|
Q: When you hear the word “authority”, what is your first reaction?
Q: What is the purpose of authority?
Direct, protect, maintain order, promote unity etc.
Q: What are some authorities we are called to obey?
Parents, boss, government, teachers, God
We “choose” to submit to authority
Q: What happens we you choose not to submit?
Penalty, conflict, chaos, etc.
Q: What are the benefits of submitting?
Saved from penalties, fines, late charges
Rewarded with raises, promotions, etc.
We all have the NEED to be under authority
It makes us happy, secure, confident
We have difficulty when others don’t submit
E.g. A reckless or drunk driver, an unproductive co-worker
We struggle submitting to those who don’t themselves submit (i.e the boss)
Submitting to authority sets you FREE.
Jesus calls all people to submit to his authority
Jesus was first submissive himself
John 8:27-29
27 They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father.
28 So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.
29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him."
John 12:49-50
49 For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.
50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."
John 15:10
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
Note Jesus’ submission: we are called to follow a humble loving God!
Q: What keeps us from submitting?
Pride, independence, selfishness
A shallow understanding of Christ
Jesus was emphatic about obedience!
John 8:31-32
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Need to hold to His teaching! It sets you free
Matthew 28:18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Surely I will be with you always!
Jesus is with you when you keep His commands and obey His authority.
|
