Empowered Authority: Living Boldly in Christ
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound authority that believers have in Christ, as illustrated in Luke 4 and other scriptures. The central theme is the authority that Jesus demonstrated and how that same authority is available to us as believers. Jesus taught with authority, and when He spoke, things happened. This authority is not just for the apostles or special individuals; it is for every believer who is in Christ. We are reminded that being in Christ means we are filled with the fullness of God, and thus, we have the authority to act in His name.
The sermon emphasized the importance of understanding our identity in Christ. We are not mere sinners or worms; we are new creations filled with God's power. This understanding transforms how we live and operate in the world. The authority we have is not based on our merit but on the grace of God. It is a free gift that empowers us to fulfill God's will on earth.
We also discussed practical examples of this authority in action, such as the story of Peter and John healing the lame man and Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. These stories illustrate that when we speak with authority and expect results, miracles happen. The key is to believe and not doubt, to act with the confidence that comes from knowing who we are in Christ.
Finally, we were challenged to step out in faith and use the authority given to us. Whether it's praying for healing or speaking life into situations, we are called to act boldly, knowing that God backs His word with power. The story of Benson Idahosa serves as an inspiring example of what can happen when one person takes God at His word and acts on it.
Key Takeaways:
1. Authority in Christ: As believers, we possess the same authority that Jesus demonstrated. This authority is not based on our own merit but is a gift from God, given to us because we are in Christ. Understanding this truth changes how we live and interact with the world. [47:33]
2. Identity in Christ: We are not defined by our past or our sins. In Christ, we are new creations, filled with the fullness of God. This identity empowers us to live boldly and confidently, knowing that we have the authority to act in His name. [55:17]
3. Expectation of Miracles: When we speak with authority and expect results, miracles happen. The key is to believe and not doubt, acting with the confidence that comes from knowing who we are in Christ. [01:06:25]
4. Practical Application: We are called to step out in faith and use the authority given to us. Whether it's praying for healing or speaking life into situations, we are to act boldly, knowing that God backs His word with power. [01:09:51]
5. Inspiration from Benson Idahosa: The story of Benson Idahosa illustrates the power of taking God at His word and acting on it. His life serves as an example of what can happen when one person believes and acts with the authority given by Christ. [01:25:59]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [43:58] - Introduction to Luke 4
- [45:09] - Importance of Being in the Word
- [47:33] - Jesus' Authority in Teaching
- [48:51] - Encounter with an Unclean Spirit
- [49:49] - Jesus Rebukes the Demon
- [51:57] - Understanding Authority
- [52:36] - Our Identity in Christ
- [53:23] - Being Filled with the Fullness of God
- [54:35] - Rejecting Empty Philosophy
- [57:48] - Living as the Righteousness of God
- [58:22] - Exercising Authority in Daily Life
- [01:02:33] - Apostles' Example of Authority
- [01:09:09] - Speaking with Authority
- [01:25:59] - Benson Idahosa's Story
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 4:31-36
- Ephesians 1:19-23
- Acts 3:1-10
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 4:31-36, how did the people react to Jesus' teaching, and what was unique about His authority? [47:33]
2. According to Ephesians 1:19-23, what does it mean that Christ has been raised to all authority, and how does this relate to believers? [51:57]
3. In Acts 3:1-10, what was Peter and John's response to the lame man, and what does this reveal about their understanding of authority? [01:04:04]
4. How did the sermon illustrate the concept of authority through the story of Benson Idahosa? [01:25:59]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for believers to be "in Christ" and how does this identity impact their authority in the world? [55:17]
2. How can the expectation of miracles, as discussed in the sermon, influence a believer's faith and actions? [01:06:25]
3. What role does faith play in exercising authority, as demonstrated in the story of Peter and John healing the lame man? [01:07:44]
4. How does the story of Benson Idahosa challenge traditional views of who can perform miracles and exercise authority in Christ? [01:25:59]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your understanding of your identity in Christ. How does this understanding influence your daily life and decisions? [55:17]
2. Think of a situation in your life where you need to exercise authority in Christ. What steps can you take to act with confidence and faith in that situation? [01:09:51]
3. Have you ever doubted your ability to act with authority in Christ? What can you do to overcome these doubts and strengthen your faith? [01:06:25]
4. Consider a time when you witnessed or experienced a miracle. How did it impact your faith, and how can you cultivate an expectation for miracles in your life? [01:06:25]
5. How can the story of Benson Idahosa inspire you to take bold steps in your faith journey? What is one specific action you can take this week to act on God's word? [01:25:59]
6. Identify an area in your life where you feel powerless. How can you apply the authority given to you in Christ to transform that area? [01:09:51]
7. What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of the authority you have in Christ, especially in challenging situations? [01:09:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Authority in Christ Transforms Our Lives
As believers, we are endowed with the same authority that Jesus demonstrated during His earthly ministry. This authority is not something we earn through our own efforts or merits; rather, it is a divine gift bestowed upon us because we are in Christ. Understanding this profound truth can radically change how we live and interact with the world around us. When we grasp the reality of our authority in Christ, we begin to see ourselves not as powerless individuals but as empowered agents of God's kingdom, capable of making a significant impact in our spheres of influence. This authority enables us to act in Jesus' name, bringing about transformation and change wherever we go. [47:33]
"And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal." (Luke 9:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel powerless? How can you begin to exercise the authority given to you in Christ to bring about change in those areas today?
Day 2: Embracing Our New Identity in Christ
In Christ, we are not defined by our past mistakes or sins. Instead, we are new creations, filled with the fullness of God. This new identity empowers us to live boldly and confidently, knowing that we have the authority to act in His name. Embracing this identity means rejecting the lies and labels that the world or our past may try to impose on us. It means living as the righteousness of God, fully aware of the power and authority that resides within us because of our union with Christ. This understanding transforms our self-perception and the way we engage with the world, enabling us to live out our God-given purpose with courage and conviction. [55:17]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: What past labels or identities do you need to let go of to fully embrace your new identity in Christ? How can this shift in identity impact your daily interactions and decisions?
Day 3: Expecting Miracles Through Faith and Authority
When we speak with the authority given to us in Christ and expect results, miracles can happen. The key is to believe without doubting, acting with the confidence that comes from knowing who we are in Christ. This expectation of miracles is not about demanding God to act according to our will but aligning ourselves with His will and purposes. As we grow in our understanding of our identity and authority in Christ, our faith is strengthened, and we begin to see the supernatural as a natural part of our lives. This expectation of miracles is rooted in a deep trust in God's power and faithfulness, knowing that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. [01:06:25]
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need a miracle? How can you align your prayers and actions with God's will to see His power at work in that situation?
Day 4: Boldly Applying Our Authority in Daily Life
We are called to step out in faith and use the authority given to us in Christ. Whether it's praying for healing, speaking life into situations, or standing against injustice, we are to act boldly, knowing that God backs His word with power. This practical application of our authority requires courage and a willingness to take risks, trusting that God is with us every step of the way. As we exercise our authority in daily life, we become conduits of God's love, grace, and power, bringing His kingdom to earth in tangible ways. This boldness is not about self-confidence but a deep reliance on God's strength and promises, knowing that He is faithful to accomplish His purposes through us. [01:09:51]
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific situation where you can step out in faith and apply your authority in Christ today? How can you rely on God's strength and promises as you take this step?
Day 5: Inspired by Benson Idahosa's Faith and Action
The story of Benson Idahosa serves as a powerful example of what can happen when one person takes God at His word and acts on it. His life illustrates the transformative power of faith and the authority given by Christ. When we believe and act with the authority we have in Christ, we can see extraordinary things happen in our lives and the lives of those around us. Idahosa's story challenges us to move beyond mere belief to action, trusting that God will honor His word and work through us to accomplish His purposes. This inspiration calls us to live with a sense of expectancy and boldness, knowing that God is able to do great things through those who are willing to step out in faith. [01:25:59]
"And Jesus answered them, 'Have faith in God. 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.'" (Mark 11:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: How can Benson Idahosa's example inspire you to take bold steps of faith in your own life? What is one specific action you can take today to demonstrate your faith and authority in Christ?
Quotes
1. "And you only have to catch up a week, which is easy. You could do that in an afternoon. Anybody can do it. Anybody can do it. So I encourage you to be in the Word. That is the bottom line. Whether you're doing the reading with us or whether you're doing the reading on your own or however you might be doing it, it is good to be reading the Bible. Because the Bible is the one that has the answers." ([00:44:29] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "But it's good to be in the Word for yourself. Because as you read, you go, wow, I didn't know that was in there. Had somebody post on the daily reading. So we have a group for anybody who's wanting to be a part of that. We have a group on Facebook. And you can get to that group by going through our Facebook page. There's a link to it there. You can join. You can invite other people to be a part of it." ([00:45:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "In him, the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily. In Jesus, in Christ, the fullness of God dwells. The fullness of God dwelt in him on the earth, and still dwells in him. But now we've been taken out of sin. We've been taken out of this, this world system. And we are now placed in him." ([00:54:48] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "If you're saved, if you're born again, you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. And if you wake up in the morning going, I'm nothing but a sinner, that's pretty much how you're going to live your life that day. And the first thing, the first time you need the power of God, you're going to go, oh, I'm not worthy. I better go find somebody who is." ([00:57:48] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "You don't have to go find somebody else who's anointed. You're anointed. You have authority. If you get nothing, if you get absolutely nothing out of this whole series, the fact that you are anointed, you are anointed, you are anointed, you are anointed, you're the one who has the authority to fulfill. Every word in that Bible." ([00:59:14] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "Because you are in him, you now have all of the authority of Jesus Christ. Not because you earned it. Not because you deserve it. Not because you did anything. Remember Ephesians 2? It's the grace of God. It's a free gift. I mean, come on. The best gift ever. The best gift ever." ([01:01:09] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "Any one of us, every one of us, can use our authority to speak the will of God out in this earth. Why do we pray? Why did we pray for five days straight, two hours a day during the week, two weeks a week devoted? Because I believe, and many people believe, that when we speak, the will of God is performed on the earth." ([01:09:01] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "We have to believe that the, that the, the very breath that we use has the same authority as when Jesus, or when, when Jesus, because it says that he created, when God created the heavens and the earth, he said, let there be light. It's the same authority." ([01:10:40] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "Don't ever think that somehow you can do something to get God to do something because he has already done everything he's going to do. He's already done it. You don't have to beg God." ([01:22:03] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "You don't have to beg. You don't have to cry. You don't have to plead. You don't have to try to prove your point why it's important that God does what you want him to do. All you have to do is speak with authority. That's it. That is literally it. Well, that's too easy. I know. Isn't that awesome? It is too easy. Praise God." ([01:24:05] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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