Zac Poonen - The Authority of Christ in the Church
Knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord - Captured Live on Ustream at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nccf-live-stream
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that the Church is the body of Christ, meant to continue the ministry Jesus fulfilled. True spiritual authority comes from having one's will broken to God's will, exemplified by Jesus at the cross. This authority is not over people, but over sin and the forces of evil, requiring believers to live in a way that leaves no foothold for the devil.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God never commits Spiritual Authority to an unbroken manSpiritual Authority requires brokenness, meaning our stubborn self-will inherited from Adam must be broken without crushing our personality.
The true meaning of the Lord's tableParticipating in communion is a declaration that we want our self-will to be broken just as Jesus broke His will to obey the Father.
Taking up the cross dailyDenying our own inclinations when they conflict with God's will is what it means to take up the cross every day.
Jesus's lifelong self-denial and authorityJesus denied Himself for thirty years to always do the Father's will, and therefore God gave Him tremendous Spiritual Authority.
Authority is over sin and the forces of evilWhile Old Covenant men fought human enemies, Jesus and New Covenant believers fight against the devil and spiritual darkness.
The difference between power and authoritySatan possesses great power, but Christ gives believers authority over all the power of the enemy, similar to a policeman stopping a large truck.Luke 10:19
Binding forces in the second heavenBelievers have the authority to bind satanic activities operating in the second heaven that try to disrupt homes and churches.Matthew 18:18
Destroying the works of the devilJesus appeared not only to take away sins but also to destroy the works of the devil, a victory that believers must exercise authority over.1 John 3:5
Requirements for overcoming SatanTo successfully exercise authority over Satan, believers must maintain a clean conscience through immediate confession and walk in absolute humility.
We never fight with human beingsFollowing the New Covenant pattern, believers do not wrestle with flesh and blood or argue with human accusers, but instead choose the way of death and humility.Ephesians 6:12
The power of agreement in the church and homeSpiritual authority requires agreement and unity between at least two people, such as a husband and wife or members of a local church.Matthew 18:19–20
Forgiving others so Satan gains no advantageDeep, heartfelt forgiveness prevents Satan from getting an advantage and opening a foothold of bitterness in our lives.2 Corinthians 2:10–11
The church as a musical symphonyTrue fellowship functions like a musical symphony where believers are in tune with one another, offering a pleasing testimony to God.
Restoring the New Testament patternGod is restoring churches that operate as loving families under dual or plurality leadership rather than corporate structures run by human elections.
