Abuse of Authority

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SERIES DESCRIPTION: In this series on the Book of Mark, Pastor Shawn and Krista highlight Jesus as the main attraction. This week, they explore Mark 10:35-52, where Mark tells two stories back to back related to the kind of AUTHORITY Jesus is going to rule with in contrast to the disciples aspirations to rule.

Altar Instructions: Please come up when I begin the 1st of the last 3 sub points during point 3.

Series | The Main Attraction

Pre-Message Welcome

Well... we’re so glad to see everyone of you that are here today in person and online.

· My name is Shawn... my wife and I are the Co-Pastors here at The Grace Place.

· Our mission here is simple... it’s to be Caring People... Caring for people.

· We hope you feel cared for... by God in worship & Word and by the people.

Spanish Welcome - 2nd Service ONLY!

A mis amigos hispanos, me-da-gusto.. que vino... a adorar... con nosotros hoy!

We’re so glad you came to worship... with us today!

Transition: I have two things for you before we begin our message today. The first thing is this

Pastor Plug: Thank you - Fall Fest

·Thank you to our over 100 volunteers who helped us make Fall Festival happen yesterday!

Special thanks to Pastor Bruce our Outreach Director and his amazing Team of Directors.

We saw over 800 people from the community on our campus yesterday who we had a chance to care for and invite them to Check out TGP and what Jesus is doing here.

Now… we always have a bit of fun with our Trucks and let people vote on who they think is the best:

With no further adue…

3rd place goes to… The Outer Space Truck

Sanseverinos, Earls, Sampsons, & Robertsons

2nd place - goes to… Christway Airlines

Pastor Amanda & Pastor Clay

Drum role please…

Coming in ….1st place… bringing the heat....and turning up the competition… was…. Shrek

John & Jennifer Vega -the cooles green forest creatures around

Speaking of voting… .The last thing I have for you is this

Pastor Plug: Voting

Polls are open for Elections & I want to encourage everyone to vote.

Here is the big question…

How you should vote?

You should… Pray…. know the issues… and vote your convictions - while accepting other Christians will do the same and vote differently from you.

Let me help everyone out a bit… here is the reality…

What we do with Jesus determine our future in the Kingdom of God… not what we do with our politics… so… If your political passion makes it hard for you to love your neighbor, you might want to re-assess your priorities..”

Transition: We’re in a series called

Sermon Title | The Main Attraction

We’re going through the book of Mark – noting how Mark makes Jesus the Main attraction of every story he writes.

Well... if you have missed the opener to our series you can catch up

o By listing on most Podcast sites

As well as

o Watch on our Youtube

Today we are going to be looking at Mark 5:21-34 ESV..

Now we know that typically…

Peter has been the bold one of the bunch… but not today. James and John step up to make a request of Jesus…. and…after all that Jesus has taught them about about dying to selfish ambition… and following Jesus into his Kingdom. They are still struggling to understand how the Kingdom of God works.

Here we go.. Mark 10 starting at v.35

Mark 10:35-52 (ESV)

35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking.… Are you able to drink the cup that I drink… or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”

39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink… you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, (He is talking about his suffering and death) 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus

- Remember they are heading to Jerusalem where Jesus will eventually be crucified…

46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd(Many people were following Jesus at thsi point) they came across…, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, he was sitting by the roadside.

47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

***Feel free to encourage people to listen to the Holy Spirit speak to them personally as the message is preached

LETS PRAY

Transition: the title of our message today is...

Sermon Title |__Abuse of Authority

It our text today… Mark presents two stories that highlight the use of authority… contrasting the different uses between the disciples and Jesus.

In our text… James and John are wanting Authority… they are hungry for power.

They wanted to sit ant the RIGHT HAND left side of the throne in the New Kingdom Jesus would establish.

The right and left seat of the throne… were positions of power and authority.

What they failed to understand is that RIGHT HAND of the Father… was the sons seat.

So this presents a problem…

They are actually asking to sit in Jesus’ seat… and take control

The first thing I want you to notice IN YOUR NOTES is…

The DISCIPLES idea of Authority v.35-45

The disciples have revealed their ideas of Authority…. and it is concerning Jesus.

We see this beginning in v.37…

Jesus see’s where these guys are going with their idea of Authority… and say’s… Beware… that when exercising authority - that you don’t Lord it over others.

I think Jesus knew the temptation authority brings… I believe he dangers of abusive authority… even amoung his very own followers… so he speaks clearly to it.

What can we know about the disciples’ ideas of Authority? IN YOUR NOTES

The disciples wanted to use their authority to RULE.

Yea.. we see the Disciples are in danger in falling into the same trap as the religious leaders before them.

Sadly… abuse of authority has been going on for a long time. It did not stop with the Religious Jews, nor did it stop at the Reformation of the Church… it continues today… from one story to the next… Abuse of Authority… it knows know bounds…

It finds it’s way into…

The Church

Through Pastors & leaders…

Into The Family

Marriages, friendships…

The Public Sphere

Politics

Workplace

We see story after story of Abused authority…

***Sometimes we like to label specific types of hurt due to abuse and cancel the very thing that abused us… here is why this wont work…

If you cancel church becuase of Church hurt… God can never use the church to heal you and restore your faith.

If you cancel the family becuase of family hurt… God can never use the family to love you and bless you.

If you cancel God becuase he didn’t do what you though he should do… he can never heal you when you walked away.

I want to make sure we talk about this at The Grace Place.

We are NOT perfect.. there will be people who might abuse authority - we are all susceptible to abusing our authorities… at the same time… we welcome you to call out abuse…. we want to make sure TGP is a safe place for the people of God.

So with that…

How might we recognize the Abuse of Authority?

I want to suggest that we look to… you guessed it… the bible… in fact it has a LOT to say about the abuse of Authority.

How can we know with authority is abusive… IN YOUR NOTES

When authority is about DOMINATION. Prov. 29:2

Authority by domination says… “do as I command, without question”

This type of authority seeks to suppresses the voices of others and command obedience.

If you do speak up it is seen as disloyal… and disrespectful…

Let me help you out with something…

when… many of you grew up… You we’re often told… “Don’t talk back.”

In the most extreme sense.. it wasn’t just about being disrespectful… it was about -domination and control… what was really ment was… “I don’t care what you think or feel…”

Here is the danger of this style of authority… people never learn to use their voice…

I have great parents… but they we’re old-school in this sense… and I had to develop these skills as an adult.

Here is the sad thing… After a long time of abusive authority… people eventually stay in their place, lose their voice and become a shell of a person.

Prov. 29:2 tells us this…. about abusive authority… it says…

Proverbs 29:2 (NLT)

When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

If you have been given authority… at work, in your home, in your church… and the people around you are constantly groaning… you might want to consider how you are using your authority…

Give people permission to use their voice…

Here’s my approach: speak up as much as you want, Yea, even if its a bit offensive… and hurts my pride..

“If it is for my good… then it’s good for me.”

But… (SOMEONE SAY BUT) if it becomes disrespectful, the conversation will end.

This goes for everyone: Friends, family, employees, even authorities over me, and my daughter. I expect them to hold me accountable to the same standards.

How can we know when authority is abusive? IN YOUR NOTES

When authority is about MANIPULATION. Prov. 26:24–25

Authority by manipulation say’s “I know what’s best for you”

Don’t trust yourself… don’t trust others… trust me.

I’ve seen broken and whole-people alike…. fall into this trap

Abusive manipulators often come across as charming or laid-back, making it hard to suspect them.

They have a knack for recognizing your deepest needs and meeting them in a way that draws you in, creating upon dependence.

Friends, if someone tries to control… who you listen to… who you spend time with… or where you go, consider this a major red flag.

Prov. 26:24-25 tells us… this about abusive authority… it says…

Proverbs 26:24–25 (NIV)

Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit.

Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.

Friends, manipulators hide their true motives - their words are laced with lies…

They pretending to know whats best for you… when in the end… they actually have their best interest in mind… not yours.

Do NOT make space in your circle… for people like this. If you need help getting out of a relationship like this reach out to a trusted friend and get help today.

How can we know when authority is abusive?

When authority is about ISOLATION. Ps. 10:13, Num. 32.23, Lk. 8:17

Authority by Isolation says, “I’m above the rules.”

Church.. when people become untouchable, they are most dangerous.

They avoid responsibility, expect special treatment, and isolate themselves around “yes” people, who let them live above the rules.

We see this often with powerful and influential people - Celebrities, Politicians, Pastors, CEO’s and every day people who have a lot of influence in your life… they expect everyone to play by the rules but them.

I say, “The greater the influence, the greater the accountability”.

I am NOT above accountability, I am answerable to the board and our fellowship. I regularly invite them to speak up… and I give them space to talk in meetings… I am actually healed to a higher stander not a lesser one…

Prov. 26:24-25 tells us… this about abusive authority… it says…

Psalm 10:13 (NLT)

Why do the wicked get away with despising God? They think, “God will never call us to account.”

Friends…. an isolated person who thinks he is above the rules will be sorely mistaken…

If you are living outside the rules…. deceived in thinking you are above them… God will call you to account.

Numb. 32:23 tells us… Nothing will will be kept in secret… your sin will find you out.

Krista and I have been under this type of abuse of authority

Personal Story - Enough is Enough.

How did we become susceptible?

A friend explained it like this: if you place a frog in cool water and slowly turn up the heat, it won’t sense danger until it’s too late.

Abusive people groom you gradually, until one day you realize you’re in too deep.

I sometimes questioned things about our ministry…

but I was afraid to speak up… becuase those who did were marked as disloyal and treated as enemies.

Eventually, I saw that by staying silent, I contributed to the abuse.

Over time, our leader became isolated, held above the rules, and faced little accountability—especially financially.

One day, an IRS agent appeared at the church and I was the only Pastor on Campus… I was questioned and asked for our Lead Pastor… realizing things were out of control, I called our pastor directly, making him accountable in front of the agent.

After great efforts to call our Pastor to account on different issues… Krista and I decided we couldn’t stay, we left behind 15 years of relationships and ministry connections. We became branded as disloyal. After leaving.. we felt lost and in same ways we felt like we were…. damaged goods… we even wondered if we had failed God in such a way … by staying too long in that ministry… that maybe God was done with us.

But through it all, God used the experience for our good, shaping how we lead today. And while the situation was challenging, we still have many friends from this season and cherish the good we experience in this ministry.

Here is the question I believe scripture is inviting us to ask ourselves today…

Question: Have you ever been abused by authority? How?

Question: Have you ever abused your authority? How?

***THESE 2 QUESTIONS CAN BE ON THE SAME SLIDE

Its a little heavy in here… becuase this is a SERIOUS issue that needs to be had… Just so you know… GOOD NEWS IS COMING…

Transition: the title of our message today is...

___ Abuse of Authority

The last thing I notice in our text for today is…

JESUS’ idea of Authority v.46-52

Yea… he had a different idea of how to use authority… we see it as we move into this next story in our text today as Jesus heals this blind man.

we see that… While the Disciples wanted to use their authority to RULE… IN YOUR NOTES

Jesus used his authority to RESTORE.

We see this beginning in v. 46 of our text… as Jesus does NOT just teach them with his words.. but actions… he demonstrate how to use authority in his Kingdom… He does not dominate, manipulate or isolate with his authority… he does the opposite and uses his authority to restore and heal this man.

We see in our text a man called Blind Bartamaeus

47 And when he heard that it was Jesus (a Man with authority), he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have MERCY on me!”

A cry for mercy STOPS this man of authority… in his tracks.

What is this man saying when he ask for Mercy?

He is saying… have pity on my… show me compassion… compassion

When Jesus turns with mercy in his heart towards this man… what does he do?

v. 51 tells us… After this man cries out for mercy… the crowds try to pressure him to silence him… Jesus say’s… NO I want to hear what he has to say!

51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”

The Mercy of Jesus…. causes him not just to LISTEN… but RESPOND!

How does he respond with his mercy?

v.52 tells us…

52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

He pours out HEALING…

I’m not trying to re=write the text… but I think its safe to say.. this man was not just saying… Son of David have mercy on me…

He was really saying… Son of DAVID… HEAL ME… Son of DAVID… HEAL me… the more the crowd tried to silence him… the louder he got

Here is the Contrast between the Disciples and Jesus’ use of authority

James and John use it…. to BE seen…. Jesus used his to help others be SEE.

Jesus STOPED AND SILENCED an entire crowed… and wanted everyone to NOTICE BLIND BARTAMAOIUS

This is what you should do with authority - slow down… and liten for cries of mercy… and heal!

How can we know when authority is healthy?

Quickly… What should we be looking for to discern if an environment is healthy or moving in a healthy direction… ?

first.. we can know when authority is healthy… …IN YOUR NOTES

When authority is about LISTENING. v. 47, Prov. 12:15

Healthy Authority says… “I want to hear what you have to say”

We see this in V. 47

Rather than DOMINATING and plowing over those in his way.. to where he was going… Jesus slowed down to listen.

Friends healthy leader, people are people who LISTEN. Prov. 12:15 says it like this..

Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)

The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.

Only fools shut down the voices around them… only fools thing that their way is the best way… but healthy leaders, people, spouses, friends… are open and seek out advise.

Next…. We can know when authority is healthy…IN YOUR NOTES

When authority is about HEALING. v. 52, Prov. 12:18

Healthy Authority says… “I am here to help”

Friends… Kingdom help is always HEALING and elevating. not manipulating and subduing

We see this in V. 52

As Jesus without even a touch… just his words we’re enough to bring healing over this man… your faith has made you well!

It reminds me of Prov. 12:18…

Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

People who use their authority for Kingdom purpose… use their words to heal… not wound.

Lastly… .We can know when authority is healthy …IN YOUR NOTES

When authority is about INCLUDING. v. 48, Prov. 3:27

Healthy Authority says… “There is room for you”

We see this beginning V. 48

Against the will of the crowed… Jesus commands them… go tell Bartamaious- JESUS wants to include you… he is CALLING your name. .. he is inviting you to be with him.

Friends Jesus calls those he wants to INCLUDE… EVERYONE who calls upon the name of the Lord… can be included.

Prov. 2:32 puts it like this…

Proverbs 3:27 (NIV)

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.

Jesus’ point here is this… this blind man was worthy of including… he was worthy of healing… Jesus had the power to do something about it… and he did…

Jesus contrast the use of authority in these two stories.

As we saw with the disciples discussion about the future kingdom.

Some will use their authority to dominate, manipulate and isolate…

We see Jesus show the proper use of authority… as he teaches us to use authority to LISTEN, HEAL and INCLUDE.

Friends if you looking to see if an environment uses biblical authority… in the right way look for a place that…

Uses authority like Jesus.

Here is the question I believe scripture is inviting us to ask ourselves today…

Question: What will you do with your authority?

Will you use it to RULE?

Will you use it to RESTORE?

Who is someone you might using your authority to rule over?

How can you use your authority to restore?

****Clay, you can put all three of these on the same slide

This is why it is so hard to grow in Abusive environments - becuase those who grow and become emotionally healthy adults.. can not be controlled, manipulated

Transition: As I close today….

So today… if you do NOT know Jesus as your Lord and Savior today is your day…

Salvation Altar Call

I believe Jesus is here today… and I believe he wants to save you.

The same way it took the power of God and the faith of that woman to believe in Jesus… is the same way your receive salvation.

Believing in Jesus is about beleiving everything that Jesus reveals to us…

It’s about believing

What he say’s about Sin and the eternal punishment.

It’s about believing

That … His death on the cross paid the penalty of our sin….

Because of this we can be made right in the sight of God.

According to Eph 2:8 – there are 2 things required for Salvation

For it is by Grace that we are saved through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

1st is this... Gods Grace

What is his Grace: It’s when God gives you something you do not deserve because of his incredible love for you– What does he give us... He gives us His forgiveness and His life

2nd is this... Faith.

He invites us to PUT our FAITH in him... for our salvation

1. If you have never asked Jesus to save you and made a public profession of faith… today is your day…

a. All across the room....

b. If you would like Jesus to save you today… RIASE YOUR HAND ALL AROUND THE ROOM….

I want to invite you to Repeat a prayer after me

· There is nothing magical in this prayer.. it simply is a way of declaring to Jesus what has taken place in your heart.

Here is how I would like to end the service for everyone else….

As this woman pictures… every believer who is loaded down with a heavy burden… Jesus is here today if you want to touch the hem of his garmet.

Call to Action The WOUNDED

Trans..

If you have been hurt because of the Abuse of Authority…

The enemy wants you to think you are alone and powerless

He wants you to stay where you are in your hurt… he benefits the longer you stay wounded.

The wounded can not take back what the enemy has stolen

He wants you to think you have Church Hurt.

That the church will continue to hurt you

He wants you to believe that its unsafe

He wants you to burn it down & deconstruct Jesus right out of it all

When the truth is… you have people hurt…

People hurt you at work, at home, in Marriages, in families, in communities, Government will let you down… your political tribe will let you down.

Friends people hurt people - its what they do.

The solution can not be to run away

Or BURN it all down .

Otherwise we would have no job, no family, no community etc…

The only option we have is to shout out SON OF DAVID… HAVE MERCY on ME>

Heal me… so I can heal others…

Jesus would have you to know… You are not alone.

The Truth is… Abuse of Authority does not just happen in the Church.

It’s sad that it does…

But the truth is Abuse of authority is not unique to a church issue.

You are not a victim.

We’re going to end the service with A question as we do nearly every week.

ALL ACROSS THE ROOM – HAS THE HOLY SPIRIT spoken to you in anyway today?

Going Deeper

Have you ever been abused by authority? How?

Have you ever abused your authority? How?

What will you do with your authority?

Who is someone you might using your authority to rule over?

How can you use your authority to restore?

What might the Holy Spirit be saying to you in light of this teaching?

How might the Holy Spirit want to transform you in light of this teaching?

What actions might the Holy Spirit want to take in light of this teaching?

Tongues & Interpretation

1. To STRENGTHEN the Church (1 Cor. 14:5)

For prophecy is greater than SPEAKING in TONGUES, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be STRENGTHENED.

Believers, God has operated through this gift today to strengthen you today. Let your faith be strengthened and know that God is in control and using supernatural measures to speak to us.

2. Is a SIGN for unbelievers. (1Cor. 14: 21a, 22)

1 Corinthians 14:21–22 (ESV)

In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.

22 -  So you see that speaking in tongues is a SIGN, not for believers, but for UNBELIEVERS.

The Bible explains to us God has chosen to use this gift to be a sign for you. A sign for what? It is a sign of his realness for those of you who have been doubting or questioning the existence of God. He wants you to know he is REAL and he wants to bring you spiritual life and health. If you're in here today and you don't know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior... he wants you to know he has gone to great lengths to show you his love today. (Great opportunity for a salvation altar call if it fits).