Jesus' Authority and Intercession: Our Hope and Response
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's wonderful to be back after a refreshing break in Queensland, where I attended the GAFCON conference. This gathering was a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to the Bible's teachings, especially in regions where church leadership has strayed from Scripture. I had the privilege of preaching at the Diocese of the Southern Cross Church on the Sunshine Coast, a community that has faced significant challenges but remains steadfast in their faith. Their story is a testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of supporting and praying for those in difficult situations.
As we embark on a new term, our focus will be on the book of 1 Kings, exploring the lives of King Solomon, Elijah, and other key figures. This study will deepen our understanding of God's plans and how they unfold through history. Today, however, we continue our series on the Apostles' Creed, specifically the line "seated at the right hand of the Father." This phrase is rich with imagery and significance, pointing to Jesus' authority, completed work, and ongoing intercession for us.
Jesus' position at the right hand of God signifies His lordship and the completion of His redemptive work. It assures us that He has the power and authority to rule and judge, and it invites us to respond with worship and obedience. The Bible passages we examined, including Luke 22 and Ephesians 1, highlight Jesus' exalted position and the implications for our lives. His ascension and enthronement are not just theological concepts but realities that impact our daily walk with God.
In Revelation, we see a vivid picture of Jesus on the throne, surrounded by worshippers from every tribe and nation. This vision reminds us of the ultimate justice and restoration that Jesus will bring. Until that day, we can find peace and confidence in knowing that Jesus intercedes for us, advocating on our behalf before the Father. This truth should inspire us to live faithfully, trusting in His completed work and ongoing presence in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus' Authority and Lordship: Jesus seated at the right hand of the Father signifies His ultimate authority and lordship. This position is not just a place of honor but a declaration of His power and right to rule. Our response should be one of worship and obedience, recognizing that He is in control and worthy of our devotion. [33:48]
2. Completed Work of Salvation: Jesus sitting down at the right hand of God symbolizes the completion of His redemptive work. His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to cover all our sins—past, present, and future. This gives us assurance and peace, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him. [49:00]
3. Jesus as Our Intercessor: Jesus' current role includes interceding for us. He is our advocate before the Father, praying and speaking on our behalf. This truth provides immense comfort, knowing that we have a constant mediator who understands our struggles and pleads our case. [47:04]
4. The Promise of Justice: The imagery of Jesus on the throne also points to His role as the ultimate judge. He will bring justice and restoration, righting the wrongs of this world. This future hope encourages us to persevere in faith, knowing that God's justice will prevail. [45:22]
5. Living in Light of His Reign: Understanding Jesus' exalted position should transform how we live. We are called to trust Him in all circumstances, knowing that He has the power and authority to guide and sustain us. This trust leads to a life of peace, confidence, and faithful obedience. [50:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:58] - GAFCON Conference and Support for Faithful Churches
[23:14] - New Term and Upcoming Series on 1 Kings
[27:41] - Introduction to the Apostles' Creed: Seated at the Right Hand of the Father
[33:48] - Jesus' Authority and Lordship
[49:00] - Completed Work of Salvation
[47:04] - Jesus as Our Intercessor
[45:22] - The Promise of Justice
[50:54] - Living in Light of His Reign
[55:52] - Worship and Response to Jesus' Exalted Position
[01:03:52] - Recitation of the Apostles' Creed
[01:04:58] - Sharing in the Lord's Supper
[01:06:33] - Closing Prayers and Reflections
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 22:69 - "But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."
2. Ephesians 1:18-23 - "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."
3. Revelation 5:13-14 - "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!' The four living creatures said, 'Amen,' and the elders fell down and worshiped."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus' position at the right hand of God signify according to Luke 22:69?
2. In Ephesians 1:18-23, what does Paul pray for the believers to understand about Jesus' position and power?
3. How is Jesus described in Revelation 5:13-14, and what is the response of the creatures and elders around the throne?
4. According to the sermon, what are the implications of Jesus' completed work of salvation? [49:00]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' authority and lordship, as described in Luke 22:69 and Ephesians 1:18-23, impact our understanding of His role in our lives?
2. What does it mean for believers that Jesus is interceding for us, as mentioned in the sermon and supported by Romans 8:34? [47:04]
3. How does the imagery of Jesus on the throne in Revelation 5:13-14 provide hope and assurance for believers facing injustice and suffering? [45:22]
4. In what ways does understanding Jesus' exalted position encourage us to live faithfully and trust in His ongoing presence and work in our lives? [50:54]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to trust in Jesus' authority and lordship. How can you remind yourself of His power and control in similar situations in the future? [33:48]
2. How does knowing that Jesus' work of salvation is complete give you peace and assurance in your daily life? Are there specific areas where you need to rest in this truth more fully? [49:00]
3. Jesus intercedes for us before the Father. How does this truth affect your prayer life and your approach to challenges and struggles? [47:04]
4. The promise of ultimate justice through Jesus' reign is a source of hope. How can you hold onto this hope in the face of personal or global injustices? [45:22]
5. In what practical ways can you live in light of Jesus' reign, trusting Him in all circumstances? Identify one specific area of your life where you need to surrender control to Him. [50:54]
6. How can you incorporate worship and obedience into your daily routine as a response to Jesus' authority and completed work? [33:48]
7. Think of someone in your life who is going through a difficult time. How can you share the comfort and assurance of Jesus' intercession and completed work with them this week? [47:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Authority and Lordship
Jesus seated at the right hand of the Father signifies His ultimate authority and lordship. This position is not just a place of honor but a declaration of His power and right to rule. Our response should be one of worship and obedience, recognizing that He is in control and worthy of our devotion. Jesus' authority is a central theme in the Bible, and it is crucial for us to understand and acknowledge His lordship in our lives. When we recognize Jesus' authority, we are called to submit to His will and follow His guidance in every aspect of our lives.
The Bible passages we examined, including Luke 22 and Ephesians 1, highlight Jesus' exalted position and the implications for our lives. His ascension and enthronement are not just theological concepts but realities that impact our daily walk with God. By acknowledging Jesus' authority, we can find peace and confidence in knowing that He is in control and has a plan for our lives. This understanding should lead us to live lives of worship and obedience, trusting in His power and guidance. [33:48]
Ephesians 1:20-21 (ESV): "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 areas of your life do you struggle to recognize Jesus' authority? How can you actively submit to His lordship today?
Day 2: Completed Work of Salvation
Jesus sitting down at the right hand of God symbolizes the completion of His redemptive work. His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to cover all our sins—past, present, and future. This gives us assurance and peace, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him. The completed work of salvation is a foundational truth of the Christian faith, and it is essential for us to grasp its significance fully. Jesus' finished work on the cross means that we no longer have to strive for our salvation; it is a gift that we receive through faith.
This truth should bring us immense comfort and assurance. Knowing that our salvation is secure in Jesus allows us to live with confidence and peace, free from the burden of trying to earn God's favor. Instead, we can rest in the knowledge that Jesus' sacrifice was sufficient and complete. This understanding should lead us to live lives of gratitude and worship, continually thanking God for His incredible gift of salvation. [49:00]
Hebrews 10:12 (ESV): "But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God."
Reflection: How does understanding the completeness of Jesus' work on the cross change the way you view your relationship with God? What can you do today to live in the assurance of your salvation?
Day 3: Jesus as Our Intercessor
Jesus' current role includes interceding for us. He is our advocate before the Father, praying and speaking on our behalf. This truth provides immense comfort, knowing that we have a constant mediator who understands our struggles and pleads our case. The role of Jesus as our intercessor is a powerful reminder of His ongoing care and concern for us. He is not distant or detached but actively involved in our lives, advocating for us before the Father.
This understanding should bring us great comfort and encouragement. Knowing that Jesus is interceding for us means that we are never alone in our struggles. He understands our weaknesses and is continually praying for us, asking the Father to provide us with the strength and grace we need. This truth should inspire us to live with confidence and hope, trusting that Jesus is always on our side and working for our good. [47:04]
Romans 8:34 (ESV): "Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us."
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is interceding for you change the way you approach your struggles and challenges? What specific area of your life do you need to bring to Him in prayer today?
Day 4: The Promise of Justice
The imagery of Jesus on the throne also points to His role as the ultimate judge. He will bring justice and restoration, righting the wrongs of this world. This future hope encourages us to persevere in faith, knowing that God's justice will prevail. The promise of justice is a central theme in the Bible, and it is essential for us to hold on to this hope, especially in times of injustice and suffering.
Knowing that Jesus will bring ultimate justice should give us the strength to endure difficult circumstances and remain faithful. It reminds us that no matter how challenging our current situation may be, God's justice will ultimately prevail. This understanding should inspire us to live lives of integrity and righteousness, trusting that God will right all wrongs and bring restoration in His perfect timing. [45:22]
Revelation 20:11-12 (ESV): "Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively pursue justice and righteousness in your daily life? How can you hold on to the hope of God's ultimate justice in times of difficulty?
Day 5: Living in Light of His Reign
Understanding Jesus' exalted position should transform how we live. We are called to trust Him in all circumstances, knowing that He has the power and authority to guide and sustain us. This trust leads to a life of peace, confidence, and faithful obedience. Living in light of Jesus' reign means recognizing His authority in every aspect of our lives and allowing that understanding to shape our actions and decisions.
When we truly grasp the significance of Jesus' exalted position, it should lead us to live lives of trust and obedience. We can have confidence in His guidance and provision, knowing that He is in control and has a plan for our lives. This understanding should inspire us to live with peace and confidence, trusting in His power and authority to sustain us in all circumstances. [50:54]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to live in light of Jesus' reign? How can you trust Him more fully in your current circumstances?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1.
"God has provided in many ways for them. And they're busy still reaching out to the community there in Queensland. And there are lots of other stories similar like that happening. In other parts of Australia. And as we want to see everyone hear about Jesus. And people taught to be disciples of him. It's an important thing that we keep supporting that. And praying for people in those difficult situations." [22:26] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2.
"We will recognize his seat at the right hand of the father. Is telling us that he is Lord. And so we should worship and obey him. We will see that his work. Is doing to save his people. Is finished. And so in him. And in relationship with him. We can find peace. And he is described now as interceding for us. And so we can have a trust. And comfort and peace. Because he is there. For you. And on your side." [34:18] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3.
"Who then is the one who condemns no one christ jesus who died more than that who was raised to life is at the right hand of god and is also interceding for us who shall separate us from the love of christ and it goes on a few verses later knowing all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." [47:04] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4.
"Jesus is at the right hand of god interceding for us so let's go back to the point same time we're looking at this and then we come to this another point skills we're looking at shapes we're focusing on and then we come to the right hand of god upper I raised at the beginning about what does this mean for us today we're being told about Jesus in the creed and seeing and hearing that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the father reminds us that Jesus is Lord he's on the throne in heaven because he is in charge." [50:54] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5.
"May we be people who indeed praise god for we recognize his power and authority we recognize him for who he is that he is our king and he is our savior let's pray our gracious heavenly father we thank you for the reminder in the creed of the good words of the bible that tell us about where jesus is and where he is and where he is and where he is and where he is now and we thank you that he's not far off and distant and uninterested in us but he's indeed now glorifying the father interceding for us and there representing us to you." [57:34] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1.
"In Sydney I often take it for granted that the Bible is going to be taught. When you come to church. And that the things we do. And the leaders we have. Will reflect God's plans and teaching. But that's not the case everywhere. And so that's why it's an important structure to be part of. And to encourage people in." [21:39] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2.
"And the unexpected thing that happened two weeks ago. At the end of GAFCON I was asked to preach at the Diocese of the Southern Cross Church on the Sunshine Coast. I'd met the leaders of this church a couple of years ago. At a previous GAFCON conference. And they actually used to be part of the Uniting Church up there in Queensland. And the leadership of the Uniting Church told the local leaders. That they had to accept same sex marriage within their church. And endorse that. And once the leaders of the local church there said they couldn't do that. They were kicked out of their building. The locks were changed. They were kicked out of the house. And all those things. And so GAFCON was able to provide a structure for them." [22:26] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3.
"Well today. We are looking at our series. Of the apostles creed. And there is a phrase that we are looking at. But we have seen as we have worked through. Different parts of the creed. Different lines. That remind us of different biblical teaching. We are not looking at the creed. Because the creed in and of itself. Has great authority. But it captures. And has been used for hundreds and thousands of years. To summarise the teaching of the bible. So that we would be. Familiar with. What is in the bible. So when we hear teaching that doesn't match it. We will recognise it doesn't fit. With that summary. That has been passed down to us." [32:16] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4.
"And so in a sense the implications of jesus the king sitting on the throne is that he also has the power to judge he has the discernment of right and wrong he brings the justice that we long for is to look at our broken and fallen world and say come lord jesus because we want things fixed it's not right for it to continue that evil continues to perpetuate the harm it does and the pain it does and on that day when jesus is revealed on the throne he will indeed come in judgment and bring that justice that we long for and so for those who have trusted in jesus who have accepted what he's done on the cross that we've referred to earlier in the creed we know this is a good day a day we can look forward to because it's a day when the wrongs of the world are put right and the work that jesus has done in our place is revealed in its fullness that you and i as children of god are forgiven and have been welcomed into his family as forgiven people as children of the king as those jesus takes our place for and so we can look to that day with confidence." [45:22] (84 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5.
"Jesus died on the cross and rose again a long time ago and we live thousands of years later and i might have done some things and confess my sin and feel forgiven but what if i've done things that i haven't asked sorry for as a child i remember times i was worried when i went to bed and i'd pray have i remembered everything that i've done wrong today and said sorry for every single thing but what if i forgot something what if i died and and i've missed a few things but what we're assured when we see and understand what jesus has really done on the cross is he's paid for all our sins past present and future it's not that he needs to go back to the cross again because this week when you slip up maybe he forgot that bit he's already paid for it but that doesn't mean we can just sin as much as we want for we want to live in a way that pleases and honors him as one who loves us and we love him but we can have assurance in our relationship with him because he has paid for it all and he's made it possible for us to be forgiven and so in him we can find peace he is on his throne and he has declared that your sins are forgiven and taken as far as the east is from the west and he's demonstrated his power and authority over sin on the cross." [52:43] (89 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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