Empowered Faith: Transforming Lives Through God's Authority
Summary
In this Christmas season, we are reminded of the profound simplicity and power of faith. Faith is not a complex concept; it is about believing and trusting in God. The essence of overcoming the battles we face lies in understanding the authority we have been given, recognizing our anointing, and using our words to declare God's promises. Genesis 1:26 reminds us of the authority bestowed upon us, which was reclaimed by Jesus, the second Adam, through His victory over death. This authority is our right, and it empowers us to stand firm against the enemy.
We are anointed because the Holy Spirit dwells within us, granting us both the right and the power to overcome challenges. Our words, when aligned with God's Word, carry the power of life and death, as Proverbs teaches. Speaking God's Word with faith can change our circumstances and the world around us. The story of Mary in Luke 1 exemplifies this faith. Her belief in God's promise led to the fulfillment of His word, demonstrating that faith activates the authority and anointing we possess.
Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. This is not merely a definition but a description of faith's behavior. Faith is determined, committed, and unrelenting. It is the foundation of our Christian walk, enabling us to believe in what we cannot yet see. The elders of the Old Testament exemplified this tenacious faith, obtaining good testimonies by standing firm on God's promises.
Faith is transformative, capable of reshaping our world and circumstances. Like a potter with clay, God can take our lives, no matter how chaotic, and mold them into something beautiful. This transformation is not about creating something new but about altering the existing to align with God's purpose. As we enter a new year, let us have faith that God will reshape and transform our lives and the world around us.
Key Takeaways:
- Authority in Christ: We have been given authority through Christ's victory, which empowers us to stand against the enemy. This authority is our right, and understanding it is the first step in overcoming spiritual battles. [00:58]
- Anointing of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit's presence within us anoints us with power. This anointing, combined with our authority, equips us to face any challenge the enemy presents. [02:00]
- Power of Words: Our words, when aligned with God's Word, have the power to bring life and change. Speaking God's promises with faith can transform our circumstances and the world around us. [03:52]
- Faith as Substance: Faith is the substance of things hoped for, requiring belief before seeing. It is determined, committed, and unrelenting, forming the foundation of our Christian walk. [09:43]
- Transformative Faith: Faith has the power to reshape our lives and the world, like a potter molding clay. This transformation aligns us with God's purpose, changing not only our circumstances but also our reputation and impact. [32:45]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:58] - Understanding Our Authority
- [02:00] - The Anointing of the Holy Spirit
- [03:52] - The Power of Words
- [05:39] - Mary's Leap of Faith
- [07:22] - Believing in God's Promises
- [08:44] - Exploring Hebrews 11:1
- [09:43] - Faith as Substance
- [10:46] - The Behavior of Faith
- [11:39] - Determined and Committed Faith
- [12:51] - The Elders' Good Testimony
- [14:20] - Tenacious Faith
- [16:20] - The Hall of Faith
- [18:38] - Changing Our World by Faith
- [20:56] - Be the Change You Want to See
- [22:00] - Transformative Power of Faith
- [25:45] - The Woman with the Issue of Blood
- [28:07] - The Power of a Rhema Word
- [32:45] - Faith as a Potter's Clay
- [37:00] - Faith's Act of Transformation
- [38:04] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:26
2. Luke 1:39-45
3. Hebrews 11:1-3
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:26, what authority was given to humanity, and how does the sermon explain its significance in our spiritual battles? [00:58]
2. In Luke 1:39-45, how did Mary's faith impact Elizabeth and the baby she was carrying? What does this tell us about the power of faith? [05:39]
3. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as the substance of things hoped for. How does the sermon expand on this description of faith? [09:43]
4. What examples from the Old Testament elders are mentioned in the sermon to illustrate tenacious faith? [16:20]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding our authority in Christ, as mentioned in Genesis 1:26, change the way we approach spiritual challenges? [02:00]
2. The sermon discusses the anointing of the Holy Spirit. How does this anointing empower believers to face life's challenges? [03:52]
3. In what ways does the story of Mary in Luke 1 demonstrate the activation of faith through belief in God's promises? [07:22]
4. How does the concept of faith as a "substance" in Hebrews 11:1 challenge common perceptions of faith as merely belief without evidence? [10:46]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How might recognizing your authority in Christ have changed your approach to that situation? [02:00]
2. The sermon emphasizes the power of words. Can you recall a time when speaking God's promises changed your circumstances? How can you incorporate this practice into your daily life? [03:52]
3. Mary believed in God's promise despite her circumstances. What promises from God are you currently holding onto, and how can you strengthen your faith in them? [07:22]
4. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as determined and unrelenting. Identify an area in your life where you need to apply this kind of faith. What steps can you take to cultivate it? [11:39]
5. The sermon suggests that faith can reshape our world like a potter molds clay. What aspect of your life do you feel needs reshaping, and how can you invite God into that process? [32:45]
6. Consider the transformative power of faith discussed in the sermon. How can you be the change you want to see in your community or family? [20:56]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of having a rhema word from God. How can you position yourself to hear and receive such a word in your current season? [30:19]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Embracing Our Authority in Christ
Description:
Understanding the authority given to us through Christ's victory is crucial for overcoming spiritual battles. Genesis 1:26 speaks of the authority originally bestowed upon humanity, which was reclaimed by Jesus, the second Adam, through His triumph over death. This authority is not just a concept but a right that empowers believers to stand firm against the enemy. Recognizing and embracing this authority is the first step in overcoming the challenges we face in our spiritual journey. By acknowledging this power, we can confidently confront and resist the adversities that come our way. [00:58]
Bible Passage:
"And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'" (Genesis 1:28, ESV)
Reflection:
In what areas of your life do you need to exercise the authority given to you by Christ? How can you begin to stand firm against the challenges you face today?
Day 2: Living in the Anointing of the Holy Spirit
Description:
The presence of the Holy Spirit within us anoints us with power, equipping us to face any challenge the enemy presents. This anointing, combined with the authority we have in Christ, empowers us to overcome obstacles and live victoriously. The Holy Spirit's indwelling is not just a theological concept but a transformative reality that enables us to live out our faith with boldness and confidence. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can navigate life's difficulties with divine strength and wisdom. [02:00]
Bible Passage:
"But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge." (1 John 2:20, ESV)
Reflection:
How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life? What steps can you take to rely more on His power and guidance?
Day 3: Harnessing the Power of Words
Description:
Our words, when aligned with God's Word, have the power to bring life and change. Proverbs teaches that the tongue holds the power of life and death, emphasizing the significance of speaking God's promises with faith. By declaring God's Word over our circumstances, we can transform not only our lives but also the world around us. This principle is not just about positive thinking but about aligning our speech with divine truth, which has the power to alter reality. [03:52]
Bible Passage:
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." (Proverbs 18:21, ESV)
Reflection:
What words have you been speaking over your life and circumstances? How can you begin to align your speech with God's promises today?
Day 4: Faith as the Substance of Hope
Description:
Faith is described in Hebrews 11:1 as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. This description highlights faith's behavior as determined, committed, and unrelenting. It forms the foundation of our Christian walk, enabling us to believe in what we cannot yet see. The elders of the Old Testament exemplified this tenacious faith, obtaining good testimonies by standing firm on God's promises. Faith is not passive but active, requiring us to trust in God's word and His timing. [09:43]
Bible Passage:
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you need to exercise faith in what you cannot yet see? How can you actively trust God in this area today?
Day 5: Transformative Power of Faith
Description:
Faith has the power to reshape our lives and the world, much like a potter molding clay. This transformation aligns us with God's purpose, changing not only our circumstances but also our reputation and impact. As we enter a new year, we are encouraged to have faith that God will reshape and transform our lives and the world around us. This transformation is not about creating something entirely new but about altering the existing to align with God's divine plan. [32:45]
Bible Passage:
"But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64:8, ESV)
Reflection:
In what ways do you need God to reshape your life to align with His purpose? How can you invite Him to begin this transformative work today?
Quotes
"We make this thing a lot more complex than what it is. We just got to believe God and trust God. And if we do, that'll get us to a whole lot of things. The three things I always write down, I never want you guys to forget, is the three things you need to defeat the enemy is always understand the authority that you have." [00:00:50] (24 seconds)
"Most of the time we forget that, but understand the authority that we have. Over in Genesis 1, 26, it reminds us of the authority that we have. And if we have it, he does it. If we have it, the enemy does it. So that's a double header right there. Thank God we got it and he does it. He tries to tell you that he does, but he doesn't." [00:01:14] (23 seconds)
"You are anointed just for the fact we can break it down so many different ways, but you're anointed because the Holy Spirit of God dwells on him. So, you are anointed because the Holy Spirit of God dwells inside of you and he has anointed you. You are a vessel of the Holy Spirit of God." [00:02:49] (17 seconds)
"And so that's what makes you a Christian. So you are anointed. And so God gives us power to use our authority. And so you have the right, but you also have the power. So if you just walk around and saying, I have authority, I have the right and I have power, no matter what the enemy throws at you, you know that you have the ability to overcome whatever the enemy comes and throws at you." [00:03:06] (29 seconds)
"We know that Proverbs says, the power of life and death is in the tongue. And so we speak it, but boy, there is something to be said whenever we speak the word of God. And when you speak the word of God, you declare the word of God. Romans 4, 17 says, calling those things a knot in which they were." [00:03:52] (22 seconds)
"That means you can speak God's word. You just speak the clarity of God's word. And then have that faith behind it. And how many of you can change, you can change the world with it? Go to Luke 1, with that said, just kind of go to Luke 1. I just had this scripture on me, so I just kind of jotted it down a while ago, a few minutes ago, and see what the Lord wanted to do with it." [00:03:58] (28 seconds)
"Now faith is a substance of things hoped for. It's the evidence of things not seen. It tells us what faith is. Now faith is, we think you have to see it to believe it, but faith says you have to believe it before you see it. And that's what it's saying. So this scripture here, and we say it, I mean, I wouldn't put it on the same level as like John 3, 16 or, you know, maybe 23rd Psalm, but it's up there." [00:09:43] (34 seconds)
"Now faith is the substance. So faith is, is determined. Substance is determined, committed, and unrelenting. That's what this word means. It's determined, it's committed, it's unrelenting. I mean, it, it can't be flippant. It can't be halfway. It's got to be determined. It's got to be committed. It's got to be unrelenting. That's why, that's why we assemble together to build our faith up." [00:11:39] (32 seconds)
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