Embracing Our Authority in Christ's Grace
Summary
In this sermon, we explore the profound significance of Jesus' authority and how it extends to us as believers. As we enter the Christmas season, we are reminded of the purpose of Jesus' birth, which was ultimately to fulfill God's plan through His death and resurrection. Jesus' life was a fulfillment of the scriptures, and His obedience to the Father, even unto death, is a testament to His authority. This authority is not just His alone; it is shared with us as believers. We are reminded that we have been given authority through Christ, and this authority is rooted in our righteousness in Him.
The sermon delves into the concept of authority, emphasizing that it is not based on our feelings or actions but on our position in Christ. We are seated with Him in heavenly places, far above all rule and authority. This position grants us the power to forgive sins and to walk in the good works God has prepared for us. The sermon challenges us to understand and embrace our righteousness in Christ, which is the foundation of our authority and faith.
As we reflect on these truths, we are encouraged to live boldly, knowing that our authority in Christ is not diminished by our imperfections. Instead, it is a gift of grace that empowers us to impact the world around us. This understanding should lead us to a deeper worship and appreciation of God's goodness and mercy.
Key Takeaways:
1. Jesus' Authority and Our Position in Him: Jesus' authority is rooted in His obedience to the Father, and as believers, we share in this authority. We are seated with Christ in heavenly places, which grants us power and dominion over all things. This position is not based on our merit but on God's grace. [46:00]
2. The Importance of Righteousness: Our authority in the kingdom flows from our righteousness in Christ. It is not about our feelings or actions but about our right standing with God. Understanding our righteousness is crucial for effective faith and authority. [01:25:53]
3. The Power of Forgiveness: As believers, we have the authority to forgive sins, a power given to us by Jesus. This authority is rooted in our position in Christ and is a testament to the transformative power of grace. [58:43]
4. Living in the Authority of Christ: We are called to walk in the good works God has prepared for us, empowered by the authority we have in Christ. This requires a deep understanding of our identity and position in Him, which is not affected by our imperfections. [01:22:53]
5. The Role of Grace in Our Lives: Our authority and righteousness are gifts of grace, not results of our works. This grace empowers us to live boldly and impact the world, knowing that we are secure in our position in Christ. [01:15:49]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [46:00] - The Purpose of Jesus' Birth
- [47:19] - Jesus' Obedience and Authority
- [52:05] - Understanding Authority in Christ
- [55:51] - Jesus' Authority Questioned
- [56:24] - The Source of Jesus' Authority
- [57:39] - Our Authority in Christ
- [58:43] - The Power to Forgive
- [01:00:07] - Introduction to Ephesians
- [01:01:58] - The Transformative Power of Revelation
- [01:03:12] - The Immeasurable Greatness of His Power
- [01:06:13] - Jesus' Supreme Authority
- [01:09:24] - Jesus' Obedience and Resurrection
- [01:11:50] - Our Position in Christ
- [01:15:49] - The Gift of Grace and Authority
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 1:16-23
2. Mark 11:27-33
3. Ephesians 2:1-10
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 1:16-23, what does Paul pray for the believers in Ephesus to receive? How does this relate to the concept of authority discussed in the sermon? [01:00:07]
2. In Mark 11:27-33, what question do the chief priests, scribes, and elders ask Jesus, and why is this significant in understanding Jesus' authority? [55:51]
3. How does Ephesians 2:1-10 describe the transformation of believers from their past state to their new position in Christ? What role does grace play in this transformation? [01:15:49]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the authority believers have in Christ, and how is this authority connected to their righteousness? [01:25:53]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding our position in Christ, as described in Ephesians 1:16-23, impact our daily lives and spiritual authority? [01:00:07]
2. What does the interaction between Jesus and the religious leaders in Mark 11:27-33 reveal about the source and nature of true authority? [55:51]
3. In what ways does Ephesians 2:1-10 challenge common misconceptions about earning righteousness and authority through personal merit? [01:15:49]
4. How does the sermon explain the relationship between forgiveness and authority in the life of a believer? What implications does this have for how we live out our faith? [58:43]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your understanding of your position in Christ. How does knowing you are seated with Him in heavenly places change your perspective on challenges you face? [01:11:50]
2. Consider a situation where you need to exercise forgiveness. How can recognizing your authority in Christ empower you to forgive more freely? [58:43]
3. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to embrace your righteousness in Christ. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and acceptance of this truth? [01:25:53]
4. How can you live more boldly in your faith, knowing that your authority in Christ is not diminished by your imperfections? What specific actions can you take this week to walk in the good works God has prepared for you? [01:22:53]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy of God's grace. How does the sermon’s message about grace and authority encourage you to see yourself differently? [01:15:49]
6. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper worship and appreciation of God's goodness and mercy in your daily life? How might this impact your interactions with others? [01:19:57]
7. Think of a person in your life who needs to hear about the authority and grace available in Christ. How can you share this message with them in a meaningful way this week? [01:27:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Sharing in Christ's Authority
In the Christian faith, believers are called to share in the authority of Jesus Christ. This authority is not earned through personal merit but is a gift of grace, rooted in the believer's position in Christ. As Jesus was obedient to the Father, even unto death, His authority was established and extended to those who follow Him. This shared authority empowers believers to live with confidence and purpose, knowing they are seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above all earthly powers and dominions. This understanding challenges believers to embrace their identity in Christ and to exercise their God-given authority in their daily lives. [46:00]
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 need to exercise the authority given to you in Christ? How can you begin to live more confidently in this truth today?
Day 2: Righteousness as the Foundation of Authority
The authority that believers possess in the kingdom of God is deeply rooted in their righteousness in Christ. This righteousness is not based on personal feelings or actions but on the right standing with God that comes through faith in Jesus. Understanding this righteousness is crucial for effective faith and authority, as it shifts the focus from self-reliance to reliance on God's grace. Believers are encouraged to embrace their identity as righteous in Christ, which empowers them to live out their faith boldly and with conviction. This understanding of righteousness transforms how believers view themselves and their role in God's kingdom. [01:25:53]
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 your righteousness in Christ change the way you approach challenges in your life? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of this truth?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Forgiveness
Believers are entrusted with the authority to forgive sins, a power that reflects the transformative grace of God. This authority is not just a responsibility but a testament to the believer's position in Christ. Forgiveness is a powerful act that can bring healing and restoration to relationships and communities. As believers exercise this authority, they demonstrate the grace and mercy of God to the world around them. This understanding calls believers to be agents of reconciliation, extending forgiveness as they have been forgiven by Christ. [58:43]
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? How can you take a step towards extending forgiveness to them today?
Day 4: Walking in the Good Works Prepared by God
Believers are called to walk in the good works that God has prepared for them, empowered by the authority they have in Christ. This requires a deep understanding of their identity and position in Him, which is not affected by their imperfections. As believers embrace their God-given authority, they are equipped to impact the world around them, living out their faith with purpose and intentionality. This calling challenges believers to seek God's guidance in their daily lives and to trust in His plan for them, knowing that they are empowered to fulfill His purposes. [01:22:53]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What good works has God prepared for you to walk in today? How can you align your actions with His purposes for your life?
Day 5: Embracing Grace as the Source of Authority
The authority and righteousness that believers possess are gifts of grace, not results of their works. This grace empowers believers to live boldly and impact the world, knowing that they are secure in their position in Christ. Understanding grace as the source of authority shifts the focus from self-effort to reliance on God's unmerited favor. This perspective encourages believers to live with gratitude and humility, recognizing that their authority is a reflection of God's goodness and mercy. As believers embrace this grace, they are inspired to worship and serve God with their whole hearts. [01:15:49]
Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."
Reflection: How does recognizing grace as the source of your authority change your perspective on your daily life? In what ways can you express gratitude for this grace today?
Quotes
1. "So here we find ourselves in the season of Christmas, it's December, it's cold, but it's the idea that we're going to be celebrating for the next month the birth of Christ. But isn't it interesting? That we begin the month by remembering his death, remembering the reason why he came, remembering that he came for four to give his life, to do exactly what he did. That was his purpose, that was his father's purpose, that was the fulfillment of the scriptures, and everything he did, even stuff he had no control over." ([00:45:55] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "But there's stuff that's there that we've lost. You know, that people have lost. Even, I believe, the church has lost. And I am so excited because I'm actually going to be starting a new series. And I, you know, I don't know why I do things in series. It's not because everybody else does. It just seems to happen. I can't, mainly because I can't preach it all in one sermon. Let's just put it that way." ([00:53:50] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "The reason you get to do this stuff is because you have authority. You have authority. Why, why was the big, the big, the big, the big, the big question with Jesus, who, where do you get in this authority? Because the only reason he could do it is his, he has authority. He had authority. He has authority to do it. Where did his authority come from? Because he did what he was supposed to do." ([00:59:19] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "Ephesians chapter one, beginning with verse 16 says, I do not, this was Paul writing to the Ephesians. His, I do not cease to give thanks for you. Remembering you in my prayers, 17, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of glory may give you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him. Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened that you may know what is the hope to which you, he has called you." ([01:00:47] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "And when it messes you up in a really good way, it's going to mess up the world because things are going to start happening. And people are going to go, where did you get this from? Why do you get to do this? Well, let me tell you, I am a man under authority. You know, we read these things. We read these stories that Jesus said." ([01:02:58] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "And he put all things under his, Jesus' feet, and gave him as head over things to the church, which it is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. So, God took Jesus. He filled it. We're celebrating Christmas. I saw a quote this week. It says, the God of all the universe decided to be born in a womb of a woman. Let that sink in." ([01:07:19] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "But God, but God, but God, but God, but God, in his love, in his mercy, because of his great love, in which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved, and raised us up with him." ([01:16:09] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "For we are his workmanship, verse 10, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared, prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Jesus had stuff that God wanted him to do while he was on this earth. Let me say that again. Jesus had things that God had prepared for him ahead of time." ([01:22:00] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "It doesn't matter how any of you feel in this room. It doesn't matter how I feel. It doesn't matter how anybody online feels. It doesn't. And it has nothing to do with anything. You, if you are in Christ, if you are born again, if you are in Christ, you at this moment are seated in heavenly places in Christ. You're there. It's a done deal." ([01:26:59] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "In him, I'm seated in heavenly places with all authority, with all power, because he's given it to me. Not because I did it. It's by grace. We'll just. We'll just keep stirring this, and we'll get there." ([01:34:54] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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