Man Under Authority
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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Introduction: Efforts To Earn God’s Favor
dIntroduction: Efforts To Earn God’s Favor
*
Some sports superstitions are stranger than others. For example, Michael Jordan (a graduate of North Carolina) always wore his blue North Carolina shorts under his Bulls uniform for good luck.
Watched each of 4 children being born
Each one came w/ nervousness of unknown, heaviness of responsibility, wooziness of watching childbirth
Firstborn, the doc has me cut the chord > Adventure began
Baseball players may be the most superstitious. Pitcher Turk Wendell brushes his teeth and chews licorice between every inning. Wade Boggs would eat only chicken the day of a game and used to draw a symbol that means “To Life” in the dirt before every at-bat. Former pitcher Mark “The Bird” Fidrych used to play with the dirt on the mound and talk to himself and the ball before he pitched.
Fathers have a God-given authority in the home
But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.
Red Sox shortstop Nomoar Garciaparra gets dressed the same way every day, makes sure to step on each dugout step with both feet, and tugs at his batting gloves and taps his toes during each at-bat.
How This World Seeks Favor From Higher Power
Man w/ unchecked authority is scary
Superstition in our culture .
Man under Christ’s authority is blessing
Should use authority to represent Christ as pastor of home
You are a steward of those God entrusted to you
Thinking there is some “force” out there we need to please so that we might have favorable circumstances.
Kingdom to come, you will no longer have that authority in your family > So how will you hand off your wife & kids to the LORD?
How We Receive God’s Favor
Not found in the same tactics as false religions
Not Found in visiting holy sites or holding certain objects > superstition = an irrational but usually deep-seated belief in the magical effects of a particular action or ritual, especially in the likelihood that good or bad luck will result from performing it
Not Found In Tradition or Religious Rites (works based)
.
God doesn’t respond to these things. All other religions in the world are man trying to work their way to God. Christianity is the only one where God reaches down to helpless man.
There is nothing you can do to earn God’s favor. It is unearned and undeserved, as it says in "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Today we will look at various stories that will bring to life these truths and refresh them in our minds.
I. DO WELL UNDER EARTHLY AUTHORITY (7:1-5)
I. DO WELL UNDER EARTHLY AUTHORITY (7:1-5)
1 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
Just finished teaching Sermon on the Plain outside town
Enters Capernaum, His adopted hometown & base of ministry > where He performs many miracles
2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.
Highly Respected Centurion
Centurion = commander over 100 soldiers
Must be steady, reliable, able to follow orders & give orders > men of excellence & integrity
From what we learn about them, they must be steady and reliable, able to follow orders and give orders.
Each example in NT is one of excellence, strength & integrity
See this kind of character displayed by centurions mentioned in NT
Unusual to have such a close relationship w/ servant > servants usually seen as possessions > masters could put slaves to death without any ramifications
Slaves were usually seen as possessions > A master could put his slave to death without any ramifications.
Takes care of everyone under his roof & under his authority
3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”
Hears of Jesus, miracles, gracious teaching
Turns to religious authorities to find Jesus for him
Learn more about this particular centurion
Worthy
Loves the Jewish people
Build synagogue
He is a “God Fearer” > Not an official proselyte > Not circumcised
GOOD MAN
Good reason to believe the Jews came up with reasoning on their own
Continue to read the story & centurion approaches Jesus differently
Operated on works based acceptance & obligation
Continue to read the story & centurion approaches Jesus differently
.
Humble Faith of Underserving Centurion (7:1-10)
Centurion did well w/ authority
Did well submitting to Caesar & representing emperor to world
Did well using authority for good & serving others
Could not exert own authority to solve problem
Could not appeal to earthy authority to solve problem
Found himself IMPOTENT to carry out his role > Impotent w/ family, employment, spiritual condition
“Centurion ”—Commander over 100 soldiers, but at the time, the number varied (possibly 80)
1. “Centurion ”—Commander over 100 soldiers, but at the time, the number varied (possibly 80)
From what we learn about them, they must be steady and reliable, able to follow orders and give orders.
Must be men of strength & integrity, as we see this kind of character displayed by centurions mentioned in NT.
It was unusual for him to have such a close relationship with his servant.
his servant.
Slaves were usually seen as possessions > A master could put his slave to death without any ramifications.
Jesus just finished teaching the Sermon on the Mount outside of town, and He enters Capernaum, His adopted hometown where He performs many miracles.
In , Matthew makes it sound as if the centurion goes to Jesus himself. There is no mentioning of sending anyone.
The Centurion’s Faith In Jesus’ Authority
His point is illustrating the idea that those he sent did his bidding just as if he was there in person.
This brings out an interesting relationship between the gentile centurion and the Jewish Elders.
He must’ve been a man who feared God, because he built their synagogue and loved the Jews.
Elders respected him enough to go at his word and represent him. Said that he was worthy & deserved God’s favor for what he did.
The centurion felt comfortable enough with the Jewish Elders, but was aware of his unworthiness in the presence of Jesus
It has been said, "God sends none away empty hut those who are full of themselves. ”—unknown
This is the focal point of the story: Jesus was amazed at this man’s faith!
TURNS TO HEAVENLY AUTHORITY
The centurion compares Jesus’ relationship with the Father to his own relationship to his superiors.
Because of his faith in Jesus, that He had authority over sickness, his servant was healed. .
The centurion’s faith was in stark contrast to the Jew’s Faith
The Israelites were expected to have faith because they had the Word of God ().
Text
They showed no humility before Christ, rather thought themselves righteous before God, and worthy of God’s favor.
Knowing Our Unworthiness Before God!
*Making mistake of not owning my mistake!
Time when I was concerned about protecting my reputation even when I was wrong, by making excuses.
Until I worked for a godly man who wouldn’t put up with this. I quickly learned that if I admitted my mistake, that’s all he wanted to hear, then he would (help you through it.
Peter’s response to Jesus... “Go away from me Lord; lam a sinful man!” ()
a. God is Holy! (transcendent & pure)
b. We are sinful; we have no place in His presence.
We shouldn’t be assuming or flippant in approaching Him.
II. DO EVEN BETTER UNDER HEAVENLY AUTHORITY (7:6-10)
II. DO EVEN BETTER UNDER HEAVENLY AUTHORITY (7:6-10)
3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”
6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.
Centurion sent friends—Jews misrepresented him > Friends represented him accurately
I am not worthy—Not just about ceremonial uncleanliness > About seeing self correctly in sight of who God is!
*Peter’s response after experiencing Jesus
But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
God is Holy! (transcendent & pure)
We are sinful; we have no place in His presence
We shouldn’t be assuming or flippant in approaching Him
Centurion sent friends—Jews misrepresented him > Friends represented him accurately
We cannot earn God’s favor
Nothing you can do to earn God’s favor
We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities.
All other religions in the world are man trying to work their way to God. Christianity is the only one where God reaches down to helpless man.
7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
Go away from me Lord; lam a sinful man!” ()
God is Holy! (transcendent & pure)
We are sinful; we have no place in His presence
We shouldn’t be assuming or flippant in approaching Him
The Centurion’s Faith In Jesus’ Authority
Uses own earthly authority as illustration of Christ’s divine authority
If this is so with man, how much more w/ God?!
His point is illustrating the idea that those he sent did his bidding just as if he was there in person
Indirectly brings attention to his own relationship to his superiors > Relationship of Jesus w/ Heavenly Father
Recognized Jesus exercised divine authority & represented Father in Heaven
Had faith Jesus could do what He was powerless to do!
Elders respected him enough to go at his word and represent him. Said that he was worthy & deserved God’s favor for what he did.
, that He had authority over sickness, his servant was healed
Authority over sickness & dispensing grace of God
The Israelites were expected to have faith because they had the Word of God ().
He must’ve been a man who feared God, because he built their synagogue and loved the Jews.
They showed no humility before Christ, rather thought themselves righteous before God, and worthy of God’s favor.
Recognized Jesus exercised divine authority & represented Father in Heaven
Elders respected him enough to go at his word and represent him. Said that he was worthy & deserved God’s favor for what he did.
d
III. JESUS AMAZED AT FAITH OF CENTURION
III. JESUS AMAZED AT FAITH OF CENTURION
9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
Not found in the same tactics as false religions
Not Found in visiting holy sites or holding certain objects > superstition = an irrational but usually deep-seated belief in the magical effects of a particular action or ritual, especially in the likelihood that good or bad luck will result from performing it
Not Found In Tradition or Religious Rites (works based)
God doesn’t respond to these things.
Nothing you can do to earn God’s favor
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities.
. It is unearned and undeserved, as it says in "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Today we will look at various stories that will bring to life these truths and refresh them in our minds.
All other religions in the world are man trying to work their way to God. Christianity is the only one where God reaches down to helpless man.
Jesus marveled at him—Climax of the story
Only two times Jesus was amazed or marveled: 1) Centurion’s faith 2) Nazareth’s lack of faith:
Only two times Jesus was amazed or marveled:
This man’s faith
1) Centurion’s faith
2) Nazareth’s lack of faith
Nazereth’s lack of faith:
And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.
The centurion compares Jesus’ relationship with the Father to his own relationship to his superiors.
Because of his faith in Jesus, that He had authority over sickness, his servant was healed. .
Centurion’s faith was in stark contrast to the Jew’s Faith
The centurion’s faith was in stark contrast to the Jew’s Faith
The Israelites were expected to have faith > Chosen people > Temple in Israel > Had the Word of God ()
No humility before Christ > thought themselves righteous before God & worthy of His favor
The Israelites were expected to have faith because they had the Word of God ().
They showed no humility before Christ, rather thought themselves righteous before God, and worthy of God’s favor.
It has been said, "God sends none away empty but those who are full of themselves. ”—unknown
*Making mistake of not owning my mistake!
Time when I was concerned about protecting my reputation even when I was wrong, by making excuses.
Found the servant well—It has been said, "God sends none away empty, but those who are full of themselves. ”—unknown
Until I worked for a godly man who wouldn’t put up with this. I quickly learned that if I admitted my mistake, that’s all he wanted to hear, then he would (help you through it.
d
Peter’s response to Jesus... “Go away from me Lord; lam a sinful man!” ()
a. God is Holy! (transcendent & pure)
b. We are sinful; we have no place in His presence.
We shouldn’t be assuming or flippant in approaching Him.
APPLICATION
APPLICATION
1. STRIVE TO WIN THE FAVOR OF GOD AND MAN
Sign of true maturity & manhood:
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man.
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
Can be most amazing dad & win respect of man
Need authority of Jesus in your home
Need God’s favor & blessing
Comes by FAITH in Jesus
2. RECOGNIZE YOUR IMPOTENCE & JESUS’ OMNIPOTENCE
Cannot earn salvation
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Some problems you cannot solve on your own
*Flexing muscles for kids > God loves to flex muscles for His kids
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
It has been said, "God sends none away empty, but those who are full of themselves. ”—unknown
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
*Flexing muscles for kids > God loves to flex muscles for His kids
3. INTERCEDE FOR THOSE UNDER YOUR AUTHORITY
Knowing Our Unworthiness Before God!
*Making mistake of not owning my mistake!
Time when I was concerned about protecting my reputation even when I was wrong, by making excuses.
Until I worked for a godly man who wouldn’t put up with this. I quickly learned that if I admitted my mistake, that’s all he wanted to hear, then he would (help you through it.
Text
Peter’s response to Jesus... “Go away from me Lord; lam a sinful man!” ()
God is Holy! (transcendent & pure)
We are sinful; we have no place in His presence.
We shouldn’t be assuming or flippant in approaching Him.
*Praying for Tony during 2nd Heart Procedure!
d
Samuel had authority as prophet & spiritual leader:
Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
English Standard Version Chapter 5
The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
James
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Having the favor of both God and man is a sure sign of spiritual maturity (; ) How was the centurion able enjoy the favor of both God and man? How is God challenging you to grow in this area of having the favor of both God and man in your life?
d
The Centurion could accomplish many things with his authority, but he lacked the power to heal his servant. God loves to flex His muscles for His kids, especially when they are powerless to accomplish something. What is an area in your life God is challenging you to ask Him to flex His muscles?
While it was culturally acceptable for the master to allow the servant to die and just find another one, this centurion cared for his servant like his own family. Because he cared for the servant under his authority, he interceded for him and Jesus answered! Share of a time God used your intercession to work in someone’s life under your authority (family member, employee, student, participant in your ministry, etc.). How might God be challenging you to intercede for someone under your authority currently?