Who's In Charge Here? A Series on Authority
Thursday, January 8, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for making it so apparent throughout Your word that You and Your Son, Jesus, are the ultimately authority in the universe! I praise You that You give me a solid foundation from which to live my life, and that I needn’t wonder who or what to follow as I make daily decisions and carry out daily activities. Thank You that Your word is sure, and that as I read it You will impart its wisdom to my mind, heart and spirit. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may not only read, but also do Your will to Your great glory and honor. This I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord and for the advance of His coming Kingdom. Amen.
Bible Verses
Matthew 28:18
18Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth.”
John 3:35
35The Father loves his Son, and he has given him authority over everything.
Acts 5:29
29But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than human authority.
Galatians 1:1
1This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group or by human authority. My call is from Jesus Christ himself and from God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.
Reflecting on God's Word
What is the common theme regarding authority that comes from the Scriptures we have just read?
What would be the result if Christians everywhere lived on this authority daily?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
What is the key point in Matthew 28:18 regarding Jesus’ authority?
What is the key point in John 3:35 regarding Jesus and authority?
What is the key point regarding authority in Acts 5:29?
What is the key point regarding authority in Galatians 1:1?
Understanding God's Purpose for Us
As you read the various Scriptures for today, what was the common theme running through them?
Why do you suppose the Bible underscores the source of authority so often?
Applying God's Word to Our Purpose
What would it look like in your life today if you applied the Scriptures we just read?
Thoughts
The Scriptures we read today make it abundantly clear that God is the ultimate source of authority in our lives and that Jesus holds the same authority as God. The Bible emphasizes over and over again that we must live under some authority. We all have a choice—actually we have many choices. We may choose to live under God’s authority, in which case we must first submit ourselves to Him and give up our own authority. We can choose some worldly authority—wealth, evil (Satan), but we will live under some authority. Peter and John chose to follow God’s will, even when it meant imprisonment. Jesus chose to submit Himself to the powers of this world and be crucified in order that His ultimate authority would be demonstrated. The Apostle Paul also lived under Jesus’ authority and when it came to being executed by worldly powers or denying Jesus’ authority in His life, he gladly chose to die, rather than deny the one who had given Him a life that can never be take away. As we live today, God’s authority is ours for the asking—living it out is an adventure and a risk, but with an ultimate guarantee of life eternal!