Embracing the Authority of Christ in Our Lives
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delve into the profound authority of Christ and its implications for our lives. We began by reflecting on the story of the centurion in Matthew 8:9-11, who demonstrated remarkable faith in Jesus' authority. The centurion, a man of authority himself, understood that Jesus did not need to be physically present to heal his servant; a mere word from Jesus would suffice. This story sets the stage for our exploration of the authority vested in Christ and how it operates in our lives.
We then examined the nature of Jesus' authority, which is not just limited to earthly realms but extends to heaven as well. Jesus declared in Matthew 28:18 that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. This authority was granted by the Father, emphasizing the unity and cooperation within the Trinity. Jesus operates with the authority given by the Father, and this authority is comprehensive, covering all aspects of existence.
Understanding and believing in this authority is crucial for a victorious Christian life. Many believers struggle because their faith in Christ's authority is shaky. They may claim to believe, but their actions and thoughts often betray a lack of true faith. The centurion's faith serves as a model for us; he believed without needing physical evidence. Similarly, our faith in Christ's authority should be unwavering, enabling us to experience the miraculous in our lives.
We also discussed the practical implications of this authority. Jesus' authority is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that impacts our daily lives. It empowers us to speak forth what we want to see happen, to stop what we want to stop, and to take authority over sickness, disease, and other challenges. Jesus demonstrated this authority by speaking to a fig tree, which withered from the root, and by calming storms with a word. This same authority is available to us as believers.
Moreover, Jesus' authority extends over all principalities and powers. No demonic force can stand against the authority of Christ. This authority is not just for spiritual leaders but for every believer. When we understand and exercise this authority, the devil cannot manipulate or deceive us. We are empowered to live victorious lives, free from the enemy's influence.
In conclusion, the authority of Christ is a powerful and transformative reality. It is given to us as believers, enabling us to live victorious, impactful lives. We are called to believe in this authority, to exercise it, and to see its effects in every area of our lives. As we grow in our understanding and faith in Christ's authority, we will experience more testimonies, breakthroughs, and victories.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith in Christ's Authority: The centurion's faith in Jesus' authority, as seen in Matthew 8:9-11, serves as a powerful example for us. He believed that Jesus could heal his servant with just a word, without needing to be physically present. This level of faith in Christ's authority is essential for experiencing the miraculous in our lives. When we truly believe in His authority, we open the door for God to work powerfully in our situations. [23:55]
2. Comprehensive Authority: Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). This authority is not limited to earthly realms but extends to the heavenly realms as well. Understanding this comprehensive authority helps us realize that there is no situation too big or too small for Jesus to handle. His authority covers every aspect of our lives, providing us with confidence and assurance in His power. [37:04]
3. Practical Application: The authority of Christ is not just a theological concept but a practical reality. It empowers us to speak forth what we want to see happen, to stop what we want to stop, and to take authority over sickness, disease, and other challenges. Jesus demonstrated this authority by speaking to a fig tree, which withered from the root, and by calming storms with a word. This same authority is available to us as believers, enabling us to live victorious lives. [59:49]
4. Authority Over Principalities and Powers: Jesus' authority extends over all principalities and powers. No demonic force can stand against the authority of Christ. This authority is not just for spiritual leaders but for every believer. When we understand and exercise this authority, the devil cannot manipulate or deceive us. We are empowered to live victorious lives, free from the enemy's influence. [44:34]
5. Living in Victory: Our faith in the authority of Christ should inspire us to live victorious lives. The centurion's servant was healed because he believed in Jesus' authority. Similarly, when we believe in Christ's authority, we can experience healing, deliverance, and breakthroughs in our lives. This authority should inspire us to serve God wholeheartedly, knowing that He is backing us with His power and authority. [54:12]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[10:29] - Introduction and Worship
[23:55] - The Centurion's Faith
[32:14] - Understanding Authority
[37:04] - Comprehensive Authority of Christ
[44:34] - Authority Over Principalities and Powers
[52:07] - Practical Application of Authority
[54:12] - Living in Victory
[59:49] - Exercising Authority in Daily Life
[01:08:12] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 8:9-11: "For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it. When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.'"
2. Matthew 28:18: "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.'"
3. Philippians 2:10: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did the centurion believe about Jesus' authority that made Jesus marvel at his faith? ([23:55])
2. According to Matthew 28:18, who gave Jesus His authority, and how extensive is it?
3. How does Philippians 2:10 describe the scope of Jesus' authority?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that the centurion believed Jesus could heal his servant without being physically present? How does this reflect on the nature of faith? ([23:55])
2. What does it mean for believers that Jesus has "all authority in heaven and on earth"? How should this impact our daily lives? ([37:04])
3. How does understanding Jesus' authority over all principalities and powers affect a believer's approach to spiritual warfare? ([44:34])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to believe in Jesus' authority over a situation in your life. How did that affect your actions and thoughts? ([32:45])
2. The centurion's faith was unwavering despite not needing physical evidence. How can you cultivate a similar level of faith in your daily walk with Christ? ([23:55])
3. Jesus' authority empowers us to speak forth what we want to see happen and to take authority over challenges. What specific area in your life do you need to exercise this authority? ([59:49])
4. How can you remind yourself daily of the comprehensive authority of Christ over all aspects of your life, especially during challenging times? ([37:04])
5. In what ways can you practically exercise the authority of Christ in your interactions with others, especially when facing opposition or spiritual challenges? ([44:34])
6. Think of a situation where you felt manipulated or deceived by the enemy. How can understanding and exercising Christ's authority help you overcome such situations in the future? ([44:34])
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to believe in and exercise the authority of Christ in their lives? What steps can you take together to grow in this understanding? ([51:01])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Christ's Authority
The centurion's faith in Jesus' authority, as seen in Matthew 8:9-11, serves as a powerful example for us. He believed that Jesus could heal his servant with just a word, without needing to be physically present. This level of faith in Christ's authority is essential for experiencing the miraculous in our lives. When we truly believe in His authority, we open the door for God to work powerfully in our situations. [23:55]
Matthew 8:9-11 (ESV): "For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it. When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, 'Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need a miracle. Can you trust Jesus' authority to work in that situation without needing physical evidence? How can you demonstrate that faith today?
Day 2: Comprehensive Authority
Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). This authority is not limited to earthly realms but extends to the heavenly realms as well. Understanding this comprehensive authority helps us realize that there is no situation too big or too small for Jesus to handle. His authority covers every aspect of our lives, providing us with confidence and assurance in His power. [37:04]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel overwhelmed or powerless? How can you remind yourself of Jesus' comprehensive authority over that situation today?
Day 3: Practical Application
The authority of Christ is not just a theological concept but a practical reality. It empowers us to speak forth what we want to see happen, to stop what we want to stop, and to take authority over sickness, disease, and other challenges. Jesus demonstrated this authority by speaking to a fig tree, which withered from the root, and by calming storms with a word. This same authority is available to us as believers, enabling us to live victorious lives. [59:49]
Mark 11:23 (ESV): "Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him."
Reflection: Identify a specific challenge you are facing today. How can you use the authority of Christ to speak to that situation and see change?
Day 4: Authority Over Principalities and Powers
Jesus' authority extends over all principalities and powers. No demonic force can stand against the authority of Christ. This authority is not just for spiritual leaders but for every believer. When we understand and exercise this authority, the devil cannot manipulate or deceive us. We are empowered to live victorious lives, free from the enemy's influence. [44:34]
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually attacked or oppressed? How can you exercise Christ's authority to stand firm against these forces today?
Day 5: Living in Victory
Our faith in the authority of Christ should inspire us to live victorious lives. The centurion's servant was healed because he believed in Jesus' authority. Similarly, when we believe in Christ's authority, we can experience healing, deliverance, and breakthroughs in our lives. This authority should inspire us to serve God wholeheartedly, knowing that He is backing us with His power and authority. [54:12]
1 John 5:4-5 (ESV): "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to experience victory? How can you actively put your faith in Christ's authority to see that victory come to pass?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Don't look at your weakness. Don't look at your form. Don't look at yourself as a human being. But look at the one who is in you. Look at the one in whom you are. Look at the one who is with you. the mighty name of Jesus. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. He said. Therefore go. The moment we said yes to him he gave us the authority. The moment you said yes to him he gave you the authority." [59:49]
2. "A closed mouth is a closed destiny. Speak forth what you want to see happen in your life. Stop what you want to stop in your life. In the name of Jesus. There are some things you have to speak for it to stop. Jesus spoke to the fig tree. And the fig tree obeyed because he carried authority. Your word carried power. By that authority that fig tree died to the root. From the root up. Because of the authority Jesus had. In the mighty name of Jesus." [01:00:40]
3. "You are hotter than you think. Because Jesus is in you. The Holy Spirit is in you. You are hotter for the enemy. Don't think you are cold to make the enemy comfortable. Pray about your immigration situation. Pray about your job. Pray for your children. Pray for your parents. Just talk to them. Take authority over that sickness. Over that disease. Don't accept that sickness and say as for our family this sickness is common. No. If it is common it was common then. Now that you came to know Christ it is not common to you." [01:02:02]
4. "He is the Lord of your life. He is the master of your life. He is the CEO of your life. Hallelujah. He is the manager of your life. If you acknowledge him as such and allow him to be who he is in your life, you will have testimonies. Hallelujah. The devil cannot manipulate you any longer. The devil cannot deceive you any longer. In the mighty name of Jesus. This man believed in Jesus' authority. And today I've come to announce to you if you believe in Jesus' authority, it will work for you. Your testimonies will be many in the name of Jesus. May your testimonies be many in the name of Jesus." [33:17]
5. "If you believe in the authority of Christ, it will work for you. Hallelujah. Your enemy will be in trouble. The devil will be in trouble. Because if you believe in the authority of Christ, you will not allow the devil to deceive you. Because Jesus is not an ordinary Jesus. Anybody can name themselves Jesus. But not every Jesus carries the authority that this our Jesus carries. Hallelujah. There are many religious leaders. But none of them carry that authority that Jesus carries. He carries so much authority that he was able to walk on the sea. He carries so much authority that he speaks and nature listens to him or responds to him. He was able to quiet the storm just by his authority. By his spoken word. By his command. He has authority." [28:08]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Your victorious Christian life depends on your knowing and believing in the authority of Christ. Your success in various aspects of life depends in your knowing and believing in the authority of Christ. Jesus had authority. is one time he sent some of the disciples out two by two. And when they came back with the report, they said that even the demons were subject to us. You know, before they went, yeah they knew he has authority but they didn't know to what extent that authority can perform. But with that delegated authority, because when Jesus sent them, it means he has delegated his authority. To them. And when they came back with their report, they said even the demons were subject to us." [27:30]
2. "He is able to make the impossible possible. Peter believed in the authority of Jesus at some point and he started walking on the sea with him. Because he saw Jesus walking on the sea. And he says, who is this? Jesus said, it's me. Lord, if it is you bid me to come also. He said, come. He started walking on the sea toward Jesus. But at some point he started doubting the authority. Looking at the waves, looking at the storms. You know, sometimes the waves and the storms will want to be a distraction to your belief in the authority of Christ. Because it will look at sea that you know it will overwhelm you. You will not be able to come out of it. But if you believe in the authority like Paul did even when coming through shipwreck he still believed in the middle of the sea in the middle of the lake that we will come ashore. Because he knew what Jesus can do. He had encountered him on the road of Damascus. And he believed that you know he can do anything." [34:32]
3. "Hallelujah. So when you are serving God you are serving him wholeheartedly because you know who is behind you. You know who is for you. If God be for you, who can be against you? Christ who is in you is greater than any other thing outside. The authority of Jesus. It should make you. His authority should make all God's promises effective in our lives. His authority should do what? Make all of God's promises effective in our lives. Because God is only accountable to us by his word. What he has said and what he has promised which is fulfilled in Christ. We pray in Jesus name because of the authority that Jesus has. Hallelujah. Our prayer is validated by the authority of Christ. Or the authority vested in Christ. It should challenge us as a church to a victorious revival in the name of Jesus. May the authority of Christ bring revival amongst us. Let revival begin within us in the name of Jesus. Just as the centurion amazed Jesus. I pray that your faith in him will amaze him in the name of Jesus. That people around you will know that you have Jesus by your side. You have Jesus in your boat in the mighty name of Jesus." [54:46]
4. "He is the head of the church. When you read Colossians chapter 1 verse 18 going down he says he is the head of the body, the church. He is the head of the body, the church. Hallelujah. The same thing is said in Ephesians as we've read already. The head over all things to the church which is his body. Hallelujah. So it's the head over all things. Christ is the head over all things. That is why we share his blood. His blood speaks better things than the blood of evil. Because of the authority he carries. Anything about him Hallelujah makes way for us. Anything about him silences the enemy. Anything about him gives us our own testimony. Hallelujah. Let us submit to the authority of Christ because everything else submits to his authority in the name of Jesus. Jesus has authority to say and to judge. He has authority to what? To save and to judge." [47:24]
5. "Hallelujah. From today, if you just believe in the authority of Christ, if you just knew the authority of Christ, I want you to believe in it now. In the name of Jesus. Just believe in the authority. The five points that we have outlined above no short glimpses or a few facets of the brilliant truth because what we are talking about is just a few of them. A few things that Jesus has authority over. The key is not our knowledge of the authority of Christ. But in the revelation of it. Hallelujah. May God give you revelation of the authority of Christ. So that you can exercise your believers authority. So that the devil will not be comfortable around you. So that the devil will be afraid of you. Not you being afraid of the enemy. May he make way for you where there has been no way by his authority. In the mighty name of Jesus. The authority that we can declare the word of God and it will come to pass for us. Hallelujah. In your mouth he has ordained strength. In the name of Jesus. The authority of Christ in you brings victory. Our faith in the authority of Christ should be an incentive to victorious living. Your faith in the authority of Christ should be an incentive for your victorious Christian life. The centurion had a servant back. His servant was healed because he believed in the authority. That was victory over sickness. That was victory over death. Hallelujah. God's servant would have died from that sickness. But because he believed in the authority of Christ he received healing. His servant received healing. His servant was saved. Hallelujah. So the authority of Christ should inspire us to successful service. Amen. If you are doing something for the Lord you know that he is backing you with his authority." [52:07]
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