Encounters with Jesus: Walking in Godly Authority

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing and Submitting to the Authority of Jesus

Understanding Jesus’ supreme authority is the key to unlocking faith and experiencing His miraculous power in our lives. The Roman centurion recognized that Jesus’ word alone was enough to bring healing, not because of his own worthiness or good deeds, but because he understood the authority Jesus carried. In a world filled with competing voices and opinions, it is vital to discern and submit to the voice that holds ultimate authority—Jesus, the One who holds the world in His hands and can be fully trusted. When we acknowledge His lordship, we open ourselves to His transformative power and peace. [07:40]

Luke 7:1-10 (ESV)
After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to stop striving for control and instead trust Jesus’ authority by surrendering your worries to Him today?

Day 2: The Freedom and Life Found in Submitting to God’s Good Authority

Every person lives under some form of authority, but true freedom and life are found when we choose to submit ourselves to God’s good authority rather than to sin or our own desires. The world may promise control and independence, but ultimately, we are not in control—only God is. When we offer ourselves to Him, we experience freedom from sin, the gift of holiness, and the promise of eternal life. God’s authority is not oppressive but life-giving, leading us into purpose, protection, and peace. [12:23]

Romans 6:16-23 (ESV)
Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflection: What is one area where you have been resisting God’s authority—can you choose today to submit that area to Him and trust His goodness?

Day 3: The Power of God’s Word Over the Lies of the Enemy

God’s Word is the ultimate authority and the most powerful weapon against the lies and accusations of the enemy. Just as planting strong trees overtakes stubborn weeds, sowing God’s truth in your heart will crowd out fear, anxiety, and hopelessness. The enemy’s only strategy is to get you to believe you are defeated, but when you meditate on and declare God’s Word, you step into victory and peace. It takes diligence and daily choice, but as you fill your mind with God’s promises, His truth will flourish and the enemy’s lies will wither away. [25:45]

2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

Reflection: What is one recurring negative thought or lie you’ve been believing—can you find a specific promise from God’s Word to replace it with today?

Day 4: Knowing God’s Character Brings Confidence and Security

A deep revelation of God’s character—His goodness, willingness, and mercy—empowers us to trust Him fully and walk in spiritual authority. When we know that God is for us, that He desires to move in our lives, and that He has already won the victory, fear and anxiety lose their grip. God’s protection is sure, His love is steadfast, and His power is unmatched. Even in the face of darkness or spiritual attack, we can rest secure, knowing that nothing can touch us when we are covered by the blood of Jesus and standing in His authority. [29:49]

Psalm 107:10-16 (ESV)
Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons, for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron.

Reflection: Where do you need to remind yourself today of God’s goodness and willingness to move on your behalf—can you thank Him in advance for His mercy and protection?

Day 5: Walking in Your Identity and Authority as a Child of God

When you know who you are in Christ, you can walk in the authority and victory He has won for you. You are not defined by your past, your failures, or the enemy’s accusations, but by your union with Jesus—His life, strength, and victory are yours. As a child of God, you are complete, empowered, and protected. It’s time to stop listening to the voice that says you are defeated and instead “strut” with the confidence that comes from belonging to the King of kings. Step into your God-given authority and live out the freedom and purpose He has for you. [34:33]

Colossians 2:9-12 (ESV)
For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Reflection: What would it look like for you to walk in the confidence and authority of your identity in Christ today—can you take one bold step that reflects your true identity as His child?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered with a sense of expectation, believing that God desires to lift every worry and burden from our lives. As we opened our hearts, we reflected on the story of the Roman centurion in Luke 7, a man who understood the true nature of authority. Despite his own position of power, he recognized that Jesus’ authority was supreme—so much so that he believed a single word from Jesus could bring healing. This faith, rooted in a deep revelation of who Jesus is, amazed even Christ Himself. In a world filled with countless voices—family, friends, media, and even our own anxieties—we are challenged to discern which voice holds the highest authority in our lives.

The centurion’s story teaches us that miracles are unlocked when we honor and submit to the authority of Jesus. True authority is not about control or domination, but about trust, protection, and purpose. Many of us have experienced unhealthy authority, leading us to resist surrender and seek independence. Yet, Scripture reminds us that we are always under some form of authority—either to sin or to Christ. When we choose to submit to Jesus, we step into freedom, purpose, and the security of His goodness.

Living under God’s authority brings profound benefits: it gives us purpose beyond ourselves, builds strength and discipline, creates a sense of family and unity, and offers protection from the enemy. We are called to renew our minds with God’s Word, allowing His truth to uproot the lies that breed fear and anxiety. Just as planting pines overtakes the weeds, sowing God’s truth in our hearts will eventually choke out the enemy’s lies.

To walk in godly authority, we must grow in our revelation of God’s Word, His character, and our identity in Christ. Knowing who He is—His willingness, power, and love—enables us to trust Him fully. And knowing who we are in Him allows us to walk confidently, not in our own strength, but in the authority He has given us as His children. As we participate in communion, we unite ourselves with Christ’s victory, standing in the freedom and peace He has won for us. Today, let’s surrender afresh, rebuke fear, and step boldly into the authority and victory that is ours in Jesus.

Key Takeaways

1. The Authority We Submit To Shapes Our Lives Every person lives under some form of authority, whether it’s the pull of sin or the lordship of Christ. The centurion’s faith was remarkable because he recognized Jesus’ supreme authority and chose to trust His word above all others. Our willingness to submit to Jesus determines whether we walk in freedom or remain bound by lesser authorities. [11:35]
2. Godly Authority Brings Purpose, Strength, and Protection Living under Christ’s authority is not restrictive; it is liberating. It gives us a clear mission, builds resilience through discipline, unites us as a spiritual family, and provides divine protection. When we embrace godly authority, we find ourselves equipped to endure hardship, support one another, and stand secure against the enemy’s schemes. [14:38]
3. Renewing Our Minds with God’s Word is Essential for Victory The enemy’s primary tactic is to sow lies that breed fear, anxiety, and defeat. Victory comes as we intentionally plant God’s truth in our hearts, allowing it to displace the weeds of deception. This process requires diligence and patience, but as God’s Word takes root, it produces peace and confidence, enabling us to resist the enemy’s attacks. [25:45]
4. A Deep Revelation of God’s Character Fuels Our Faith Knowing God’s promises is important, but knowing His character—His goodness, willingness, and love—transforms our trust. When we are convinced of His heart toward us, we approach Him with boldness, expecting Him to move on our behalf. This revelation breaks the power of fear and empowers us to stand firm in His authority. [27:25]
5. Our Identity in Christ Empowers Us to Walk in Authority We do not operate in our own strength, but in the authority of Jesus, who has made us sons and daughters. Understanding our union with Christ means we share in His victory over sin, death, and the enemy. As we embrace our identity, we can walk with confidence, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love or diminish the authority He has entrusted to us. [32:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:31] - Opening Prayer: Lifting Our Worries
[01:22] - Series Introduction: Jesus Encounters
[03:30] - The Centurion’s Story: Authority and Faith
[05:00] - The Power of Understanding Authority
[06:55] - Honoring Jesus’ Supreme Authority
[08:03] - Scriptural Foundations of Christ’s Authority
[10:08] - Wrestling with Authority and Control
[12:06] - Choosing Whose Authority We Submit To
[13:39] - The Benefits of Godly Authority
[15:39] - Unity and Family Under Authority
[16:08] - Protection and Healthy Leadership
[18:37] - Obedience, Peace, and Renewing the Mind
[20:20] - Walking in Godly Authority: Practical Steps
[25:45] - Planting God’s Truth to Overcome Lies
[26:54] - Growing in Revelation of God’s Character
[32:59] - Our Identity and Authority in Christ
[36:09] - Communion: Participating in Christ’s Victory
[39:52] - Invitation to Surrender and Salvation Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 7:1-10 (ESV) — > After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

Observation Questions

What did the centurion recognize about Jesus’ authority that was different from others around him?
According to the sermon, what was it about the centurion’s faith that amazed Jesus?
What are some of the benefits the sermon lists about living under godly authority?
In the story, how did the centurion’s understanding of authority affect the outcome for his servant?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the centurion, a man of power himself, felt unworthy to have Jesus come to his house? What does this say about his view of Jesus?
The sermon says that everyone is under some kind of authority—either sin or Christ. What does it look like in real life to be “under” one or the other?
The centurion believed that Jesus could heal with just a word. What does this reveal about the kind of faith Jesus is looking for in us?
The message talks about renewing our minds with God’s Word to overcome lies and fear. Why is this process described as planting seeds, and what does it require from us?

Application Questions

The centurion chose to trust Jesus’ authority above all other voices. What are some “voices” in your life (family, friends, media, your own thoughts) that compete with Jesus’ authority? How can you practically give Jesus’ word the highest place this week?
The sermon mentions that many people have experienced unhealthy authority and now resist surrendering to anyone, even God. Have you ever struggled to trust God’s authority because of past experiences? What would it look like to take a step toward trusting Him again?
Living under God’s authority brings purpose, strength, and protection. Which of these benefits do you feel you need most right now? What is one step you can take to embrace it?
The message says that renewing our minds with God’s Word is like planting pines that eventually choke out weeds. Is there a specific lie or fear you’ve been believing? What is one Bible verse or truth you can “plant” in your heart this week to replace it?
The centurion’s faith was rooted in a deep revelation of who Jesus is. How can you grow in your understanding of God’s character—His goodness, willingness, and love—this month?
The sermon says our identity in Christ empowers us to walk in authority. Is there an area of your life where you’ve been living out of insecurity or fear instead of your identity as God’s child? What would it look like to walk in Christ’s authority there?
During communion, we are invited to surrender afresh and stand in Christ’s victory. Is there a specific area where you need to surrender control or rebuke fear? How can your group pray for you in this?

Sermon Clips

See, we can't step into what God has asked of us unless we know the authority that is with us. Come on. He is the name above every other name. He is the King of all kings. He is the Lord of all lords. He is Emmanuel, the God that is with us. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He is. And we can stand on that authority. [00:09:23] (22 seconds) #StandOnDivineAuthority

See, in our lives today, we actually get the choice to make. Will we submit to the authority of our Savior or we submit to the authority of sin. And where we want to go, where our own desires take us. And the incredible news is when we submit to the authority of Jesus Christ, we submit to life, we submit to freedom, we submit to his goodness, we submit to trusting him, we submit to who he is in our lives. And he is a good, good God. [00:12:28] (25 seconds) #ChooseLifeThroughChrist

Because, see, we are victorious in Jesus Christ. We have full authority of victory. Jesus dying on the cross mean that everything we face in this life, we face with victory. When we surrender to Jesus, he is just incredible. He is that good. [00:23:27] (15 seconds) #GoodnessShapesAuthority

It's the same way in our own lives. We kill the enemy's lies by planting God's truth in our lives. And the more we plant God's truth and we allow it to flourish in our lives, the more it will kill off the enemy's lies and the enemy's weeds. So we're called to grow the right kind of thinking in our lives. Is this making sense today? So where do we need to start sowing the word of God rather than believing the enemy's lies? Because that's where we step into victory. [00:25:45] (33 seconds) #JesusPowerLivesInUs

It's the same in our lives, man. The benefits we get not because of our authority, but because of his authority. Do you know that when you're his, you walk in that same authority that he walks in. You walk as his chosen son and daughter. You walk gifted by him, you walk ordained by him, you walk anointed by him, you walk. And the power of the enemy cannot touch you. You walk with so many benefits because of who your God is. [00:33:10] (43 seconds)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does understanding Jesus' authority unlock for believers?

How does recognizing God's character strengthen faith and trust?

In what ways does submission to spiritual authority bring protection?