding. This divine authority is not about control but about love and guidance, helping us navigate the complexities of life with assurance and peace. [06:25]

Hebrews 13:17 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you resisting God's authority? How can you begin to see His authority as a source of protection and guidance today?


Day 3: The Power of Simple Obedience
Simple obedience is key to following Jesus. Like Matthew, who immediately left his old life to follow Jesus, we must be willing to leave behind what is familiar and comfortable. This act of obedience is not about blind faith but about trusting in Jesus' authority and power. It is about stepping out in faith, even when the path is unclear, and trusting that He will lead us to where we need to be. This obedience is a privilege, not a burden, as it aligns us with God's will and purpose for our lives. It is through this obedience that we experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises. [14:56]

1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to practice simple obedience to Jesus today? What steps can you take to follow His lead?


Day 4: Persevering Through Challenges
Jesus warns us of the challenges we will face as His followers, sending us out as sheep among wolves. Yet, He promises that those who endure to the end will be saved. This is not a call to a life of ease but a call to a life of purpose and eternal significance. The journey of faith is fraught with difficulties, but it is also filled with the promise of God's presence and strength. Perseverance is essential, as it refines our character and deepens our reliance on God. In the face of trials, we are encouraged to hold fast to our faith, knowing that Jesus is with us every step of the way. [19:18]

James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

Reflection: What challenges are you currently facing in your walk with Jesus? How can you rely on His strength to persevere through these trials?


Day 5: The Adventure of Following Jesus
The American dream of comfort and security pales in comparison to the adventure of following Jesus. His authority is for our good, and being under His authority is better than trying to control our own lives. The life of a disciple is one of adventure, filled with opportunities to witness God's power and love in action. It is a journey that requires faith, courage, and a willingness to step into the unknown. As we embrace this adventure, we discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life aligned with God's purpose. The call to follow Jesus is an invitation to experience life in its fullest, as we trust in His guidance and provision. [26:43]

2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV): "For we walk by faith, not by sight."

Reflection: How can you embrace the adventure of following Jesus today? What steps can you take to trust in His authority and guidance in your life?

Quotes


I was back there just trying to remember where I was when I was 18 19 when I was those early years at College just trying to figure out God where where are you sending me what do you want me to do and there was so much of me that was afraid of that question there was so much of me that was afraid of the authority of Jesus. [00:00:34]

I feel like in some ways I've spent far too much time speaking to people who've already heard the gospel thousands of times and just trying to be more creative and hit that same few million people over and over again and trying to get that message to them and man I'm praying I'm praying for you I'm praying because there's such a poll here to to live a comfortable life to make a name for yourself and it's so easy to forget about all those people who have never heard the Gospel of Jesus. [00:01:40]

The thing is is is so many people hate that word they despise the thought of submission but that's so like our world because that's what Isaiah said Isaiah 5:20 says you know these people they they call what is good evil and they call what is evil good it it's like what Paul says in Philippians 2 where he says you he wants us to shine as as light in this crooked and twisted generation. [00:05:51]

I remember when I became a Christian in high school and uh I was excited about going to heaven and excited about knowing god I just felt like the downside to Christan Christianity was all these rules and all these commands it's like man it's great that he died for me and I'm going to go to heaven now but ah but I have to follow this see I didn't get it I didn't understand that the good news was that I get to be under his authority and this is actually a good thing because it was twisted I didn't understand it. [00:07:20]

I know that you love being under my protection I know you love being under my provision but if you're going to live in this house you're also going to be under my authority but here's the thing it's my goal it's my goal that by the time you turn 18 that I will be such a great and loving father to you and I'll be such a good authority that you're actually when you leave here you're actually grateful that you are under my authority cuz Authority can be a great thing. [00:08:56]

Matthew here's Jesus he calmed the Seas he cast out the demons he heals a paralyzed man then he looks at this guy and says follow me what do you think was going through Matthew's mind at that time as he's heard stories of this guy and then it's it's not you know sometimes I I think I looked at this and thought oh man he had to leave his life he had to go away from all of these these things in the life that he knew and he had to follow him but no think about it if you knew a man heard of a man who can command the waves to stop maybe you even saw the boat and you said man that thing's done he just to stop and everything calms and he says follow me is that a half to moment I don't think so. [00:13:00]

The one who endures to the end will be saved when they persecute you in one town flee to to the next for truly I say to you you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the son of man comes a disciple is not above his teacher nor a servant above his master it is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher and the servant like his master if they've called The Master of the House beable how much more will they malign those of his household. [00:19:24]

Jesus tells them he tells his disciples go you first I said follow me follow me now I'm sending you out but understand I'm sending you out as sheep amongst wolves they're going to tear you apart even people in your own household are going to tear you apart but follow me the one who endures to the end he's going to be saved it's going to be worth it. [00:20:00]

I know it's scary I know it's scary I remember being your agent go gosh do I really want to surrender my whole life man in fact gosh not many years ago I was a pastor I Mayan have been a pastor for 10 15 years at this point and I'm preaching through Colossians 1 and I get to verse one chapter 1 verse one and it says Paul a bond servant of Christ you know by the will of God and I just got stuck on that phrase the will of God the desire of God like what God would want if he had total control of me I just got stuck on that phrase I go man do I want to know the will of God. [00:23:48]

I don't really want to know where God would send me right now if he had his will his way with me I'm not sure I want to be under the authority of God and me as a pastor I realized man I'm scared of the will of God I told my church I'm going to leave I got to go away for at least three months I end up going away for the whole summer because I said I'm not fit to be your pastor if I'm scared of the will of God I'm scared of his authority and I'm your leader. [00:24:52]

The Lord reminded me of who he was and it got me to the point where I go gosh I don't want control because as scary as it would be for Matthew to just say I'll pick up and go wherever you lead me as scary as that is it would have been scarier to let Jesus walk away could you imagine that where he's going I don't know I don't know and Jesus just walked away all right in the rest of your life you're going what was I thinking he's the one that authority over the wind and the waves he's the one with power over demons and everything he determines everything's Eternal Destiny he's the Creator and yeah it was scary to follow him cuz I didn't know where he was going to lead but now it's terrifying to think that he walked away. [00:25:32]

Please move Holy Spirit and raise up a new generation that's unafraid of your Authority in Jesus name we pray amen. [00:28:39]

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Transcript
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