The authority of a Believer

The power to choose

Introduction

The significant different between a saved believer in Christ and an unsaved person is the ability to choose to do the will of God. Eph 2:1-2

Ephesians 2:1–2 NKJV

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,

In reality we are slave to whatever we yield ourselves to. - Rom 6:16

Romans 6:16 NKJV

Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

Key text: Matt 26:30-46

Matthew 26:30–46 NKJV

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples. Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”

Our Lord forewarned that opportunity will be presented to the disciples to deny Him.

Peter along with the disciples acknowledge their allegiance and devotion to Him - Matt 26:35

Matthew 26:35 NKJV

Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.

Our Lord took personal responsibility of the weakness of His flesh - Matt 26: 36

Matthew 26:36 NKJV

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.”

Matthew 26:39–44 NKJV

He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

How did He respond to the weakness of His flesh?

He did not concede the responsibility of praying or hearing from God to others.

He did not use the weakness of His flesh as an excuse to rebel against God will, neither should we.

Significance of prayer in the life of a believer - Matt 26:39-44

Prayer is enforcing the will of God

Not my will but your will be done - v.39

Although He was going to get God change His mind, His priority remains doing the will of God.

God’s will is not always pleasant or what makes us happy

He prayed using the same words x 3 -v.44

Heaven is often silent once God has spoken. Notice there was no other communication than what God had already revealed to Him.

When the betrayer showed up there was no resistance or fighting. He followed through and willing yielded to God’s will even when He would have loved a different outcome - Matt 26:46

Matthew 26:46 NKJV

Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”

Conclusion

We see our Lord yielding to the will of God because He choose to, but not necessarily because He was excited about it, but because He made the choice to fully submit to doing the will of God.

Question what drives your choice? comfort, happiness or doing the will of God? - Gal 6:7-9

Galatians 6:7–9 NKJV

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.