Empowered for Change: Living in God's Authority
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth that God's kingdom is inherently powerful, and as His people, we are not powerless. We delved into the promises of power that God has bestowed upon us, emphasizing that His kingdom is not a kingdom of weakness but of strength and authority. The essence of our discussion was to awaken the realization that we, as believers, are equipped with divine power to effect change in our lives and the world around us.
We examined the life of Jesus, noting that His ministry was characterized by power. This power is not exclusive to Him but is also available to us as His followers. The scriptures remind us that Jesus has given us authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing can harm us. This authority is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that we are called to live out.
The function of power, as we discussed, is change. Power is not meant to be dormant; it is meant to bring transformation. Whether it's changing our personal circumstances, influencing our communities, or impacting the world, the power of God within us is the catalyst for change. We are called to be agents of change, not victims of our circumstances.
We also addressed the importance of seeing ourselves as God sees us. Too often, we allow self-condemnation and the opinions of others to limit us. However, the cross of Christ has made us flawless, and we are empowered to live out our God-given identity. Our self-perception should align with God's view of us, which is one of power and purpose.
Finally, we were encouraged to step out in faith, believing that the power of God is at work within us. This power is not something we earn; it is a gift we receive by faith. As we embrace this truth, we become bold witnesses of God's kingdom, bringing light to darkness and hope to the hopeless.
Key Takeaways:
- God's kingdom is inherently powerful, and as His people, we are not powerless. We are equipped with divine authority to effect change in our lives and the world around us. [01:04:16]
- The function of power is change. Power is not meant to be dormant; it is meant to bring transformation. We are called to be agents of change, not victims of our circumstances. [01:09:16]
- Our self-perception should align with God's view of us, which is one of power and purpose. The cross of Christ has made us flawless, and we are empowered to live out our God-given identity. [01:18:31]
- The power of God is not something we earn; it is a gift we receive by faith. As we embrace this truth, we become bold witnesses of God's kingdom, bringing light to darkness and hope to the hopeless. [01:25:39]
- We are called to be global agents of change through our words and actions. When we encounter challenges, we are to speak to them with authority, knowing that the power of God is at work within us. [01:30:19]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:59:16] - Celebrating Mother Edwards
[01:01:19] - Voice of God Conference
[01:04:16] - Promises of Power
[01:06:05] - Authority and Power
[01:07:21] - Power Over the Enemy
[01:09:16] - Function of Power
[01:10:43] - Agents of Change
[01:11:57] - Redefining Ourselves
[01:13:40] - Employing Power
[01:17:22] - School of the Anointing
[01:18:31] - Self-Perception and Power
[01:20:01] - Perfection Through the Cross
[01:21:08] - Power of the Word
[01:22:15] - Filled with Power
[01:23:16] - Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail
[01:24:11] - Redefining Ourselves
[01:25:39] - Witnesses of Power
[01:26:17] - Believing the Word
[01:27:42] - God's Word Changes Reality
[01:28:20] - Receiving God's Word
[01:29:28] - Divine Power for All
[01:30:19] - Speaking to Mountains
[01:31:08] - Righteous in Power
[01:32:22] - Signs of Believers
[01:33:32] - Power in Operation
[01:34:20] - Power for Living
[01:35:55] - Lavished with Power
[01:36:51] - Power for Assignment
[01:37:26] - Power to Be Bold
[01:38:20] - Strength in Persecution
[01:39:35] - Living in the Spirit's Power
[01:40:10] - God Seeks the Impossible
[01:41:02] - Marked by the Supernatural
[01:42:07] - Standing in Power
[01:43:20] - Belief Proven by Behavior
[01:43:47] - Expectation of God's Promises
[01:44:19] - Sound of Triumph
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 4:14 - "And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through all the surrounding region."
2. Luke 10:19 - "Behold, I have given you authority to walk on snakes and scorpions and authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you."
3. Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Observation Questions:
1. According to Luke 4:14, what was the result of Jesus returning to Galilee in the power of the Spirit? How did this impact His ministry?
2. In Luke 10:19, what authority does Jesus say He has given to His followers? How does this relate to the concept of power discussed in the sermon? [01:06:05]
3. What promise is given in Acts 1:8 regarding the Holy Spirit and power? How does this promise relate to the mission of believers?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the relationship between power and change? Why is it important for believers to understand this relationship? [01:09:16]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeing ourselves as God sees us. How does this perspective influence our ability to live out our God-given identity? [01:18:31]
3. What does it mean to be an "agent of change" in the context of the sermon? How can believers practically apply this concept in their daily lives? [01:30:19]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a situation in your life where you feel powerless. How can the understanding of divine authority and power change your approach to this situation? [01:04:16]
2. The sermon encourages believers to redefine themselves according to God's view. What steps can you take to align your self-perception with how God sees you? [01:24:11]
3. Consider a challenge you are currently facing. How can you speak to this challenge with authority, knowing that the power of God is at work within you? [01:30:19]
4. Identify an area in your community where you can be an agent of change. What specific actions can you take to bring about transformation in this area? [01:09:16]
5. The sermon mentions that God's power is a gift received by faith. How can you cultivate a deeper faith to embrace this truth and become a bold witness of God's kingdom? [01:25:39]
6. Think of a time when you allowed self-condemnation to limit you. How can you overcome this mindset and embrace the flawless identity given to you through the cross of Christ? [01:18:31]
7. How can you actively participate in bringing light to darkness and hope to the hopeless in your daily interactions? What practical steps can you take this week? [01:25:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Authority for Transformation
God's kingdom is inherently powerful, and as His people, we are not powerless. We are equipped with divine authority to effect change in our lives and the world around us. This authority is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that we are called to live out. As believers, we are empowered to bring about transformation, not only in our personal circumstances but also in our communities and the world at large. The life of Jesus exemplifies this power, and as His followers, we are called to walk in the same authority. [01:04:16]
Luke 10:19 (ESV): "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you feel powerless? How can you begin to exercise the divine authority given to you to bring about change in that area today?
Day 2: Power as a Catalyst for Change
The function of power is change. Power is not meant to be dormant; it is meant to bring transformation. We are called to be agents of change, not victims of our circumstances. This means actively engaging with the world around us, using the power of God within us to influence and transform. Whether it's in our personal lives, our communities, or the broader world, we are equipped to make a difference. The power of God is the catalyst for this change, and we are invited to step into this role with confidence and purpose. [01:09:16]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Identify one area in your community where you see a need for change. How can you use the power of God within you to begin addressing this need?
Day 3: Aligning Self-Perception with God's View
Our self-perception should align with God's view of us, which is one of power and purpose. The cross of Christ has made us flawless, and we are empowered to live out our God-given identity. Too often, we allow self-condemnation and the opinions of others to limit us. However, embracing our identity in Christ means seeing ourselves as God sees us—empowered and purposeful. This shift in self-perception is crucial for living out the fullness of our calling and stepping into the authority and power that God has given us. [01:18:31]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: What negative self-perceptions are holding you back from living out your God-given identity? How can you begin to see yourself through God's eyes today?
Day 4: Embracing the Gift of God's Power
The power of God is not something we earn; it is a gift we receive by faith. As we embrace this truth, we become bold witnesses of God's kingdom, bringing light to darkness and hope to the hopeless. This power is a divine gift, freely given to us, and it enables us to live out our faith with boldness and conviction. By embracing this gift, we are empowered to be effective witnesses, sharing the love and truth of God's kingdom with those around us. [01:25:39]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: In what ways have you been hesitant to embrace the power of God in your life? What steps can you take today to fully receive and walk in this gift?
Day 5: Speaking with Authority to Challenges
We are called to be global agents of change through our words and actions. When we encounter challenges, we are to speak to them with authority, knowing that the power of God is at work within us. This means not only recognizing the power we have but also actively using it to address and overcome obstacles. By speaking with authority, we align our words with God's promises and activate the power of God in our circumstances. This is a call to action, inviting us to step out in faith and declare God's truth over every situation we face. [01:30:19]
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: What is one challenge you are currently facing that seems insurmountable? How can you begin to speak to this challenge with the authority and power of God today?
Quotes
God's kingdom is a powerful kingdom. And that means, hear me when I say this, it's a kingdom full of power. That's deep. I know it's a kingdom full of power and God's people have never been a powerless people. Oh, we've acted like it and we've allowed our culture to get us to think that we're powerless. But we have never been a powerless people because we're their offspring of an all powerful God. [01:04:30] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The power of God operating through the people of God is the hope of the world. Listen, an impotent church doesn't help. Nothing. Doesn't change anything. But a church who knows who they are. In Christ. And you heard me say before that when I had the opportunity to interact with TL Osborne, who is one of my heroes, I asked him, I said, Dr. Osborne, what's the most important message for the church? Not for the lost, but for the church. What's the most important message for the believer? And without hesitation, he said, tell them who they are. They don't know who they are. [01:06:53] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The function of power. Hear me when I say this. The function of power is change. That's the function. It's great to know dynamite. But you need to know what the function of dynamite is, right? So the function of power, everyone say this with me, the function of power is change. That's the purpose of power. [01:08:36] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
When we know that we have power. And we know what the function of power is. Everything in our life becomes subject to change. Listen, especially, I think we've always been a politically charged people. But especially in the last, what, eight to ten years. I mean, I know people that have dissolved friendships over differences politically. I know churches that have been separated over political differences. They agree theologically, but they can't agree who to vote for. So they split. We live in a politically charged world. And so I want to use that to express it this way. If you're politically powerful, you're an agent of change. [01:09:49] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
There has to be a transformation in our thought process that when we look in the mirror, we see who God sees and God does not delight. Hear me when I say this, God does not, nor has he ever delighted in the bondage of his people, the brokenness of their hearts, the shattered dreams and their diseased ridden bodies. That's right. Amen. The God of heaven has always taken delight in perfection. That's right. So he sent you the spirit of grace through the redemption of the blood and the cross that made you flawless. And he's made you perfect in his eyes. [01:12:45] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Redemption has made you powerful, but power can be present and not employed. Is this making sense? Each and every one of us have the power of speech, even when we're silent, but when we're silent, the Bible says this, does it not? Life and death are in the, the what, the what of the tongue. So when we're silent, that power of life doesn't bring any change because the power is present. I have the power to speak. But if I choose, not to employ it, then the power is present. Just like it was in the ministry of Jesus. The power of God was present to heal all, but they wouldn't receive it, right? Power can be present, but not employed. [01:18:40] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
God's power is not something you earn. It's something you receive by faith. Go with me to Colossians chapter 1. Verse 18. For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. To those who do not believe, it's nonsense. But to us who are being saved, it is the what? Why would the Spirit call the word power? Because the word when believed brings about change. And the function, the function of power is change. [01:20:26] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The Holy Spirit will come upon you and you will be filled with power and you will be my messengers, my ambassadors, my witnesses to Jerusalem, throughout Judea, the distant provinces, and even to the remotest places on earth. The reason why we can be his witnesses is because we operate in his power. And we continue to do life the way he did it. And I'm going to circle back to what did I say is the one word you've got to connect with Jesus. Power. [01:25:21] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
God is looking for people through whom he can do the impossible. Is that not good? That's you. That's you, man. This is lighting my heart on fire, man. Here I am, send me. Smith Wigglesworth used to say, and I think I'll get the quote right, that God would pass over a million churchgoers to get to one believer. Why? Because God is on the look for people through whom he can do the impossible. [01:40:10] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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