Introduction

Good morning, family! It's a joy to be with you all today. We're here to talk about something incredibly important—something that can change your life and the way you live your faith. It's all about authority. Now, I don't mean the kind of authority that comes with a badge or a title. I'm talking about the authority that comes from being a believer in Christ.

Let's look at what Jesus Himself said about this. In the book of Matthew, chapter 28, verse 18, it says,

"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'"

Think about that. All authority. Not some, not most, but all. And as believers, we share in that authority. We're not just spectators in this world. We're active participants, with the power to make a real difference.

This reminds me of something A.W. Tozer once said., "God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible. What a pity we plan only the things we can do by ourselves."

We're not meant to go it alone, folks. We're meant to tap into the authority that God has given us. It's not about doing things in our own strength. It's about letting God work through us to do things we could never do on our own.

So today, we're going to talk about what this authority means. We'll look at how we can understand it, how we can exercise it, and what it means for our lives.

But before we get into all that, let's start with a word of prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day and for the chance to gather together as a family. We ask that you open our hearts and minds to your Word today. Help us to understand the authority you've given us and to use it in a way that honors you. We know that with you, all things are possible. So, we ask that you guide us and give us the courage to step out in faith, trusting in your power and authority. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Alright, let's get into it, shall we?

Understanding Our God Given Authority

When we think about the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:18, we're reminded of the vastness of His authority. It's not limited or constrained. It's all-encompassing. This is the same authority that has been given to us, as believers. It's a profound truth that can reshape our lives and our faith.

Doesn't mean we suddenly become all-powerful: It's not about us, after all. It's about God working through us. We're vessels, channels through which His power and authority can flow. It's not about asserting our will, but about submitting to His. It's about saying, "Not my will, but yours be done." This is a crucial point to grasp. We're not the source of the authority. We're the recipients. It's a gift, not something we've earned or achieved. It's given to us by grace, through faith. And like any gift, it's meant to be used, not hoarded or hidden away.

How do we use this authority?: Well, it starts with understanding what it's for. It's not for our own benefit or glory. It's for the advancement of God's kingdom. It's for the proclamation of the gospel, the healing of the broken, the liberation of the oppressed. It's for the doing of God's will on earth as it is in heaven.

Where we see the true power of this authority: It's not about us doing great things for God. It's about God doing great things through us. It's about being a part of something bigger than ourselves, something eternal and transformative. This is why it's so important to understand our God-given authority. It's not just about knowing we have it. It's about knowing what it's for and how to use it. It's about aligning ourselves with God's purposes and plans, and being willing to be used by Him in whatever way He sees fit.

Doesn't come overnight: It's a process, a journey of growth and discovery. It requires prayer, study, and reflection. It requires humility and surrender. It requires a willingness to let go of our own ideas and agendas, and to embrace God's. And as we grow in this understanding, we'll find that our faith becomes more vibrant, more alive. We'll find that we're not just going through the motions, but truly living out our faith. We'll find that we're not just observers, but active participants in God's work in the world.

Exercising Believer's Authority

As we continue to reflect on the authority given to us as believers, we turn our attention to the practical application of this divine empowerment ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO