Empowered Authority: Living in Christ's Righteousness
Summary
In our journey through Ephesians, particularly chapter 1, we have been exploring the profound concept of authority in the life of a believer. This authority is not limited to pastors or those with titles but is available to every believer. The essence of this teaching is that Jesus, through His obedience and resurrection, has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. This authority is not just for Him to wield but is extended to us as His followers. We are called to operate in this authority, not based on our feelings or worthiness, but because of our position in Christ.
The authority we have is rooted in our righteousness, which is a gift from Jesus. It is not something we earn or achieve through our actions but is granted to us because of His sacrifice. This righteousness empowers us to act with authority in various aspects of life, whether it be preaching the gospel, healing the sick, or casting out demons. The key is to understand that our authority is not diminished by our feelings or past mistakes. Just as a police officer operates under the authority of the law, we operate under the authority of Christ.
We must recognize that the enemy will try to undermine our confidence by reminding us of our past sins or current struggles. However, our authority is not based on our perfection but on our position in Christ. We are righteous because He is righteous, and this righteousness gives us the authority to confront and overcome the challenges we face. It is crucial to remember that our authority flows from love and righteousness, and as we grow in our relationship with Christ, we become more effective in exercising this authority.
In practical terms, this means that when we encounter situations that are contrary to God's will, we have the authority to address them. Whether it's a personal struggle, a family issue, or a community challenge, we can speak with the authority of heaven backing us. This authority is not about being loud or forceful but about standing firm in the truth of who we are in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Authority in Christ: Every believer has been given authority through Christ's resurrection. This authority is not based on our feelings or worthiness but on our position in Him. We are called to exercise this authority in our daily lives, knowing that it is backed by the power of heaven. [04:14]
- Righteousness as the Foundation: Our authority is rooted in the righteousness given to us by Jesus. This righteousness is not earned but is a gift, allowing us to operate in authority regardless of our past mistakes or current feelings. [15:17]
- Confronting the Enemy: The enemy will attempt to undermine our confidence by reminding us of our sins. However, our authority is not diminished by these accusations. We must stand firm in the truth that we are righteous in Christ and have the authority to overcome. [28:16]
- Practical Application of Authority: We are called to address situations that are contrary to God's will with the authority given to us. This involves speaking to the issues with confidence, knowing that we have the backing of heaven. [12:35]
- Growing in Relationship with Christ: As we deepen our relationship with Christ, we become more effective in exercising our authority. This growth is not about achieving perfection but about being more in Him and allowing His righteousness to flow through us. [36:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:25] - Training the Saints
[04:14] - Understanding Authority
[05:58] - Jesus' Authority
[07:39] - Our Role in Authority
[09:16] - Authority Beyond Feelings
[11:19] - Spiritual Authority
[12:35] - Exercising Authority
[14:04] - Authority and Righteousness
[15:17] - Righteousness and Authority
[16:07] - Real-Life Authority
[19:05] - Willingness to Be Free
[23:13] - Authority in Action
[28:16] - Enemy's Accusations
[36:22] - Growing in Righteousness
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 1:19-23
2. Matthew 28:18-20
3. 1 John 3:5-8
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 1:19-23, what has God placed under Jesus' authority, and how does this relate to the church? [04:14]
2. In Matthew 28:18-20, what command does Jesus give to His disciples after declaring His authority?
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between a believer's feelings and their authority in Christ? [09:16]
4. What example from the sermon illustrates the practical application of spiritual authority in confronting demonic forces? [19:54]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of authority in Ephesians 1:19-23 shape a believer's understanding of their role in the church and the world?
2. What implications does Jesus' command in Matthew 28:18-20 have for believers today in terms of their mission and authority?
3. The sermon mentions that authority is not diminished by feelings or past mistakes. How can this understanding impact a believer's confidence in exercising their authority? [09:16]
4. In what ways does the story of Rick Renner in the sermon illustrate the challenges believers might face when exercising spiritual authority? [28:16]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a situation in your life where you felt powerless. How might understanding your authority in Christ change your approach to that situation? [12:35]
2. Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations. What practical steps can you take this week to share your faith with someone in your community? [05:58]
3. The sermon emphasizes that our authority is rooted in righteousness. How can you remind yourself of your righteousness in Christ when facing accusations or self-doubt? [15:17]
4. Consider a personal or family challenge you are currently facing. How can you apply the authority given to you in Christ to address this issue? [12:35]
5. The sermon discusses the importance of growing in a relationship with Christ to effectively exercise authority. What specific actions can you take to deepen your relationship with Him this month? [36:22]
6. How can you ensure that your exercise of authority is motivated by love and righteousness rather than pride or self-interest? [14:04]
7. Think of a time when you allowed past mistakes to undermine your confidence. How can you use the truths from this sermon to overcome that mindset and walk in your God-given authority? [28:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Authority Rooted in Christ's Resurrection
Every believer has been granted authority through the resurrection of Christ. This authority is not contingent upon personal feelings or perceived worthiness but is firmly established in our position in Him. As followers of Christ, we are called to exercise this authority in our daily lives, assured that it is supported by the power of heaven. This understanding empowers us to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that we are not alone but are backed by divine authority. [04:14]
Ephesians 1:19-21 (ESV): "And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to step out in the authority given to you by Christ? How can you begin to exercise this authority today?
Day 2: Righteousness as the Foundation of Authority
Our authority as believers is deeply rooted in the righteousness that Jesus has bestowed upon us. This righteousness is not something we earn through our actions but is a gift that allows us to operate in authority regardless of our past mistakes or current feelings. Understanding this truth helps us to act with confidence, knowing that our authority is not diminished by our imperfections. Just as a police officer operates under the authority of the law, we operate under the authority of Christ, empowered by His righteousness. [15:17]
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: Reflect on a past mistake that still affects your confidence. How can embracing the gift of righteousness help you move forward in authority?
Day 3: Standing Firm Against the Enemy's Accusations
The enemy often seeks to undermine our confidence by reminding us of our sins and struggles. However, our authority in Christ is not diminished by these accusations. We must stand firm in the truth that we are righteous in Christ and have the authority to overcome any challenge. This understanding empowers us to confront the enemy's lies and live victoriously, knowing that our position in Christ is secure. [28:16]
Revelation 12:10-11 (ESV): "And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, 'Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.'"
Reflection: What accusations from the enemy do you need to reject today? How can you remind yourself of your righteousness in Christ when these accusations arise?
Day 4: Exercising Authority in Alignment with God's Will
We are called to address situations that are contrary to God's will with the authority given to us. This involves speaking to the issues with confidence, knowing that we have the backing of heaven. Our authority is not about being loud or forceful but about standing firm in the truth of who we are in Christ. As we align ourselves with God's will, we become effective instruments of His power and love in the world. [12:35]
Matthew 16:19 (ESV): "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
Reflection: Identify a situation in your life that is contrary to God's will. How can you use your authority in Christ to address it today?
Day 5: Growing in Relationship with Christ to Enhance Authority
As we deepen our relationship with Christ, we become more effective in exercising our authority. This growth is not about achieving perfection but about being more in Him and allowing His righteousness to flow through us. As we grow closer to Christ, we gain a clearer understanding of our authority and how to use it to bring about God's purposes in our lives and the world around us. [36:22]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Christ this week? How might this growth enhance your ability to exercise authority in your life?
Quotes
1. "And Pastor Peter preached, and I appreciate your... You're welcoming him, and it's good. You know, we've got some of the most amazing Bible teachers and preachers here in this church. We're so blessed. And I'm not talking about myself. I'm talking about others. I mean, there's even people you haven't heard from yet that you need to. And it's always good because, you know, I've always said this, and, you know, 22 -plus years ago, when I first came here as the pastor, and 20 years ago when I became the senior pastor, one of the things I said is, you know, I said, I'm not going to lay hands on everybody all the time. I'm not going to be the only one to lay hands on anybody or everybody. And I met a little resistance with that because that's what people were used to. They were used to me laying, or the pastor laying hands on people. That's great. That's how God led him. But I said, my goal is to train up the saints to do the work of the ministry and to get people using the gifts that God has given them." [00:00:53] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "To train up the saints. This revival, this move of God on the earth that's happening right now, whether you know it or not, that this move of God is not just for the ministry or the ministers or the pastors or those with titles. It is for every single human being. It's for everyone. It's for everyone. The second chapter of Acts says that he will pour out his spirit on all flesh. Not just this flesh. It's all flesh. Everybody, everybody who knows Jesus, everybody, and I'm speaking to you guys, everybody is anointed. You're anointed to preach the good news. However that is, is, whether it's over a cup of coffee with somebody, whether it's on a street corner, or whether it's in a pulpit. We're all called to be about the work of the ministry." [00:03:04] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "But how do you take that? How do you receive that authority? How do you use that authority? And why? How and why is always the question. How can I actually do that? Today, I believe I'm going to get into that. I've been heading there for weeks and I keep getting on something else. Ephesians chapter 1. This is where we started. We'll go back there just to try to ground us a bit. Ephesians 1, chapter 1, beginning with verse 1. Verse 19. And he put all things under his foot. And he, God the Father, put all things under his, Jesus the Son, under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is the body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. Because of his obedience, Jesus received all authority. Not just some, not just 99 .9%. He received all authority." [00:04:19] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Now, the only reason he may not be in charge in your life is you've not submitted to his authority. Do that. Quickly. Make it happen. But in that authority, in that power, in that place of leadership, he then said this in Matthew. I know we're going from Ephesians back to Matthew, but what Paul is saying is a universal truth. The truth is all power and all authority has been given to Jesus. And this is what Jesus said after he raised from the dead, after all authority. It wasn't when he got back up into heaven, after leaving the earth in Acts chapter 1, when he received the authority. He received the authority when he rose from the dead. When he rose from the dead, he was given that all authority, all power in every way." [00:05:47] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Authority is the key to faith. One in authority can give orders regardless of how they feel. Let me say that one again. One in authority can give orders regardless of how they feel. You're in authority no matter how you feel. feel right now? Do you feel like you're in authority? Now, I'll just be honest with you. When I woke up this morning, I did not feel in authority. I woke up and I was like, oh, here we go. Not because I didn't want to come to church, just I didn't want to get up. I don't know if anybody else is there. Not really, you know, faith man, power man. I wake up and everyone, hey, we're ready to go here." [00:09:12] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You don't wake up all the time. You don't always feel, especially what we're about to talk here, and we've talked about it before, I'm not going to go into super depth, but there are times when you are living your life and you make mistakes. And you don't feel, I don't, I certainly don't feel like I have authority to cast out demons. I have authority to tear down strongholds. I have authority to whatever. I don't feel that way. But here's the truth. It does not diminish, how you feel does not diminish your authority. You have the exact same amount of authority. We've talked about that with the police officer. Police officer is a person in authority. He's in a uniform and he's in a car that is owned by the government and they give him authority to oversee people, oversee culture." [00:10:22] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And if there are infractions to the code of understanding, law in their case, if there's an infraction, they have the authority to stop you, to detain you, and they have the authority, once you've been judged, to punish you. The authorities have that authority to deal with the infraction. The same way in the Spirit. That authority, who is in authority on this earth right now? We are. We are. We are. Why doesn't Jesus do something? Why doesn't God do something? He's done it. It's already happened. Now it's up to us. So what do we do? We do what he tells us to do. We are led by him, and it may be a whole bunch of things. Start with prayer. We talked about that two weeks ago. Start with prayer." [00:11:19] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Jesus, please help me is not what we need to do. Jesus, save me. He's already saved you. He's already given you all the things you need for life and godliness. What you need to do is, hey, I've got the uniform. I've got the badge. I've got the weapon. Hey! Hey! There's an infraction. You stop. You stop. Not, oh, Jesus, please stop them. See what I'm saying? Whatever that infraction is. I don't know what the, whatever, I mean, I do know. See, I'm sorry. I do know what the infractions are. We're actually going to get into some of the infractions. And it isn't, Jesus, please fix that. Jesus, please fix this. Jesus, help me. I mean, he wants to help us. He does help us." [00:12:45] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "But you know how Jesus helps us? He sits at the right hand of the Father and says, they got my authority. That's all the help you need. That's all the authority, all power, the highest name above all names. We have that backing us up so that when we look at whatever the infraction is and we say, stop it, we have all the authority of heaven backing us up. That's how authority works. It's not because of you, me. It's not because of us as individuals. It's because of him. We're operating in his authority. But it is not based on your feelings. If you are dealing with whatever it is and you feel like you're defeated, tell yourself to stop it. I don't care how I feel." [00:13:29] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Authority in the kingdom flows from love. It flows from righteousness. The reason you have authority is you are righteous. You're not becoming righteous. You're not hoping to be righteous one day. You are righteous. Do you feel righteous? Wow. I know this is where the being of the teacher and the pastor, and I know the answer. I don't always feel righteous, but I am righteous. So yes, praise God. At that point, we can then feel righteous. Why? Because I'm so good? No, it has nothing to do with my goodness. It has nothing to do with my sinlessness, my infractionlessness. Put that one down, Pastor Greg. Pastor Greg writes down the words I make up. And he keeps track. Infractionlessness." [00:14:21] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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