Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:23-27
The Authority of Christ
Things Concerning Christ (#1)
Intro.
1. To preach Christ is to preach the gospel, Acts 8:4-5.
2. The apostles preached Christ to “perfect” souls, Col. 1:27-28.
3. In Rome, Paul was preaching the kingdom and "teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ", Acts 28:31.
4. We must give earnest heed to what we have heard about Christ, "lest we drift away" (Heb. 2:1).
5. This lesson begins a series of lessons: “Things Concerning Christ”.
I. THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST DEMANDS OUR ATTENTION AND OUR UNDIVIDED ALLEGIANCE. Luke 6:46
A. All Authority has been Given to Jesus Christ, Matt. 28:18.
1. He is “over all” as “eternally blessed God”, Rom. 9:5.
2. He has power (authority) to save and to judge, Jno. 5:26-27.
3. Far above all rule, authority, power, gov’t and every name called upon; head over His body, the church, Eph. 1:20-23.
4. Preeminence in all things, Col. 1:18.
5. Salvation is in no other name (authority), Acts 4:10-12.
6. The idea of supreme authority is rejected by the post-modern mindset (no absolutes, no God...)
B. The Benefits of Christ’s Authority are Available to All, Matt. 28:19-20.
1. God speaks to us through Jesus, Heb. 1:1-3.
2. Through teaching: Hear Him, Matt. 17:5.
II. CHRIST’S AUTHORITY IS EXPRESSED IN HIS WORD, Heb. 1:2-3.
A. The Lord Began to Speak Salvation, Heb. 2:3-4 (Jno. 6:63, 68; 8:31-32; 12:48-50). The word of Jesus has power to save (Rom. 1:16).
B. The Lord Gave God’s Word to the Apostles, Jno. 17:8, 14.
1. Keeping the apostles words equivalent to keeping Christ’s words, Jno. 15:18-20 (Acts 2:42).
2. The church continues in the apostles’ teaching, Acts 2:42; Gal. 1:8-9.
C. We are Equipped to Serve God by the Inspired Scriptures, 2 Tim. 3:16-17.
D. Judged by the Words of Jesus Christ, Jno. 12:48; 5:22.
-Not feelings, opinions, pastors, preachers, teachers, churches, synods, councils, assemblies, associations, conferences, creeds, catechisms, manuals, disciplines, parents, family, friends…
III. CHRIST USES HIS AUTHORITY. Psa. 115:3
A. As God’s Prophet, Acts 3:22-23; Heb. 1:2.
B. As Our High Priest, Heb. 3:1; 5:1-10.
1. Make an offering for sin, Heb. 5:3; 8:1-2; 9:12, 24; 10:10-12.
2. Intercede for us, Heb. 7:25.
C. As King, Acts 2:32-36 (Psa. 110:1); Eph. 1:20-23 (Dan. 7:13-14).
1. He is possesses and rules the nations, Psa. 2:8-12; Rev. 1:5.
2. He is the King over His kingdom, the church.
3. We must submit to His authority, Matt. 28:19-20; Col. 3:17.
4. He exercises the authority of a King to give life and to execute judgment, Jno. 5:26-27.
Conclusion
1. Response to Christ’s authority ought to be utter humility, Phil. 2:9-11.
2. The gospel invitation is to humble yourself to Christ authority. He has power to save you and to guide you as His disciple.
3. When your faith obeys Jesus it shows your willingness to respect the authority of the Son of God.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: August 8, 2014