Embracing the True Power of Jesus Christ

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound power and authority of Jesus Christ, emphasizing how often we underestimate His might. We began by reflecting on the image of Jesus that many hold—a gentle, compassionate figure often depicted in art as meek and mild. However, the scriptures reveal a much more powerful and authoritative Jesus, one who commands the elements, confronts religious leaders, and speaks boldly about judgment and righteousness.

Jesus' ministry was marked by acts of immense power, such as calming storms, casting out demons, and healing the sick. These acts were not just demonstrations of His divine authority but also reminders of His ultimate power over life and death. His resurrection is the pinnacle of this power, showcasing His victory over death and His eternal reign.

We delved into various passages from the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting Jesus' boldness in confronting the religious and societal norms of His time. He challenged the Pharisees, spoke about the reality of judgment, and called His followers to a life of radical obedience and faith. Jesus' teachings often included hard truths, urging us to prioritize Him above all else, even above our closest relationships and possessions.

The message concluded with a call to recognize and embrace the true power of Jesus. This understanding should lead us to live without fear, knowing that the One who holds the keys to death and Hades is on our side. As we celebrate His resurrection, we are reminded that His power is alive in us today, empowering us to live boldly for Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The True Image of Jesus: Many of us have a limited view of Jesus, often seeing Him as merely gentle and compassionate. However, the scriptures reveal a Jesus of immense power and authority, one who commands nature and confronts societal norms. This understanding challenges us to see Him as the powerful Savior He truly is. [04:59]

- Jesus' Authority Over Life and Death: Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of His power over death. He holds the keys to death and Hades, reminding us that our lives are in His hands. This truth should embolden us to live without fear, knowing that our Savior is victorious over the grave. [06:41]

- Boldness in Jesus' Teachings: Jesus did not shy away from speaking hard truths. He challenged the religious leaders, spoke about judgment, and called His followers to radical obedience. His teachings remind us that following Him requires prioritizing Him above all else. [09:14]

- Living Without Fear: Understanding Jesus' power should lead us to live fearlessly. He is the one who determines our destiny, and His resurrection power is alive in us today. This assurance allows us to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that He is with us. [47:50]

- Call to Radical Obedience: Jesus calls us to follow Him wholeheartedly, teaching others to obey His commands. This involves a commitment to live out His teachings and to make disciples of all nations, immersing ourselves in His presence and power. [43:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:17] - Opening Scripture and Prayer
- [01:18] - A Lighthearted Challenge
- [03:45] - Underestimating Jesus' Power
- [04:59] - The Image of Jesus
- [06:26] - Celebrating Jesus' Power
- [07:59] - Jesus' Ministry Begins
- [09:00] - Bold Teachings of Jesus
- [10:55] - Jesus Calms the Storm
- [12:07] - Demons Recognize Jesus
- [14:32] - Jesus Heals the Paralyzed
- [16:19] - Fear the One with True Power
- [18:27] - The Fear of the Lord
- [21:19] - Jesus Walks on Water
- [24:00] - Building His Church
- [27:02] - Jesus Predicts His Death
- [28:55] - Cleansing the Temple
- [31:00] - The Wedding Feast Parable
- [33:33] - Jesus' Return
- [36:06] - The Final Judgment
- [41:20] - The Resurrection
- [43:01] - The Great Commission
- [46:07] - God's Universe, His Way
- [48:51] - Worship and Response

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Revelation 1:17-18 - "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades."
2. Matthew 28:18-20 - "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.'"
3. Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus calms the storm, demonstrating His authority over nature.

Observation Questions:
1. In Revelation 1:17-18, what does Jesus claim about Himself, and how does this relate to His authority over life and death? [00:17]
2. How does Jesus demonstrate His power and authority in Matthew 8:23-27 when He calms the storm? What was the reaction of the disciples? [11:24]
3. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what command does Jesus give to His disciples, and what assurance does He provide them? [43:01]
4. In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the common misconceptions about Jesus' image and power? [04:59]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Jesus' statement in Revelation 1:17-18 imply about His role in the believer's life, especially concerning fear and assurance? [47:50]
2. How does the calming of the storm in Matthew 8:23-27 illustrate the disciples' understanding of Jesus' identity and power? How might this event have changed their perception of Him? [11:24]
3. In what ways does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 challenge believers to live out their faith? How does Jesus' promise of His presence impact this mission? [43:01]
4. How does the pastor's emphasis on Jesus' power and authority challenge the listener's understanding of who Jesus is? [04:59]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you underestimated Jesus' power in your life. How can you begin to see Him as the powerful Savior He truly is? [04:59]
2. Jesus calls us to live without fear, knowing He holds the keys to death and Hades. What fears are currently holding you back, and how can you surrender them to Jesus? [47:50]
3. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. Identify one person in your life who you can share your faith with this week. What steps will you take to engage them in a spiritual conversation? [43:01]
4. Jesus' teachings often included hard truths. Is there a specific teaching of Jesus that you find challenging to accept or live out? How can you work on embracing this teaching more fully? [09:14]
5. Consider the areas in your life where you might be prioritizing relationships or possessions over Jesus. What changes can you make to ensure He is your top priority? [18:15]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of Jesus' power and authority in your daily life? What practices or habits can help you focus on His strength and presence? [48:51]
7. Reflect on the pastor's call to radical obedience. What is one area of your life where you feel called to step out in faith and obedience to Jesus' commands? [43:01]

Devotional

Day 1: The Powerful Savior We Often Overlook
Many people hold an image of Jesus as a gentle and compassionate figure, often depicted in art as meek and mild. However, the scriptures reveal a much more powerful and authoritative Jesus, one who commands the elements, confronts religious leaders, and speaks boldly about judgment and righteousness. This understanding challenges us to see Him as the powerful Savior He truly is. Jesus' ministry was marked by acts of immense power, such as calming storms, casting out demons, and healing the sick. These acts were not just demonstrations of His divine authority but also reminders of His ultimate power over life and death. His resurrection is the pinnacle of this power, showcasing His victory over death and His eternal reign. [04:59]

Matthew 8:26-27 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?' Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, 'What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?'"

Reflection: How does your current view of Jesus align with the powerful and authoritative figure described in the scriptures? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of His true nature today?


Day 2: Jesus' Victory Over Death
Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of His power over death. He holds the keys to death and Hades, reminding us that our lives are in His hands. This truth should embolden us to live without fear, knowing that our Savior is victorious over the grave. The resurrection is not just a past event but a present reality that empowers us to live boldly for Him. As we celebrate His resurrection, we are reminded that His power is alive in us today, enabling us to face life's challenges with confidence. [06:41]

Revelation 1:17-18 (ESV): "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, 'Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel fear or uncertainty? How can the truth of Jesus' victory over death give you courage and confidence in those areas today?


Day 3: The Boldness of Jesus' Teachings
Jesus did not shy away from speaking hard truths. He challenged the religious leaders, spoke about judgment, and called His followers to radical obedience. His teachings remind us that following Him requires prioritizing Him above all else, even above our closest relationships and possessions. Jesus' boldness in confronting the religious and societal norms of His time serves as a model for us to live with conviction and courage. His call to radical obedience is a call to live out His teachings and to make disciples of all nations. [09:14]

Matthew 10:37-39 (ESV): "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from fully obeying Jesus' teachings? What practical steps can you take to prioritize Him above all else today?


Day 4: Living Fearlessly in Jesus' Power
Understanding Jesus' power should lead us to live fearlessly. He is the one who determines our destiny, and His resurrection power is alive in us today. This assurance allows us to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that He is with us. As we embrace the true power of Jesus, we are called to live without fear, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness. This fearless living is not about the absence of fear but about the presence of faith in the One who holds our future. [47:50]

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Reflection: What is one fear that is holding you back from living boldly for Jesus? How can you rely on His power and presence to overcome that fear today?


Day 5: The Call to Radical Obedience
Jesus calls us to follow Him wholeheartedly, teaching others to obey His commands. This involves a commitment to live out His teachings and to make disciples of all nations, immersing ourselves in His presence and power. The Great Commission is not just a command but an invitation to participate in His mission. As we embrace this call, we are empowered by His presence to live out our faith in tangible ways, impacting the world around us for His glory. [43:01]

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 is one person in your life that you can intentionally disciple or share the love of Jesus with this week? What steps can you take to invest in their spiritual growth today?

Quotes



Easter is a time when we celebrate his power okay Easter is a time when we celebrate what we read there in in Revelation when he says yeah I was dead and now I'm alive forever more and I hold the keys to death in Hades that's what we celebrate is a Jesus of power. [00:06:30]

Jesus says do not fear Those Who Kill the body but cannot kill the soul rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and Body in hell do you understand jesus' message when he came to this earth he says stop being afraid of everyone else what are they going to do kill you so they kill you. [00:16:07]

Jesus says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom God God says that he says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom we got to learn to fear Him Jesus was very very very clear chapter 11 he confronts whole cities he looks at these cities shows does all these miracles in them. [00:18:27]

Jesus says you know what don't be afraid of people and even as I was reading it this morning I'm going yeah yeah people aren't going to like this but I don't care why would I be afraid of you what are you going to do email me you know well you know G Jesus says look why are you afraid of people. [00:17:00]

Jesus says the son of man is the lord of the Sabbath Sabbath he goes you're all into these rules about oh you can't do any work on the Sabbath day he goes absolutely he goes that but he goes first of all understand the reason why I I made that rule yeah I made it he understand why I made that rule. [00:19:18]

Jesus says the son of man will send his angels and they'll gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law Breakers and throw them into the fiery furnace in that place there will be weeping and nashing of teeth later on verse 49 so will be at the close of the age the angels will come out. [00:20:19]

Jesus says you understand what's going to happen at the end I'm going to bring my angels down here and some of you going to be gathered up and thrown into the fiery furnace now again some of you guys hear that and go man I don't like this I don't I don't like Jesus saying that so let's just pretend. [00:20:50]

Jesus says you know what everyone's against me everyone hates me what whatever he goes you know what but when you said that I was the Christ you were right and Peter I want you to know I'm going to build my church and the Gates of Hell won't stop me do you understand how powerful I am. [00:24:00]

Jesus says all authority in heaven and on Earth has been given to me go therefore and Make Disciples of all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you and behold I'm with you always even to the end of the age. [00:43:01]

Jesus says fear not I'm the first and the last the living one I died and behold I'm alive forever more and I have the keys of death in Hades do you understand when Jesus said this Jesus said this after rising from the grave after a ascending into heaven he comes back in his glorified State. [00:46:07]

Jesus says when I come back I'm going to come back with all of my glory and literally there'll be a hundred million angels with me and I'm going to sit on a throne and I'm going to take everyone in this room everyone else in SEI Valley Thousand Oaks the whole valley La in fact everyone on the earth. [00:36:06]

Jesus says when the son of man comes in his glory and all the angels with him he'll sit on a glorious throne and before him will be gathered all the nations see when I hear when you hear the name Jesus this is what I want you to think about because this is what this is the way you're going to actually see him. [00:36:06]

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Transcript
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