Transforming Power: From Corruption to Servanthood
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound and often perilous nature of power. Using the metaphor of the "One Ring" from J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings," we delved into how power can corrupt even the most innocent among us. This corruption is evident in various spheres of life, from playground bullies to political leaders. The core issue is that power, when misused, leads to destruction and injustice. However, power itself is not inherently evil; it was given by God for human flourishing.
Jesus introduced a revolutionary concept of power—"power under"—as opposed to the world's "power over." This kingdom of power under is characterized by servanthood and love, as exemplified by Jesus Himself. He leveraged His power not for domination but for the flourishing of others. This is a stark contrast to the world's view of power as a zero-sum game, where one's gain is another's loss.
The Apostle Paul emphasized that the gospel is the power of God for salvation, a power that transforms lives and societies. This power is not about control or coercion but about love and service. When we use power in this way, we reflect God's image and contribute to human flourishing.
We are called to be ambassadors of this kingdom of power under, using whatever power we have—be it relational, financial, or political—to serve others and promote justice. This is not just a lofty ideal but a practical call to action. Whether through our words, actions, or votes, we have the opportunity to use our power to create a more just and flourishing world.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Corrupting Nature of Power: Power has the potential to corrupt and destroy, as seen in various aspects of life, from playground bullies to political leaders. This corruption leads to injustice and suffering for many. However, power itself is not inherently evil; it was given by God for human flourishing. [34:41]
2. Jesus' Concept of Power Under: Jesus introduced a revolutionary concept of "power under," characterized by servanthood and love. Unlike the world's "power over," which seeks control and domination, power under aims for the flourishing of others. This is exemplified in Jesus' life and teachings. [49:16]
3. The Gospel as Transformative Power: The Apostle Paul emphasized that the gospel is the power of God for salvation. This power is not about control but about transformation through love and service. When we embrace this power, we contribute to human flourishing and reflect God's image. [38:16]
4. Practical Application of Power: We are called to use whatever power we have—relational, financial, or political—to serve others and promote justice. This is a practical call to action, urging us to use our power to create a more just and flourishing world. [57:36]
5. The Role of Love in Transforming Power: Love is the key to transforming power from a corrupting force to a life-giving one. When we love others, we seek their flourishing, which aligns with God's original intent for power. This love-driven power is what Jesus exemplified and calls us to emulate. [52:45]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:41] - The Corrupting Nature of Power
[36:17] - Power in Everyday Life
[37:03] - The Problem with Power
[38:16] - The Gospel and Power
[39:47] - Types of Power
[41:41] - Power for Flourishing
[43:26] - Misuse of Power
[45:31] - Power Over vs. Power Under
[47:26] - Idolatry and Injustice
[49:16] - Jesus' Kingdom of Power Under
[51:04] - Motivation for Power Under
[52:45] - Love Transforms Power
[54:21] - Witnessing Through Power Under
[55:49] - Power as a Positive Sum Game
[57:36] - Practical Application of Power
[59:48] - The Power of Words
[01:01:39] - Imitating Jesus
[01:03:35] - Prayer and Conclusion
[01:07:09] - Announcements and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile."
2. Mark 10:42-45 - "Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'"
3. Proverbs 3:27 - "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 1:16, what is the gospel described as, and what does it bring to those who believe?
2. In Mark 10:42-45, how does Jesus describe the difference between worldly rulers and His followers? [49:16]
3. What does Proverbs 3:27 instruct us to do when we have the power to act?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "power under" as introduced by Jesus in Mark 10:42-45 challenge the traditional view of power? [49:16]
2. In what ways does the gospel, as described in Romans 1:16, serve as a transformative power in our lives and society? [38:16]
3. How can withholding good, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:27, lead to injustice and suffering in our communities? [57:36]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced the corrupting nature of power. How did it affect those involved, and what could have been done differently to promote flourishing instead? [34:41]
2. Jesus calls us to serve others and use our power for their benefit. What are some practical ways you can apply this "power under" principle in your daily life, especially in your workplace or family? [49:16]
3. The sermon mentioned that love transforms power from a corrupting force to a life-giving one. How can you intentionally show love in your interactions this week to ensure your use of power promotes flourishing? [52:45]
4. Think about the different types of power you have (relational, financial, political, etc.). How can you use these to serve others and promote justice in your community? [57:36]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of using our words to create flourishing. Identify a specific person or group you interact with regularly. How can you use your words to encourage and uplift them this week? [59:48]
6. Reflect on the idea of being an ambassador of the kingdom of "power under." What steps can you take to embody this role in your community or church? [57:36]
7. The sermon mentioned the concept of power as a positive sum game. How can you share your power in a way that multiplies its positive impact on those around you? [55:49]
Devotional
Day 1: The Corrupting Nature of Power
Power has the potential to corrupt and destroy, as seen in various aspects of life, from playground bullies to political leaders. This corruption leads to injustice and suffering for many. However, power itself is not inherently evil; it was given by God for human flourishing. The misuse of power is what leads to negative outcomes. When individuals or groups use power for selfish gain, it results in harm and injustice. This is evident in the way some leaders exploit their positions, leading to widespread suffering and inequality.
Understanding that power is a gift from God meant for the betterment of humanity can help us reframe our approach to it. Instead of seeking power for personal gain, we should aim to use it for the common good. This perspective aligns with the biblical view that power should be exercised with responsibility and care, ensuring that it contributes to the well-being of others rather than their detriment. [34:41]
Ecclesiastes 4:1 (ESV): "Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have witnessed the misuse of power. How did it affect those involved, and what could have been done differently to ensure justice and flourishing?
Day 2: Jesus' Concept of Power Under
Jesus introduced a revolutionary concept of "power under," characterized by servanthood and love. Unlike the world's "power over," which seeks control and domination, power under aims for the flourishing of others. This is exemplified in Jesus' life and teachings. He demonstrated that true power is not about exerting control over others but about serving them selflessly. This approach to power is counter-cultural and challenges the conventional understanding of authority and influence.
Jesus' life is a testament to the power of servanthood. He washed the feet of His disciples, healed the sick, and ultimately sacrificed His life for humanity. This model of power under is a call for us to re-evaluate how we use our influence and authority. Instead of seeking to dominate, we should aim to uplift and support others, ensuring their well-being and growth. [49:16]
Mark 10:42-45 (ESV): "And Jesus called them to him and said to them, 'You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you had the opportunity to serve someone. How did it make you feel, and how did it impact the other person? How can you incorporate more acts of service into your daily life?
Day 3: The Gospel as Transformative Power
The Apostle Paul emphasized that the gospel is the power of God for salvation. This power is not about control but about transformation through love and service. When we embrace this power, we contribute to human flourishing and reflect God's image. The gospel's transformative power lies in its ability to change hearts and minds, leading to a more just and loving society. This power is rooted in the love of God, which compels us to act in ways that promote the well-being of others.
The gospel calls us to a higher standard of living, one that prioritizes love, justice, and service. By embracing this transformative power, we can make a significant impact on our communities and the world at large. This power is not about coercion or control but about genuine care and concern for others, leading to lasting change and flourishing. [38:16]
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."
Reflection: How has the gospel transformed your life? In what ways can you use this transformative power to impact your community positively?
Day 4: Practical Application of Power
We are called to use whatever power we have—relational, financial, or political—to serve others and promote justice. This is a practical call to action, urging us to use our power to create a more just and flourishing world. Whether through our words, actions, or votes, we have the opportunity to make a difference. This call to action is not just theoretical but requires tangible steps to ensure that our power is used for the common good.
In our daily lives, we encounter numerous opportunities to use our power for positive change. Whether it's advocating for someone in need, supporting a cause that promotes justice, or using our resources to help others, we can make a significant impact. By being intentional about how we use our power, we can contribute to a more just and flourishing world. [57:36]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you have influence. How can you use that influence to promote justice and serve others this week?
Day 5: The Role of Love in Transforming Power
Love is the key to transforming power from a corrupting force to a life-giving one. When we love others, we seek their flourishing, which aligns with God's original intent for power. This love-driven power is what Jesus exemplified and calls us to emulate. Love transforms power by redirecting its focus from self-interest to the well-being of others. This transformation is essential for creating a just and flourishing society.
By allowing love to guide our use of power, we can ensure that our actions contribute to the common good. This approach requires a shift in mindset, from seeking personal gain to prioritizing the needs of others. When love is at the center of our actions, power becomes a tool for positive change and growth. [52:45]
1 John 4:7-8 (ESV): "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."
Reflection: Think of a relationship or situation where you have power. How can you let love guide your actions to ensure the flourishing of others in that context?
Quotes
1. "The problem with power is that it does horrible things to otherwise decent kind everyday people and when that happens everyone pays the price so the question comes up is there any way to escape this because it seems to infect and affect everyone just like in tolken's trilogy is it better have some have suggested that perhaps nobody has power because none of us can be trusted with it." [37:03] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Humans were created in the image of God. And that image was centered, as we discussed last week, on having dominion over God's creation. That God created us to exercise power in wise discernment. Discerning dominion over His creation, so that we would reflect God's justice and God's love and God's wisdom into His creation. To do that requires power. In short, power was given for flourishing. God gives humanity power so that we can create a flourishing world." [39:47] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The temptation that we face, however, is to misuse power for our own personal benefit, for our own advantage, for our own private gain. This is the problem with power and control. And nowhere is this easier to see than in the world of power. The world of politics. Can I get an amen? Don't worry, we're not going to delve into politics today. We will get there in this series. Okay, so, you know, I'll make everyone mad at some point." [43:26] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are all tempted to use power over, but something happens in the kingdom of power over. Something happens that we don't even realize, is that we cease to become image bearers of the generous and peaceful and loving God, and we begin to reflect the image of other little gods, status, reputation, wealth, influence, and all these things. And as we travel further down this road in the kingdom of power over, we find ourselves living our lives focused around something other than the creator God." [47:26] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When power over becomes the rule of the day, idolatry and injustice begin creeping into our lives, almost without noticing. This is the problem. We hoard resources. We oppress other people groups. We hold others in contempt because we don't agree with them or we think they're not, you know, the kind of people that they should be. And then Jesus comes along. And if you remember, he says, repent for the kingdom of God is here. It's a different kind of kingdom." [49:16] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "What if we actually lived and exhibited power under instead of power over? And by the way, it's a little, uh, shameless plug here. Uh, one of the ways that we witness and testify to God's power and the transforming power of his love is this practice that the church has used since the beginning called baptism, where we essentially take, a public stand and say, here, here's my story and my testimony, right? I've been transformed by the love of God. His power under has transformed my life and I am signing up for Jesus kingdom of power under." [54:21] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When the opportunity presents itself, we can be ambassadors of the kingdom of power under. The wisdom writer in the Old Testament, in Proverbs 3, verse 27, makes this comment, do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act. In other words, when you have access to power, relational power, political power, financial power, physical power, whatever that happens to be, when you have access to power, when it is within your power to act, he says, don't withhold good from those to whom it is due." [57:36] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "What if you used the power of your words to facilitate flourishing in your world, in your family, in your workplace, in your classroom? What if you used your words to create flourishing for those you interact with? Maybe your spoken words, maybe your typed or texted words. Those who sit in the same classroom, work in the same company, those who live on your street, those who actually wait for it, might disagree with you on the important things about life, and economy, and politics, and politicians." [59:48] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Reaching your potential as an agent of flourishing in God's creation is even more important than reaching. And so I want to challenge you today. Will you sign on to Jesus' kingdom? The kingdom of power under that uses power for the reason it was intended to create flourishing in God's world." [01:03:35] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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