The Authority Of Jesus

Intro

What is Authority?

What is Authority?

The captain on the bridge of a large naval vessel saw a light ahead on a collision course. He signaled, “Alter your course ten degrees south.” The reply came back, “Alter your course ten degrees north.”

The captain then signaled, “Alter your course ten degrees south. I am a captain.” The reply: “Alter your course 10 degrees north. I am a seaman third-class.”

The furious captain signaled, “Alter your course ten degrees south. I am a battleship.” The reply: “Alter your course ten degrees north. I am a lighthouse.” ~Illustrations for Biblical Preaching: Over 1500 sermon illustrations~

~Illustrations for Biblical Preaching: Over 1500 sermon illustrations~

In this context of this illustration the captain should have had authority over the seaman third class. But in this instance since the lighthouse on land wasn’t going anywhere the seaman had authority. It would only make sense for the captain to obey this authority since it was in his best interest. Jesus tells us about his authority in the Great Commission found in .

Green, M. P. (Ed.). (1989). Illustrations for Biblical Preaching: Over 1500 sermon illustrations arranged by topic and indexed exhaustively (Revised edition of: The expositor’s illustration file). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

Matthew 28:18–20 NKJV

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

This great responsibility and charge has been given to God’s people from Jesus himself! He has called us to do many things and this month we will examine all that he has called us to do within the great commission, today beginning with the authority of Jesus.

In the Greek the word authority is defined as the right to control or command, authority, absolute power, warrant (ἐξουσία) (ex-so-siah)

Authority Defined

In the Greek the word is defined as the right to control or command, authority, absolute power, warrant (ἐξουσία) (ex-so-siah) Another definition states...

Authority refers to the prerogative to rule or govern others. It has to do with the right to regulate and control the activities of one or more individuals. ~Lexham Theological Wordbook.~

Romans 13:1 NKJV

1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

God establishes authority. If you believe in and respect God then you will respect governing authorities! If you have a problem with any authority remember that God is in control and His thoughts are not your thoughts. God has the right to mold the clay as he wishes. ()

Romans 9:21 NKJV

21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?

Can we be halfway submissive?

Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Authority, Submission to

A little boy finally sat down after first resisting his parents’ command to do so. He said to his parents, “I’m sitting down on the outside, but I’m standing up on the inside.”

3 Spheres of Authority

1. Government-

2. Home- 5:21-6:4

3. Church- sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)

God has established three fundamental spheres of government. We obey these by conviction no by force. We have the ability to say no to these things, even though it is right to obey we do not necessarily have to. The only time we don't obey authority is when it goes against God. sola Scriptura SCRIPTURE ALONE!

Acts 5:29 NKJV

29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.

When it comes down to the question of whom to obey God always has authority!

Authority gives one the right to rule over an individual or group, It is given by God, and should be respected as long as it doesn’t trample on God’s rule. We would do well to understand that as Christians we must obey authority as long as it falls in line with God’s authority.

Matthew 12:38–40 NKJV

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” 39 But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

The Pharisees wanted to see a sign from Jesus to confirm that he was actually of God, the Son of Man. But Jesus told them that he wouldn’t give them one. They would only be shown by Him being in the heart of the earth 3 days and 3 nights.

Ephesians 1:20–23 NKJV

20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

God the father gave Jesus Authority/Power once He completed the mission He was sent to this earth to accomplish.

Jesus would work many signs showing authority on this earth.

Authority over nature. (rebuking the wind)

Authority over sin. (forgiving the sins of the paralytic.)

Authority over sickness. (healing Peter’s Mother in law)

Authority over evil. (Even the demons are subject to His name)

Authority over death. (raised up the widows son from his coffin.)

But he was perfected through His obedience and suffering. Now he sits at the right hand of God in the place of honor.

Authority In Heaven

Intercession for His people

(sits at the right hand of God making intercession for us.)

(He is able to save. Makes intercession for us.)

(He is our advocate)

Bringing his Church home forever

(We are His sheep. He will lead us to eternal life)

Authority On Earth

God Gave Jesus Authority

While Jesus walked this earth as 100% God and 100% man he showed that he had some authority.

Jesus would work many signs showing authority on this earth before His death.

Authority over nature. (rebuking the wind)

Authority over sin. (forgiving the sins of the paralytic.)

Authority over sickness. (healing Peter’s Mother in law)

Authority over evil. (Even the demons are subject to His name)

Authority over death. (raised up the widows son from his coffin.)

But when God worked the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ giving Him power over all things! He recieved an upgrade!

Ephesians 1:19–23 NKJV

19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Matthew 28:18 NKJV

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

Authority In Heaven

Intercession for His people

(sits at the right hand of God making intercession for us.)

(He is able to save. Makes intercession for us.)

(He is our advocate)

Bringing his Church home forever

(We are His sheep. He will lead us to eternal life)

(Jesus will give eternal life based on the authority given to Him)

Jesus’ authority in heaven is monumental for us as Christians in that He intercedes on our behalf to the Father and one day will bring us home with Him!

Authority Upon The Earth

Jesus not only has authority in heaven but upon the earth as well. His authority on this earth is the only way that we can make it past death and to God the Father!

The Church

(The group of called out believers will overcome death)

(Christ is the head and the firstborn from the dead.)

(Christ, who reigns, will one day hand over the kingdom to God.)

Remember that the kingdom is the reign of God. Those who are in the kingdom are obedient to the will of God. His upside down kingdom will live forever.

Holy Spirit

(Jesus Christ did not leave us alone on this earth. He sent the helper, the consoler, the one who encourages, the mediator, the Holy Spirit.

(We receive the gift of the Holy Spirit at baptism)

How Christians Should Respond To Authority

Since God has given Jesus Christ ruling authority over this earth and we as Christians ought to obey Him. He has given us a charge to do something before leaving this earth. We will further examine this, Lord willing, in the upcoming weeks.

ruling authority n. — authority over a domain or sphere of influence; often pertaining to the political or religious sphere.

Matthew 28:18–20 NKJV

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.