Transformative Power of Living Under Christ's Authority

Devotional

Day 1: Plug Into the Power Source—Seek Jesus for True Change

True transformation and abundant life are only possible when we connect directly to Jesus, the true source of divine power, rather than relying on our own strength or the help of others alone. When we seek Him, His power flows into our lives, enabling us to live as we were created to live, rather than just surviving or going through the motions. Like the centurion who sought Jesus for his servant’s healing, we must recognize that no other source—money, self-help, or even well-meaning people—can provide the supernatural change we need. Only by plugging into Christ can we experience the fullness and vitality God intends for us. [47:46]

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: Where in your life have you been seeking change or breakthrough from sources other than Jesus? What would it look like to intentionally bring that area to Him in prayer and dependence today?

Day 2: Get Under God’s Covering—Blessing Flows from Submission

God’s authority is like an umbrella—its protection and blessing only cover us when we willingly come under it. Many of us miss out on God’s favor, protection, and order because we try to do life our own way, resisting His commands or living independently. But when we submit to His rightful rule, following His design for our lives, we experience the fullness of His blessing and the security that comes from being under His covering. Just as the centurion recognized Jesus’ authority and humbly submitted, we too must choose to live under God’s authority to receive all He has for us. [54:33]

Matthew 8:13 (ESV)
And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are resisting God’s authority or doing things your own way? What step can you take today to bring that area under His covering and trust His way?

Day 3: Live by Faith—Recognize God’s Authority and Act on It

Faith is not just believing God can act, but recognizing His authority and acting in obedience to His word. When we acknowledge that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth, and we align our actions with His commands, we open the door for His power to be released in our lives. The centurion’s faith was demonstrated by his trust in Jesus’ word and his willingness to act accordingly, resulting in miraculous change. Living by faith means doing what God says, trusting that He will do what He promises. [59:36]

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Reflection: What is one specific command or promise of God that you need to act on in faith today, trusting that He will honor His word in your life?

Day 4: Abundant Life Is Found in Christ Alone

Jesus came not just to give us life, but abundant, overflowing life—a life that thrives, not just survives. This superior life is available to all who come to Him, regardless of their past, status, or sense of worthiness. The world offers substitutes that leave us empty, but Christ offers a life so full that it spills over to bless others. If you feel stuck, disconnected, or unworthy, remember that Jesus is already moving toward you, inviting you to receive the abundant life He promised. [42:13]

John 10:10 (ESV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Reflection: In what ways have you settled for “just surviving” instead of the abundant life Jesus offers? What is one way you can open your heart to receive His fullness today?

Day 5: God’s Word Brings Order, Blessing, and Prosperity

Delighting in and submitting to God’s Word brings order to our lives, which leads to true prosperity and fruitfulness. When we meditate on His commands and align our lives with His truth, we become like trees planted by streams of water—stable, nourished, and flourishing in every season. God’s principles are not burdensome, but are the pathway to the life He desires for us. As we honor Him with our obedience, He promises to supply all we need and multiply our impact for His kingdom. [01:14:02]

Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV)
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Reflection: How can you intentionally delight in and meditate on God’s Word this week? What is one practical way you can align your daily habits with His truth?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the transformative power of living under the authority of Jesus Christ. Life often feels overwhelming, and many find themselves simply surviving rather than thriving. Yet, Jesus offers more than mere survival—He offers abundant, overflowing life. This life is not accessed through our own strength, resources, or self-reliance, but by coming under His authority and plugging into His power.

The story of the centurion in Luke 7 illustrates this truth. The centurion, though an outsider and unworthy by cultural and religious standards, recognized that Jesus alone had the authority and power to heal his beloved servant. He didn’t rely on his own position, wealth, or connections; instead, he sought out Jesus, acknowledging both his own limitations and Christ’s supremacy. This act of faith—recognizing and submitting to Jesus’ authority—released the power of God into his situation, resulting in healing and restoration.

Many of us struggle with feelings of unworthiness, emotional pain, or a desire to control our own lives. Sometimes, we resist authority, preferring independence and self-sufficiency. Yet, true blessing and protection are found only when we come under God’s covering. Like an umbrella in a storm, God’s authority shelters and empowers us, but only if we choose to stand under it.

Living by faith means more than intellectual agreement; it is demonstrated in our actions—pursuing God, obeying His Word, and trusting His promises. When we align our lives with His order, we experience the function and blessing He intends. This is not just for our benefit, but so that the abundant life we receive overflows to those around us, becoming an invitation for others to encounter the same transforming power.

The invitation is clear: bring every area of your life under the authority of Jesus. Surrender your pain, your sense of unworthiness, your desire for control. As you do, God’s power is released, bringing healing, order, and blessing. This is the pathway from a life of mere survival to one of flourishing in Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. Recognizing the True Source of Power Real change and abundant life are not found in self-help, wealth, or the approval of others, but in the power of God. Like the centurion, we must seek Jesus as the only one with the authority to transform our circumstances. When we look elsewhere for power, we end up frustrated and empty, but when we plug into Christ, His life flows into us and through us. [46:35]
2. Coming Under God’s Authority Releases Blessing God’s authority is like an umbrella—protection and blessing are only experienced when we choose to come under it. Many miss out on God’s best because they resist His order, preferring independence or self-rule. True flourishing comes when we submit to His design, trusting that His ways are higher and always lead to life. [54:14]
3. Faith Is Expressed Through Action and Alignment Faith is not just believing that God can act, but aligning our lives with His authority and acting on His Word. The centurion’s faith was seen in his pursuit of Jesus and his confidence in Christ’s authority. When we act on what God says, we position ourselves to receive the outcomes He promises—healing, restoration, and abundant life. [58:25]
4. Emotional Pain and Unworthiness Are Barriers—But Not to God Many are held back by pain, disappointment, or a sense of unworthiness, feeling disqualified from God’s help. Yet, Jesus is already moving toward us, even before we feel worthy or ready. He invites us to bring our brokenness and shame under His authority, where His power can heal and restore what we cannot fix ourselves. [51:40]
5. Our Transformation Becomes an Invitation to Others When we live under God’s authority and experience His power, our lives become a testimony to those around us. The change God works in us is not just for our benefit, but so that others can see and be drawn to the same source of life. Our flourishing in Christ is meant to overflow, touching families, communities, and generations. [62:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:46] - Announcements & Midweek Invitation
[10:12] - Upcoming Men’s Meeting & Next Steps Class
[13:34] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[15:22] - The Power of the Blood and Bread
[17:42] - Worship as a Posture of Thanksgiving
[21:21] - Opening Prayer & Bible Reading
[24:45] - Kingdom, Authority, Order, and Blessing
[26:31] - The Centurion’s Story: Seeking Jesus
[30:52] - Surviving vs. Thriving: The Need for Help
[34:48] - Barriers to Experiencing God’s Power
[41:24] - Jesus: The Source of Abundant Life
[43:27] - Plugging Into the Power Source
[50:49] - Getting Under God’s Covering
[56:13] - Living by Faith: Recognizing Authority
[63:05] - Prayer for Alignment and Release
[69:20] - Closing, Giving, and Final Announcements

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 do when he realized his servant was sick and near death? What does this show about where he believed true help could be found? ([26:31])
How did the centurion describe himself in relation to Jesus, and what did he say about authority? ([27:13])
According to the sermon, what was Jesus’ reaction to the centurion’s faith, and how did this compare to others in Israel? ([43:07])
What happened to the servant as a result of the centurion’s actions and faith? ([56:13])

Interpretation Questions

The centurion was an outsider by cultural and religious standards, yet he approached Jesus for help. What does this suggest about who can come to Jesus and receive from Him? ([37:17])
The centurion said, “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.” Why might feelings of unworthiness keep people from coming to Jesus, and how does Jesus respond to such people? ([51:40])
The sermon compared God’s authority to an umbrella in a storm. What does it mean to “come under” God’s authority, and why is this necessary for experiencing God’s blessing? ([54:14])
The centurion’s faith was not just a belief but was shown in his actions. How does the story show that faith is more than just agreeing with something in your mind? ([58:25])

Application Questions

The centurion didn’t rely on his own position, wealth, or connections, but sought Jesus as the only one with true authority. Are there areas in your life where you tend to rely on your own strength or resources instead of coming to Jesus? What would it look like to bring those areas under His authority this week? ([46:35])
The sermon talked about God’s authority being like an umbrella—protection and blessing are only experienced when we choose to come under it. Is there a specific area of your life (relationships, finances, habits, etc.) where you are “standing in the rain” instead of under God’s covering? What step could you take to move under His authority in that area? ([54:14])
Many people struggle with feelings of unworthiness or shame that keep them from coming to God. Have you ever felt this way? How does the story of the centurion encourage you to approach Jesus anyway? ([51:40])
The sermon said that faith is expressed through action and alignment with God’s Word. What is one practical way you can act on God’s Word this week, rather than just agreeing with it in your mind? ([58:25])
The centurion’s faith led to healing and restoration, not just for himself but for someone he cared about. Is there someone in your life who needs God’s touch? How can your faith and prayers make a difference for them? ([56:13])
The message said that our transformation becomes an invitation to others. Can you think of a time when someone noticed a change in your life because of Jesus? How might your current journey of faith encourage or invite others to seek Him? ([01:02:16])
The sermon invited everyone to bring every area of life under Jesus’ authority. What is one area you want to surrender more fully to Him? What is holding you back, and how can the group pray for you in this? ([01:03:05])

Sermon Clips

See, in the context of worship on the day of Passover, Jesus reminded his disciples that he was about to pour out his life and sacrifice, but that he was going to sustain them and empower them. See, the juice represents his blood, and his blood was poured out. You know, when you follow the Old Testament sacrificial system, that they poured out the blood at the altar. Why did they do that? Because Leviticus tells us that life is in the blood. And so life is what overwhelms death. What? Life conquers death. It's not the other way around. We think that death wins. But in Jesus pouring out his blood, he taught us, he showed us that life wins. When he rose from the grave on that third day, he was demonstrating that death no longer had power. Why? Because he had saturated with his life. [00:16:08] (49 seconds) #LifeConquersDeath

We want to be thriving, don't we? We want to flourish in life. If you're like me, you've been taught to kind of keep your problems to yourself, right? To be stoic about it, to suck it up, right? To take the lemons life throws at you. And do what? Make lemonade. Right? We don't whine, we don't complain, we don't tell people, we don't talk to people. We don't get help. We deal with it on our own. [00:32:28] (25 seconds) #ThrivingThroughVulnerability

Sometimes it's an issue of feeling unworthy or feeling guilty that keeps us from experiencing the life that God has for us. The centurion was not a Jewish man. He was a Roman occupier. Remember, Israel was subservient to Rome. Rome were outsiders. Rome came in and they took over, they dominated, they conquered Israel. This man was separated from God, from God's people by social and cultural and racial issues. He wasn't a Jew. He wasn't an inheritor of the covenant of God. He wasn't a part of the culture of God's people. He wasn't following God the way that God prescribed. He wasn't a proselyte, we see. He wasn't a convert to Judaism. He was on the outside. He wasn't ethnically, is a part of God's people. He wasn't socially a part of God's people. He was actually the enemy. He was a Gentile. He probably was a sinner. And we know that what iniquity our sin separates us from God. So like the centurion, how many of us feel the distance that is created by our differences and by our decisions? [00:37:02] (72 seconds) #OvercomingDistanceThroughFaith

Jesus came for you and I to have life, but not just life. To have abundant life, to have overflowing life. To have more than enough life. Not just to survive, not just to make it, not just to get saved and hold on until we enter into glory, but to be so full of life right now that it spills out of us, that it touches our kids, that it touches our kids. Kids. That it touches our neighbors and our co workers in our community. That there is such an abundance of life in us that we got more than enough for every good work. Why? Because that's the life that Jesus brings. [00:42:21] (33 seconds) #AbundantLifeSpillsOver

The centurion was searching for someone who had the ability to really change his servant's circumstances. At this point, he'd probably sent for doctors. At this point, he probably paid for things to be changed that couldn't be changed. So what he do, he hears about Jesus and. And he sends for them. He hears that Jesus is doing miracles. He hears the words that Jesus is preaching that is causing people to be transformed, to be changed. And he says, there's where the power is. There's where the ability is. It's in Jesus. [00:44:29] (28 seconds) #PowerInJesusAlone

If you want a blessed life, live the way God says to. If you want the life that God offers, do what God says to do. Amen. Listen, this is such a big deal because of where we live, because how we've been raised, it's all about us. And we. It's. You know, we take time for ourselves. We do what's good for us, and we'll do that. Ignore what God says is good and what God says is right. And the crazy thing is, is we understand authority in life. You do what your parents tell you to do. You do what your boss tells you to do. I know we got a bunch of military servicemen and women in here. Y' all definitely do what your command tells you to do. But when it comes to God, God wants you to have a blessed life. Jesus said, I want you to have an abundant life. And I'm here to tell you if you want that life, you got to come under his authority and do what he says to do and live how he says to live. [00:54:59] (69 seconds) #ObedienceBringsBlessing

Faith is recognizing God's authority and pursuing God's power in our lives. And how does that look? It looks like doing what God says to do so that I can receive what God promises to give. How do we know that we're living in great faith? Well, when we Believe that God has all power and all authority. It shows in our lives. How does it show? First in our actions, how are you living your life? What are you pursuing? And then the second place it shows is how God's grace has changed us. [00:58:27] (33 seconds) #FaithInAction

If God is the ultimate authority, then his way is the right way. Therefore, if we do what he says to do, we'll receive the outcome that he says we'll have. Listen, this is the simplest expression of living by faith that I know of. Recognize God's authority, act according to it, and receive the blessing he promises. This is how we go from a degraded, dysfunctional life to an abundant flourishing. One that simple. [00:59:25] (28 seconds) #SimpleFaithFlourishes

The difference between us living a degraded life or an abundant life is the power of God. If you want change, if you want life, plug into the power source. Amen. The only one who has the rightful authority has authority. The rightful, actual and unimpeded power to act is God. He's the only one. So when we come to him and bring our lives under the COVID of his authority, then we can, through the Spirit, gain access to the power we need. And if we'll live by faith, we'll receive the touch of heaven and our lives will be changed. And it won't just be changed for us. It will be evident to the world around us. It will become an invitation for them to experience the same life changing, abundant power that we experienced for their very selves. [01:01:38] (50 seconds) #PowerOfGodTransforms

God loves you so much and he wants so many good things for us. And we're like our own worst enemy sometimes. It's like we see the covering, we see the umbrella, but we don't get under it. We stand in the rain. But I believe that God has got great things for us. And if we'll continue to press on to his kingdom and bringing his kingdom into our lives, man, we're going to be a people that everyone looks at and they're kind of like, where did you come from? Because the blessing and favor of God will be on us. Amen. [01:09:44] (38 seconds) #PressIntoTheBlessing

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