Walking in God's Authority: Empowered for Transformation
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of walking in the authority of God. This authority is not something we earn or achieve through our own abilities, but rather it is a divine empowerment given to us through Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to walk in this authority, which enables us to utilize everything God has provided through His Spirit. This series will delve into how we can practically live out this authority in our daily lives.
We began by examining the anointing of Jesus as described in Luke 4, where He proclaimed liberty to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and freedom for the oppressed. This anointing was a symbol of the Holy Spirit's power and authority resting upon Him, and it is the same anointing that empowers us today. Jesus' authority came through His submission to God's order, exemplified by His baptism by John, which was a necessary step for Him to fulfill all righteousness.
As followers of Christ, we are invited to step into this authority and proclaim the good news of freedom and salvation to those around us. This involves recognizing that many are spiritually captive and blind, and it is our responsibility to share the message of hope and life found in Jesus. We have the authority to pray for spiritual eyes to be opened and for the oppressed to find liberty.
Furthermore, we are called to make disciples, teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded. This is not limited to pastors or missionaries but is a mandate for every believer. We are to go into the world, whether that means our neighborhood or across the globe, and share the love and truth of Christ.
In conclusion, walking in the authority of God is about aligning ourselves with His will and purpose, allowing His power to flow through us to impact the world. It is a journey of faith and obedience, trusting that as we follow Him, He will guide us and equip us for every good work.
Key Takeaways:
- The Anointing of Jesus: Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit to proclaim good news and set captives free. This anointing symbolizes the authority and power given to us as believers to continue His work on earth. We are called to walk in this authority, recognizing that it is not our own strength but His power through us. [51:17]
- Proclaiming Liberty: As followers of Christ, we have the authority to proclaim freedom to those who are spiritually captive. Many are unaware of their bondage to sin and darkness, and it is our responsibility to share the message of hope and salvation found in Jesus. This proclamation is a powerful declaration that can transform lives. [01:06:37]
- Spiritual Sight for the Blind: We are empowered to pray for spiritual blindness to be lifted, allowing individuals to see and understand the truth of the Gospel. This involves interceding for others, asking God to open their eyes and fill them with His light, so they can receive the fullness of His love and grace. [01:09:26]
- Authority to Forgive and Heal: Believers have the authority to forgive sins and pray for healing. This authority is not about our own merit but is rooted in the finished work of Christ. By extending forgiveness and praying for healing, we participate in God's redemptive work, bringing restoration and wholeness to those in need. [01:33:57]
- Making Disciples: The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe Jesus' commands. This involves investing in others, sharing what we have learned, and guiding them in their spiritual journey. It is a call to be intentional in our relationships, helping others grow in their faith and walk in the authority God has given them. [01:28:28]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to the Series
- [02:15] - Upcoming Events and Announcements
- [05:45] - Testimony and Praise Report
- [10:30] - The Anointing of Jesus
- [15:00] - Understanding Spiritual Authority
- [20:45] - Proclaiming Liberty to the Captives
- [25:30] - Spiritual Sight for the Blind
- [30:15] - Liberty for the Oppressed
- [35:00] - Proclaiming the Year of the Lord's Favor
- [40:45] - The Great Commission and Making Disciples
- [45:30] - Authority to Forgive and Heal
- [50:15] - Walking in Authority: Practical Steps
- [55:00] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Walking in the Authority of God
Bible Reading:
- Luke 4:16-21
- Matthew 28:16-20
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah. What specific tasks does He say He is anointed to do? How do these tasks relate to the authority given to Him by the Holy Spirit? [01:01:25]
2. According to the sermon, what was the significance of Jesus being baptized by John, and how did it relate to His authority? [51:17]
3. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus speaks about authority. What does He say about the authority given to Him, and what command does He give to His disciples as a result? [01:23:33]
4. The sermon mentions that believers have the authority to forgive sins and pray for healing. How is this authority described in the context of the sermon? [01:33:57]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the anointing of Jesus in Luke 4 serve as a model for believers today in terms of walking in spiritual authority? What implications does this have for how believers should live their lives? [01:01:25]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of proclaiming liberty to the captives. What does this mean in a spiritual sense, and how can believers recognize those who are spiritually captive? [01:06:37]
3. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commissions His disciples to make disciples of all nations. What does this commission imply about the role of every believer in the mission of the church? [01:23:33]
4. The sermon discusses the authority to pray for spiritual sight for the blind. How can believers effectively intercede for others to have their spiritual eyes opened? [01:09:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually blind or captive. How did you experience freedom or sight through the authority of Christ? How can you share this experience with others who may be in a similar situation? [01:06:37]
2. The sermon encourages believers to make disciples. Identify one person in your life who you can intentionally invest in spiritually. What steps can you take this week to begin or continue this discipleship relationship? [01:28:28]
3. Consider the authority given to believers to forgive and heal. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive or pray for healing? How can you take a step of faith in this area this week? [01:33:57]
4. The sermon mentions the importance of aligning with God's will and purpose. What specific area of your life do you feel called to align more closely with God's authority? What practical steps can you take to do this? [01:37:08]
5. Jesus' command to go and make disciples is for all believers. What fears or doubts do you have about sharing your faith, and how can you overcome them with the authority given to you in Christ? [01:25:54]
6. The sermon highlights the power of proclaiming the year of the Lord's favor. How can you speak words of blessing and favor into the lives of those around you this week? [01:19:06]
7. Reflect on the concept of spiritual authority as discussed in the sermon. How can you grow in understanding and exercising this authority in your daily life? What resources or practices might help you in this journey? [01:01:25]
Devotional
Day 1: The Anointing of Jesus Empowers Us
The anointing of Jesus, as described in Luke 4, signifies the Holy Spirit's power and authority resting upon Him. This anointing was not just for Jesus but is extended to all believers, empowering them to continue His work on earth. As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in this authority, recognizing that it is not our own strength but His power through us. This divine empowerment enables us to proclaim the good news, set captives free, and bring healing and restoration to those in need. By aligning ourselves with God's will, we allow His power to flow through us, impacting the world around us. [51:17]
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively seek to align yourself with God's will today, allowing His power to work through you to impact those around you?
Day 2: Proclaiming Freedom to the Spiritually Captive
As believers, we have the authority to proclaim freedom to those who are spiritually captive. Many people are unaware of their bondage to sin and darkness, and it is our responsibility to share the message of hope and salvation found in Jesus. This proclamation is not just a verbal declaration but a powerful act that can transform lives. By stepping into this authority, we become vessels of God's love and truth, bringing light to those in darkness and offering them the opportunity to experience true freedom in Christ. [01:06:37]
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life is in need of hearing the message of freedom in Christ? How can you intentionally share this message with them today?
Day 3: Praying for Spiritual Sight
We are empowered to pray for spiritual blindness to be lifted, allowing individuals to see and understand the truth of the Gospel. This involves interceding for others, asking God to open their eyes and fill them with His light, so they can receive the fullness of His love and grace. As we pray for spiritual sight, we participate in God's redemptive work, helping others to see the beauty and truth of the Gospel and inviting them into a relationship with Jesus. [01:09:26]
"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." (Psalm 119:18, ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone you know that is spiritually blind? How can you commit to praying for their spiritual sight to be opened this week?
Day 4: Authority to Forgive and Heal
Believers have the authority to forgive sins and pray for healing, rooted in the finished work of Christ. This authority is not about our own merit but is a participation in God's redemptive work. By extending forgiveness and praying for healing, we bring restoration and wholeness to those in need. This act of faith not only transforms the lives of others but also deepens our own relationship with God as we witness His power and love at work. [01:33:57]
"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." (James 5:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive or pray for healing today? How can you take a step of faith to extend God's love and grace to them?
Day 5: Making Disciples with Intentionality
The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe Jesus' commands. This involves investing in others, sharing what we have learned, and guiding them in their spiritual journey. Making disciples is not limited to pastors or missionaries but is a mandate for every believer. It requires intentionality in our relationships, helping others grow in their faith and walk in the authority God has given them. By doing so, we fulfill our calling and participate in the expansion of God's kingdom on earth. [01:28:28]
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone you can invest in and disciple in their faith journey? What practical steps can you take to begin this process today?
Quotes
I'm glad either you didn't raise your hand because you're never going to raise your hand for anything ever. Or, or you raise your hand because you actually believe that. Well, that's awesome. Either way, that's, you know, everyone here, if you're seeking him, if you're in him, if you're born again, if you're filled with the Holy Ghost, you have the right to walk in the authority that God's given you. And we're going to talk about here that here today, the authority and the authority gives you the ability to use everything that God's that God has given you through Jesus Christ. Now, it's not you, it's not your ability, but it's his ability through you. Amen. [00:37:12] (39 seconds)
He had to be anointed by the Holy spirit to do what he did. Now. But as soon as he had that anointing, look out because he began to walk in that anointing. Verse 18. Let me read it again. The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor anointing with oil, a ceremonial practice that symbolizes God's blessing authority and the outpouring of the Holy spirit. That's the actual definition, biblical definition. And Jesus goes on in verse 18. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind to set at Liberty, those who are oppressed to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down and all the eyes and the eyes of all the, in the synagogue. We're fixed. We're fixed on him. And he began to say to them today, this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing today. [00:52:05] (74 seconds)
So we follow him, and what did he say he was going to do? And these four headings declare it very clearly. He says, proclaim liberty to the captives. Proclaim liberty to the captives. Now, these first four are spiritual. They're spiritual headings. As I was studying this out, I realized we're not talking about going to the jail and going, you're free. That isn't going to work. It's not talking about physical captives. Now, there is a level of physical captives, but that comes later. But it's a spiritual heading to proclaim liberty to the captives. Where are people who are not saved, where are they captive? They're captive in the domain, in the kingdom of darkness. They're captive. They don't even know they're captive. Many of them don't even understand that they're captive, that they're prisoners in darkness. They're prisoners in being lost and destined for eternity, separated from God. [01:01:04] (74 seconds)
If you don't have Jesus, in him is liberty. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Anything separated from the Spirit of God is bondage. Well, no, I can do anything I want. Bondage. You're binding yourself to being in the Lord. law of sin and death by being by being in the kingdom of darkness you are you are bound you are shackled to an eternity separated from god the only way you'll be truly free is to is to reject that and to accept what he did on the cross because that's true freedom the very first lie in the in the in the garden was hey you need to eat this fruit because when you do your eyes are going to be open you'll see you're free no he lied to them and as soon as they ate of that fruit he they were shackled to his kingdom it's a lie it's a lie to think outside of jesus you're free you may think you're free you may you may even experience what you consider a level of freedom but being shackled to the kingdom of darkness is only going to bring you death despair and loss in jesus in him is found fullness of joy fullness of freedom in in the spirit where the spirit of the lord is there is freedom [01:03:06] (110 seconds)
The first step of someone who has been given authority in the kingdom of God is to proclaim freedom for captives. You don't have to live that way anymore. You don't have to live that way anymore. You don't have to. You don't have to live that way anymore. You don't have to live that way anymore. You're free. You can be free. How do I become free? Bow your knee to Jesus. Because in Him is fullness and freedom. When you do that, when you submit yourself. Now, do you have to? Am I going to make you? I mean, you look all the way back to the Crusades. You know, accept Jesus or die. How stupid is that? How stupid is that? No, freedom is, God wants to give you freedom. I don't want it. Okay. It's your deal, man. I'm just telling you. You can be free. [01:06:53] (54 seconds)
Liberty for those who are oppressed. You can proclaim this. You have the authority to say, whatever is oppressing you, you don't have to experience that. I have the authority to do something about it if you're open to it. Whatever it is. Whatever. It doesn't matter if it's a spiritual thing, a physical thing, a mental thing, whatever. If you are suffering from some kind of oppression, oppression of the devil, and the world certainly is experiencing oppression from the devil, do you know that you have authority to tell them you don't have to be oppressed that way anymore? [01:14:21] (41 seconds)
He said, all authority has been given to me. Now, there were more than 12 disciples there. We know from, I believe it's the first chapter of Acts or one of the other books, it says there were 500 people on that mountain. It wasn't just the apostles. It wasn't just the disciples. It was people who were believing in him. There were 500. What that's saying is, there's more people involved than just, some people say, well, that was just for the 12 disciples. Nope. He set it to 500. And then we see, in Acts, it went from 500 to 120 in the upper room. They got filled with the Holy Ghost. But then it was 5,000. 3,000. Thousands. And they walked in authority. They walked in the power of God. They went and did miracles. They did miracles. Miracles didn't stop with the 12 disciples. Miracles still happen today. [01:21:10] (66 seconds)
You need to start believing him who says you're qualified, you're blessed, you're availed, that you are anointed. You need to start believing him and stop listening to the devil. Stop listening to him. If his lips are moving, he's lying. Go. Well, where's go? I don't know. Next door. The cubicle. Two panels down from yours. School tomorrow. Work tomorrow. Afghanistan. I don't care. Go. Go where he tells you to go. You are qualified. It is not only for missionaries. It is not only for pastors. It is not only for five -fold ministers. It is not only for Bible school people. When I read go, I said okay. [01:28:39] (61 seconds)
Making disciples is the same way that you become a disciple. You spend time with the disciple maker and you do the things the disciple maker does for the reasons that they do it. So now, if you're going to make a disciple, that means you need to have somebody that you're teaching them how to walk this Christian life. Oh, well, I'm not a pastor. I don't care. He didn't say, pastors, go make disciples. He said, you, go make disciples. And I'm saying you. If you're within the sound of my voice, you, go make disciples. Now, how do I make a disciple? Ah, that's a great question. We'll talk about that. But every one of us, we're going to make disciples. We're going to make disciples. We're going to make disciples. One of us, everybody here, everybody here should be making disciples. Not just converts, but disciples. [01:29:41] (50 seconds)
You don't have to be perfect. You just have to be willing. Go make disciples. Everyone, here, everyone who hears me, anyone who will ever hear this message, you are responsible for making disciples. Well, then you better learn how to do it. We'll do it. In a loving, you know, I'm being very, you know me. Or you don't know me. Good luck. Make disciples. And then last is teach. Teaching them to follow. Teaching them. Well, teach. I don't, I'm not a teacher. Yeah, you are if you open your mouth and say, hey, here's what God showed me. You're teaching them. [01:32:47] (38 seconds)
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