Who's In Charge Here? A Series on Authority
Friday, January 9, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, Thank You for who You are and for Your great power and authority over creation, and especially in my life! I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may live in faithful obedience to You today and always. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bible Verses
Ephesians 1:19-23
19I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. 22And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. 23And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with his presence.
Colossians 2:8-10
8Don’t let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ. 9For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body, 10and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe.
Jude 1:24-25
24And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. 25All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore. Amen.
Reflecting on God's Word
In what way does “all authority” belong to Jesus right now?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
What is the key theme of Ephesians 1:19-23?
How does Colossians 2:8-10 demonstrate that Jesus is the “ultimate authority”?
What does Jude 1:24-25 say about authority?
Understanding God's Purpose for Us
What would be the difference in the church in the USA if every Christian accepted God’s authority as outlined in today’s Scriptures?
How does our acceptance of Jesus’ authority enhance our inhibit unbelievers’ acceptance of Him as Savior and Lord?
Applying God's Word to Our Purpose
What is the key application of today’s Scripture in your life right now?
Thoughts
Today’s Scriptures attribute all authority to Jesus. They make it clear that because of what Jesus has done through His death and resurrection, and His return to God’s right hand, that He IS the ultimate authority. With many Christian “cults” claiming that Jesus isn’t fully God or truly God, these Scriptures make it clear that He really IS God. As we go about our daily lives, the reality that Jesus IS both a human and God makes it clear that our God truly understands the “human predicament.” Jesus has “been there and done that” as it were, and passed every test with a perfect score! Because of that truth, we may put our full trust in both His power and authority, and may live boldly and confidently in and for Him. As we go about this day, let’s show everyone around us that we live lives “under authority,” that we understand that no one is his or her own authority who claims Jesus as Lord. May we let others see in our words and actions that we desire to place Jesus in His proper place as Lord of all and Savior of our lives!