By Whose Authority? Part 1: The Example of Jesus' Authority - Santosh Poonen - November 15, 2015
http://rlcfchurch.org/the-example-of-jesus-authority River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon warns that simply leaving legalism is insufficient; believers must actively live full of the Holy Spirit to avoid a worse spiritual condition. The speaker emphasizes that true faith requires taking active steps, not just waiting for God's work. Furthermore, he argues that Christian persecution stems not from preaching the gospel, but from claiming a relationship with God that asserts divine authority, indicating the true battle is spiritual, not merely social.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The danger of legalism without the SpiritIf we are set free from legalism but do not live continually filled with the Holy Spirit, we are in a worse condition than before.
What does it mean to fall from grace?Paul warns believers that seeking justification by the law cuts them off from Christ and results in falling from grace.
Why did the Jews put Jesus to death?Jesus was not killed because of His miracles or kindness, but because He called God His Father and made Himself equal with God, inciting the devil's wrath.John 5:18
Our battle is with spiritual forcesRadical discipleship means our goal is to be offensive to the devil by removing his footholds, rather than fighting with flesh and blood.Ephesians 6:12
Teaching with authorityThe crowds were amazed at Jesus' teaching because He taught as one having authority and lived everything He preached, unlike the scribes.Matthew 7:28–29
The prince of this world has nothing in MeJesus overcame the devil because there was not a single foothold of sin or darkness in His life.
By whose authority?When Jesus cleansed the temple, the religious leaders questioned His authority, failing to recognize the spiritual authority that comes from divine nature and union with God.
The danger of an empty spiritual vacuumCleansing from sin is not enough; without the active life of God and Spiritual Authority filling the heart, a person is in danger of a worse condition.
The Son can do nothing of HimselfJesus' authority came from watching the Father and doing only what He saw the Father do.
Becoming like little childrenWhile we grow outwardly in our daily tasks, internally we must become increasingly helpless like little children, declaring that we can do nothing on our own.
Hearing the voice of the SpiritBelievers who determine to leave no room for the devil will receive the assurance and guidance of the Holy Spirit in their daily decisions.
