July 14, 2009

• Understanding the Authority of the Believer by Pastor Don Moore

  We need to step into the Authority of the Believer, into what the Bible says.

  In our hearts we need to understand what God has done, transfer it to our minds so that we can exercise that authority.

  Pastor Don gave the example of a gym full of teenagers milling around and a lot of people needed to go into that gym so that something could be accomplished.  To do this they had to call the teenagers into order, it could be to save lives, or to leave in an orderly way, make them in a position to hear news, or whatever other thing needed to be done.  If the principal of the school tells you to go and create order, you are endowed with the authority to get it done.  But order will not happen unless the kids sense confidence in your voice, posture, and spirit, and then they will listen.  If you do not have that, the kids won’t pay attention, and it could hurt your chances of ever gaining order with the kids for the rest of the year.

  How do we get that authority?

  Pastor Don told us that as a pastor he needs to maintain order, not discord.  It is necessary for this order to happen so he can do what he is called to do. 

  Often people who want to be in authority do not step up to do what they want to do.  It takes a long time to take authority over our lives.  We make excuses about things, not understanding our authority in Jesus.  People are amazed to see those who have the ability to exercise authority no matter what the situation or condition.

  The Pharisees saw that with Jesus.  They said, Matthew 7:28-29 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

  There is appropriate and inappropriate authority.  Jesus spoke with appropriate authority.  He was the real spiritual deal.  Jesus knew:  Who I am, Whose I am, and What am I doing now.  He did not care about rejection. 

  We often don’t act out of fear of rejection. 

  In Jerusalem there was a chaotic situation in the market place, Jesus fashions a whip and takes authority to drive out the money changers and cleanse the temple.  When question, he replied Matthew 21:13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’^a]’> But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.

  For example, if on your road there are no speed limit signs you can go any speed you like.  Once a speed limit sign is placed, then you can be guilty of speeding.

  The giving of authority places us in a position to succeed or fail depending on our willingness to accept authority.  We either succeed or fail. 

  When the teacher walks into the gym to create order among the teenagers, whether he succeeds or fails will depend on whether he believes he has the authority to do it, and if he can walk in that authority.  If he doesn’t believe he has authority, the kids will sense it.  They will pick it up in their spirit and discern that he doesn’t believe he has authority. This response to authority will be with him the rest of the year, and perhaps many other years.  Unless the teacher understands and responds to what he understands and changes. 

  Having Bible knowledge isn’t authority.  Coming to church is often experiencing music and teaching, quiet listening, but unless that is applied in your life it does not give you authority. 

  How come church is so soft on sin today?  Our answer to this may be wrong but it can lead to good discussions.  But the truth is that sin can disqualify you in your personal life.  We can know the truth, know right from wrong and choose not to follow truth and right. 

  We don’t know our authority.

  Proverbs 29:1-4 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but a companion of harlots wastes his wealth. The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it.

  The righteous thrive, increase and become great.

  Matthew 7:24 Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:

  There is a comma between “Mine” and the phrase “does them”.  Most people put a period after hearing the sayings.  But it is hearing and DOING.  Pastor Don showed us a gold flake that supernaturally fell in his Bible near this passage – it is smaller than glitter and finer. 

  Jesus spoke in NAME and AUTHORITY. 

  Matthew 7:28-29 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

  Jesus is not talking ABOUT the Word – HE IS THE WORD.  He was not telling us what he thinks, but what HE SAYS.

  In the Bible the hearing of the Word is mentioned more times than the reading of the Word. 

  Authority lines up with the Word.

  The scribes saw that he spoke as one HAVING authority. 

  An apostle, before he speaks to you, doesn’t have to tell you he is an apostle, or a prophet, or a pastor, it will be evident in how he takes authority.  When you build on the Rock you will begin to have Kingdom Authority.

  Mark 4:1-3 And again He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea. Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching: “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow.

  LISTEN – BEHOLD  Jesus is talking about simple things, but he is saying listen – you better pay attention, I am telling you something.

  Luke 4:6 And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.

  The devil can only have authority over what has been given to him.  Jesus did not call him a liar when he said that he could give Jesus this authority.  Adam gave that authority over to satan by his disobedience to God.

  Luke 4:7-8  Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan!^f]’> it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”

  Jesus answered satan with the Word – IT IS WRITTEN.  He gave the written word with authority.

  Luke 4:5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him^ONEVOICEtalk