By Whose Authority? Part 2: The Church's Authority - Santosh Poonen - November 29, 2015
http://rlcfchurch.org/the-churchs-authority River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that true spiritual authority comes from being united with Christ, who demonstrated complete authority over darkness even after emptying himself. Believers, through salvation and daily surrender, gain the authority to stand against the devil and worldly pressures, just as Jesus did before Pilate. This authority is rooted in Christ's finished work and maintained by actively denying personal will to the enemy.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The prince of this world has nothing in meJesus was the only human who could face the ruler of this world knowing there was not a single foothold of sin in His life.John 14:30
Standing before earthly power like Jesus before PilateEven when facing brutal persecution and seeming earthly power, believers can rest in the truth that human authorities have no power over them unless given from above.John 19:10
Walking in human authority over the devilJesus is our example of having authority over the enemy not through His divine position, but as a fully human man who walked without sin.
The ministry of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, raising our definition of sin to match what Jesus would or would not do.John 16:8
The ruler of this world has been judgedAs we are continually filled with the Holy Spirit, we realize that the ruler of this world has been judged and has nothing in us, moving us from defense to offense.
Joshua the high priest and the removal of filthy garmentsJust as Satan accused Joshua in filthy garments before the Lord, God deals with Satan first, rebukes the accuser, and replaces our dirty garments with festive robes when we repent.Zechariah 3:1
Upon this rock I will build my churchJesus builds His church upon divine revelation, giving believers the keys of the kingdom to bind on earth what is bound in heaven.Matthew 16:13
Dealing with sin and rebellion in the bodyWhen addressing unrepentant sin or rebellion in a brother, the church follows Christ's steps and uses spiritual binding in the heavenlies against the dark forces behind it.Matthew 18:15
A church operating in collective spiritual authorityGod does not lack gifts or money; He is looking for believers who humble themselves, forsake sin, and partner with Jesus to exercise Spiritual Authority together.
