Authority Like Jesus | 22 February 2015
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Real and effective change is activated through God-given authority. Jesus is our example in this and the Father crowned Him with the highest authority.
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Authority Like Jesus | 22 February 2015
- 1. Pastor Francois van Niekerk
- 5. MATTHEW 7:28-29 NLT When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, for He taught with real authority - quite unlike their teachers of religious law.
- 13. AUTHORITY IS EXERCISED FOR: God’s will & purpose Resisting temptation Edification Freedom Kingdom advancement
- 14. Thank you for the authority I have in Your Name, Lord. Please strengthen me to obey You today. Crown my life with Your authority as I devote myself to use your authority for Your purpose. Remind me to REMEMBER YOU in everything I do … Amen
Editor's Notes
- Date: 22 February 2015 – first morning service Preacher: Pastor Francois van Niekerk
- Theme: Walking with Jesus – 40 days of building friendship
- Sermon: Authority like Jesus Introduction Some people attempt to bring change by force, but from the life of Jesus we learn that real change comes through authority. Jesus expressed God’s authority very notably and therefore activated great and eternal change. Jesus is often portrayed as meek and mild, wearing a long white gown, but actually He modelled great authority that was recognisable.
- Text: Matthew 7:28-29 (NLT) ‘When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority – quite unlike their teachers of religious law.’
- Main points Foundation for authority Jesus’ life spoke of great authority – based on His submission to the Father and displaying servanthood, humility and obedience to His Father’s commands.
- ‘Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ Philippians 2:5-11 (NKJV) Because of this attitude and lifestyle, the Father crowned Him with the highest authority.
- The pillars of authority are submission, humility, servanthood, obedience and crowning authority.
- 2. Jesus-style authority Jesus was given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). His authority was based in His dependence, submission and willingness towards His Father (John 5; 12). It was expressed in the following ways: The childlike, humble way in which He obeyed His Father. He knew that His authority came from His Father (John 13:3) and that it was based on His Father’s words.
- ‘For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.’ John 12: 49-50 (NIV) His serving. Jesus’ authority was in practice based on the Kingdom pattern where the way up is down. In Matthew 23:11 (NLT) Jesus says, “The greatest among you must be a servant.” (Also see Matthew 23:12 and Luke 22:26-27.) The way He spoke (Matthew 7:28-29, John 7:47). Authority in the spirit is displayed when your walk and talk line up and is based on God’s Word. In practice as He loved His enemies, turned the other cheek and forgave even as He hung on the cross.
- 3. The promise of authority The authority given to those who believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God is confirmed in His words in Luke 10:19 (NKJV), “… I give you authority … over all the power of the enemy …” This authority is expressed in the following ways: By using His Name (Mark 16:17). Through revelation (special insight provided by God) as a result of relationship with Jesus. Revelation received and acted on, releases great authority (as modelled by Jesus in His relationship with His Father in John 5:19). In spiritual maturity – knowing your identity in Christ and being fit in the spiritual disciplines. It is important to understand the difference between power and authority. (Think of the authority a soccer referee enforces, regardless of his physical power.)
- 4. Exercising authority Godly authority is given, never seized. Godly authority does not depend on how loud you can shout or how much power you show. Godly authority must be exercised in the following ways: By faith and confidence in God and His ability. In humility and submission to God and not in a dominating or authoritarian way (Matthew 23:12). By serving God’s purpose – we must understand the purpose for authority. In obedience (2 Corinthians 10:6). God empowers obedience. When we obey God, His authority is released. On the other hand, disobedience disenables authority. Exercising authority has a specific order – submit to God (and His Word), resist the devil (exercise authority) and he will flee from you. A good example is the way in which Jesus exercised authority over the devil when He was tempted in the desert (Luke 4:1-13).
- Authority is exercised for the following reasons: For God’s will and purpose to be done. To resist temptation. To edify one another – building up and not breaking down (2 Corinthians 10:8). For freedom – to bring life, healing, deliverance and correcting injustice (Luke 4:18). To advance the Kingdom (taking ground for God) in countering evil and the devil’s activity. Application Humble yourself before God and He will lift you up and give you His authority (James 4:10). The secret of spiritual authority is to not base your actions and faith on your own ability but on God’s. Agree with Jesus’ words in John 8:28 (NKJV): “I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught me.” Then strengthen it by speaking and acting with confidence that ‘I can do all things through Christ who gives me the power and authority!’ (Philippians 4:13).
- Prayer Lord, thank you for the authority I have in Your Name. Please strengthen me to obey You daily. Crown my life with Your authority as I devote myself to use it for Your purposes. Remind me to remember You in everything I do. Amen.