A Life Backed by the Authority of God -- Santosh Poonen -- July 18, 2021
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/a-life-backed-by-the-authority-of-god River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker warns that in the last days, people will accumulate knowledge and hear much teaching but fail to truly know the truth because they love themselves. He emphasizes that the power and authority in a believer's life must correspond to the amount of teaching they receive. The greatest danger is possessing much doctrine without the corresponding spiritual power to resist sin and the devil's influence.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The danger of always learning but never knowing the truthBelievers who have access to abundant teachings and resources are warned in Scripture that simply listening to messages does not mean one has come to know the truth.
Having a form of godliness without powerMany people hold to correct teachings and a form of godliness, yet lack the spiritual authority and power to resist the devil and overcome sin in daily life.
Jesus preaching with a new teaching and authorityUnlike the religious scribes and Pharisees who relied on long words and traditions, Jesus taught and cast out demons with a quiet, undeniable authority that astonished the people.
The Father's testimony of authority over JesusBefore Jesus performed public miracles or cast out demons, the Father testified at His baptism that He was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased.Matthew 3:16
Jesus lived and exercised authority as a manJesus operated on this earth not merely as God, but as a man full of the Holy Spirit, setting an example of how humanity can resist and defeat the devil.John 8:25
Speaking only what the Father saysThe secret to spiritual authority is speaking only the words given by the Father and doing nothing on one's own initiative.
The Father is with those who please HimThe Father never leaves the one who always seeks to do the things that are pleasing to Him, providing an unbreakable defense against the enemy.
Who does the Father give His authority to?God imparts His authority and places His name upon those whose hearts are marked by a profound grief and hatred for sin.Revelation 22:4
The path of humility leading to exaltationJesus was given the name above every other name because He humbled Himself completely, becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross.
Submitting to God to resist the devilBelievers are commanded to submit to God and resist the devil, drawing near to Him so that the enemy is forced to flee.
Jesus before Pontius PilateWhen Pontius Pilate boasted of his earthly authority to release or crucify Him, Jesus calmly replied that Pilate had no authority over Him except what was allowed from above.
Speaking to the devil with confidenceBelievers who live right with God and fear Him alone can boldly confront the devil and command him to leave, knowing the Father is always with them.
A life backed by the authority of GodGod is building His church upon spiritual authority over Satan, and living by this authority is the true calling for believers, their families, and their witness to the world.
