Embracing Our Authority in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of authority, particularly the authority granted to believers through Jesus Christ. We began by acknowledging the immeasurable greatness of Jesus' power, as described in Ephesians 1, which God demonstrated by raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right hand, far above all rule and authority. This authority is not just for Jesus but is extended to us as believers. We are seated with Him in heavenly places, sharing in His authority and power.
The essence of our authority lies in our identity in Christ. It is not based on our own merits or righteousness but on the righteousness of Christ. This righteousness is a gift from God, not something we can earn through our works. It is by grace that we are saved, and it is through this grace that we are positioned in Christ, sharing in His authority. This understanding is crucial because it shifts our perspective from self-reliance to reliance on Christ's finished work.
We also discussed the practical implications of this authority. Just as a police officer's authority is not based on personal merit but on the position and uniform, our spiritual authority is not about who we are but about who we are in Christ. This authority allows us to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience in the spiritual realm, impacting our lives and the world around us.
Understanding our authority in Christ is key to living a victorious Christian life. It empowers us to overcome guilt, condemnation, and low self-esteem, which are the enemies of our authority. By recognizing our righteousness in Christ, we can operate in faith and confidence, knowing that we are equipped to fulfill God's purposes.
As we continue to delve into this series, we will explore what we have authority over and how to effectively exercise this authority in our daily lives. This journey is about embracing our identity in Christ and walking in the fullness of the authority He has given us.
Key Takeaways:
- Authority in Christ: Our authority as believers is rooted in our identity in Christ, not in our own merits. This authority is a gift from God, based on the righteousness of Christ, and empowers us to live victoriously. [01:06:14]
- Righteousness as a Gift: Righteousness is not something we earn; it is a gift from God. By accepting this gift, we are positioned in Christ, sharing in His authority and power. This understanding shifts our reliance from self to Christ. [01:26:50]
- Practical Implications of Authority: Just as a police officer's authority is based on position, our spiritual authority is based on our position in Christ. This authority allows us to impact the spiritual realm, giving orders and enforcing obedience. [01:17:56]
- Overcoming Spiritual Enemies: Guilt, condemnation, and low self-esteem are enemies of our authority. By recognizing our righteousness in Christ, we can operate in faith and confidence, overcoming these obstacles. [01:19:44]
- Living in Authority: Understanding and embracing our authority in Christ is key to fulfilling God's purposes. As we grow in this understanding, we are equipped to change the world around us, spreading the authority of Christ. [01:39:13]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[41:42] - Offering and Announcements
[46:22] - Christmas Events and Services
[49:04] - Week Devoted to God
[53:57] - Testimony and Outreach
[58:16] - Authority of the Believer
[01:00:04] - Born Again in Christ
[01:01:43] - Salvation and Repentance
[01:04:06] - Our Position in Christ
[01:06:14] - Understanding Authority
[01:08:41] - Righteousness and Grace
[01:10:22] - Authority in Action
[01:17:56] - Authority and Identity
[01:19:44] - Enemies of Authority
[01:39:13] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 1:19-23
- Matthew 28:18-19
- Romans 3:21-24
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 1:19-23, what is the significance of Jesus being seated at the right hand of God? How does this relate to the concept of authority discussed in the sermon? [58:16]
2. In Matthew 28:18-19, Jesus speaks about authority. What command does He give to His disciples, and how does this reflect His authority? [58:16]
3. Romans 3:21-24 discusses righteousness apart from the law. How is this righteousness described, and what role does faith play in it? [01:27:49]
4. The sermon mentioned the authority of a police officer as an analogy. How does this analogy help us understand our spiritual authority in Christ? [01:17:04]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding our position "in Christ" change the way we view our spiritual authority and responsibilities? [01:06:14]
2. The sermon emphasized that our authority is not based on personal merit but on our identity in Christ. How does this perspective affect our daily walk with God? [01:17:56]
3. What are the implications of viewing righteousness as a gift from God rather than something we earn? How does this understanding impact our relationship with God and others? [01:26:50]
4. How can recognizing our authority in Christ help us overcome feelings of guilt, condemnation, and low self-esteem? [01:19:44]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a situation where you felt powerless. How might understanding your authority in Christ change your approach to similar situations in the future? [01:06:14]
2. The sermon mentioned that our authority allows us to impact the spiritual realm. What is one area of your life where you can begin to exercise this authority more intentionally? [01:17:56]
3. Consider a time when guilt or condemnation held you back. How can you remind yourself of your righteousness in Christ to overcome these feelings? [01:19:44]
4. How can you practically shift your reliance from self to Christ in your daily decisions and actions? What steps can you take this week to make this shift more evident in your life? [01:26:50]
5. Identify a specific spiritual enemy (e.g., fear, doubt) that you struggle with. How can you use your authority in Christ to confront and overcome this enemy? [01:19:44]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of living in the fullness of our authority in Christ. What is one specific way you can embrace this authority to fulfill God's purposes in your life? [01:39:13]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to understand and walk in their authority in Christ? What role can you play in supporting them on this journey? [01:37:10]
Devotional
Day 1: Authority Rooted in Identity
Our authority as believers is deeply rooted in our identity in Christ. This authority is not something we earn or achieve through our own efforts or merits. Instead, it is a gift from God, based on the righteousness of Christ. As believers, we are seated with Christ in heavenly places, sharing in His authority and power. This understanding is transformative, as it shifts our perspective from self-reliance to reliance on Christ's finished work. By embracing our identity in Christ, we are empowered to live victoriously, overcoming the challenges and obstacles that come our way. [01:06:14]
Ephesians 2:6-7 (ESV): "And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to rely on your identity in Christ rather than your own efforts? How can you begin to shift your perspective today?
Day 2: Righteousness as a Divine Gift
Righteousness is not something we can earn through our works; it is a divine gift from God. By accepting this gift, we are positioned in Christ, sharing in His authority and power. This understanding is crucial because it shifts our reliance from self to Christ. It is by grace that we are saved, and it is through this grace that we are empowered to live a life that reflects God's purposes. Recognizing our righteousness in Christ allows us to operate in faith and confidence, knowing that we are equipped to fulfill God's calling in our lives. [01:26:50]
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Reflection: How does understanding righteousness as a gift change the way you view your relationship with God? What steps can you take to embrace this gift more fully in your daily life?
Day 3: Authority and Its Practical Implications
Just as a police officer's authority is based on their position and uniform, our spiritual authority is based on our position in Christ. This authority allows us to impact the spiritual realm, giving orders and enforcing obedience. It is not about who we are in ourselves but about who we are in Christ. Understanding this authority empowers us to make decisions and take actions that align with God's will, impacting our lives and the world around us. By embracing our spiritual authority, we can live a life that reflects God's kingdom and purposes. [01:17:56]
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 ways can you exercise your spiritual authority in your daily life? How can you use this authority to impact the world around you for God's kingdom?
Day 4: Overcoming Spiritual Enemies
Guilt, condemnation, and low self-esteem are enemies of our authority in Christ. By recognizing our righteousness in Christ, we can operate in faith and confidence, overcoming these obstacles. Understanding our authority in Christ is key to living a victorious Christian life. It empowers us to overcome the negative thoughts and feelings that hinder our spiritual growth and effectiveness. By embracing our identity in Christ, we can live a life that reflects God's love and grace, impacting the world around us. [01:19:44]
Romans 8:1-2 (ESV): "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death."
Reflection: What negative thoughts or feelings are hindering your spiritual growth? How can you begin to overcome these obstacles by embracing your identity in Christ?
Day 5: Living in the Fullness of Authority
Understanding and embracing our authority in Christ is key to fulfilling God's purposes. As we grow in this understanding, we are equipped to change the world around us, spreading the authority of Christ. This journey is about embracing our identity in Christ and walking in the fullness of the authority He has given us. By living in this authority, we can impact the world for God's kingdom, reflecting His love and grace in all that we do. [01:39:13]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: How can you live more fully in the authority that Christ has given you? What steps can you take to impact the world around you for God's kingdom?
Quotes
1. "We set apart the first week of the year, and we basically devote it to God. We say, okay, God, this is, I mean, every day should be right. Every day is His day. But we take the first, we just say, God, we want to just worship you. We want to be in your presence. And so what we do is every evening at 7 o'clock, we get together here, and we have a Holy Ghost meeting. What's a Holy Ghost meeting? Well, if you don't know what a Holy Ghost meeting is, you should come and be a part of it. Because bottom line, we don't come with an agenda." ([00:47:37] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "God took Jesus, who was dead, who had paid for our sins, who was separated from him, he took them in that obedience, and he raised him from the dead. That's what we talked about last week. God raised Jesus from the dead. God, in his authority, God in his power, in his might, he sent Jesus to die for our sins. And we're going to talk a lot about that today, about righteousness. He died for our sins. And he was obedient, Ephesians says, even unto death." ([00:56:50] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "Real death is separation from God. That's what happens. Hell is. Hell has all the other stuff with it, but hell is really separation from God. So there are people alive right now who are living in a living hell because they're separated from God. And their life is full of all kinds of pain and suffering and, you know, loneliness and, I mean, everything else. That once you are born again, once your spirit is born again, then you are now in fellowship with God." ([00:59:28] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "You receive what he did. You say, Jesus, I receive what you did on the cross. Your death, your burial, your blood shed for me. That right there. I choose to accept that free gift of salvation, that free gift of forgiveness. And we're going to talk about this. It's a gift. He gave it. He wants to give it to every single person. He doesn't want. Jesus says, I hope that I wish that none would be lost." ([01:00:48] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "It's because you are in Christ. You are in Christ. If you're born again today, if you're born again, you are in Christ, whether you believe it or not, whether you understand it or not. I want you to understand it. That's why we're just, I'm hammering this today. I'm going to hammer in Christ today. I'm just, you're going to hear this so much because it is not because of what you think you are. It's not because of where you believe you are. It's not how you feel today. It's about the truth that if you are born again, I don't care who you are, what you've done. If you are born again, you are, right this moment, in Christ." ([01:05:34] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "Authority is the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. That's really important. The power or right to give orders, to make decisions, and to enforce obedience. A person or an organization having power or control in a particular, typically political or administrative sphere. We're talking about the spiritual sphere, which actually controls everything." ([01:09:45] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "The authority is not about who you are. The authority is about who you are in. He's in a uniform. He's in a uniform. He's in a police car. He has the authority. No, you can blow by him. Good luck. One guy did. Well, almost did. See, there's a guy right on my tail, and when I pulled over, he's like, I even told Deb, I said, I wonder how long it's going to take before he catches on, and all of a sudden, pulls over in the right lane. Why? Because he has authority. You have authority. You have authority." ([01:18:00] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "Faith is a function of the authority, not their feelings. Authority in the kingdom flows from righteousness. The enemies of authority are guilt, condemnation, and low self-esteem. These feelings have the goal of stripping you of confidence, authority, and faith. We must learn to understand our righteousness in Christ. Otherwise, our faith will be weak and ineffective." ([01:20:17] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "Righteousness is, in a broad sense, the state of him who is as he ought to be. This sounds kind of like a word, but it's not. It's kind of legal, you know, legal. It is the state of him who is how he ought to be. Okay? Righteousness, the condition acceptable to God. God has said, I'll tell you what, I love you." ([01:23:38] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "It is because you are in Christ Jesus that you are. You are righteous. You are righteous. You are in right standing with God. You're going to be right standing with God even three seconds after you sin. This afternoon, tomorrow, the day after, a month from now, a year from now. It doesn't matter. Your position with God does not change at all, at all, at all, at all, ever, because of sin. It doesn't matter. The only thing that happens because of sin. Is your mind starts going." ([01:32:21] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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