| AUTHORITY OF GOD'S WORD - GENERAL AND PARTICULAR |
KJV Bible excerpts emboldened for emphasis
Outline
Introduction: Putting Self Over the Word Brings Sin and Disgrace
1. "Kingdom .. Power, and .. Glory" behind Authority (Matt. 6:13)
2. Kingdom Must Have A King (Jesus)
3. Christ, "The Word Was God" - John 1:1-3
4. How The Scripture Word Speaks To Us - John 1:4-8
5. Respecting What the Word Does Not Say - John 1:9-11
Conclusion: Putting the Word Over Self Brings Salvation and Grace - John 1:10-17
Introduction: Putting Self Over the Word Brings Sin and Disgrace
1. "Kingdom .. Power, and .. Glory" behind Authority (Matt. 6:13)
2. Kingdom Must Have A King (Jesus)
3. Christ, "The Word Was God" - John 1:1-3
4. How The Scripture Word Speaks To Us - John 1:4-8
5. Respecting What the Word Does Not Say - John 1:9-11
Conclusion: Putting the Word Over Self Brings Salvation and Grace - John 1:10-17
Introduction: Putting Self Over the Word Brings Sin and Disgrace. In Philippians 2:5,
Christians are told to have in them the "mind" of Christ. Mind is where thinking takes place.
Thinking leads to doing. The way of thinking is to be "of Christ," both from Him and pleasing to
Him. It is thus necessary to learn what He permits and does not permit. This is authority - His
right to rule and govern. However, before we can respect and obey the authority of Christ, we
must understand it. If we only followed human nature, agreeing with Christ would be impossible
(1 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Peter 2:12). So how was it so when "the common people heard Him
gladly" (Mark 12:37)? When Jesus came teaching on seashores and on mountainsides, there was
a simplicity (2 Corinthians 11:3). Instead of starting with human weakness as did the scribes of
His day, Jesus "taught them as one having authority" (Matthew 7:29). He spoke divine truth,
making it plain. Likewise, during this article, I will strive to keep it simple. As noted on the
Problem & Answer Page, sin is the main problem with humankind. As also noted, the answer to
the sin problem is not blocked by Lord, Bible, Church, or World, but blocked by Self. The
problem is not what Christ teaches, but what Satan tempts man to think. So the answer presents
the challenge of unteaching. May we keep it simple and honest, to understand what Christ
permits and does not permit. Thus can we "have the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Christians are told to have in them the "mind" of Christ. Mind is where thinking takes place.
Thinking leads to doing. The way of thinking is to be "of Christ," both from Him and pleasing to
Him. It is thus necessary to learn what He permits and does not permit. This is authority - His
right to rule and govern. However, before we can respect and obey the authority of Christ, we
must understand it. If we only followed human nature, agreeing with Christ would be impossible
(1 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Peter 2:12). So how was it so when "the common people heard Him
gladly" (Mark 12:37)? When Jesus came teaching on seashores and on mountainsides, there was
a simplicity (2 Corinthians 11:3). Instead of starting with human weakness as did the scribes of
His day, Jesus "taught them as one having authority" (Matthew 7:29). He spoke divine truth,
making it plain. Likewise, during this article, I will strive to keep it simple. As noted on the
Problem & Answer Page, sin is the main problem with humankind. As also noted, the answer to
the sin problem is not blocked by Lord, Bible, Church, or World, but blocked by Self. The
problem is not what Christ teaches, but what Satan tempts man to think. So the answer presents
the challenge of unteaching. May we keep it simple and honest, to understand what Christ
permits and does not permit. Thus can we "have the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16).
(1) "Kingdom .. Power, and .. Glory" Behind Authority (Matt. 6:13)
Power. As in the ASV, NASB, and NKJV Bibles, Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20 states he was
"given all authority." Jesus gave His apostles their earthly charge. Then Jesus came and spoke
to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19. "Go therefore
and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, 20. "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;
and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen." (NKJV) That word "authority"
is from the Greek εξουσία (exousia, pronounced ex-oo-seé-ah), meaning the right and power to
rule and to govern. Indeed, the KJV Bible translates, "All power..." Note that the authority-
power was "given" to Jesus. God the Father gave it to Him (John 5:26-27). Jesus the Son of God
not only has the power and authority because God gave it to Him, but also by virtue of who
Jesus is. He created and upholds all things (Colossians 1:16). He who became flesh for us, is the
Word (John 1:1-17). The same word exousia (authority) was used by Jesus in Matthew 21:24-25
when he questioned His questioners, concerning "by what authority I do these things."
"given all authority." Jesus gave His apostles their earthly charge. Then Jesus came and spoke
to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19. "Go therefore
and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, 20. "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;
and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen." (NKJV) That word "authority"
is from the Greek εξουσία (exousia, pronounced ex-oo-seé-ah), meaning the right and power to
rule and to govern. Indeed, the KJV Bible translates, "All power..." Note that the authority-
power was "given" to Jesus. God the Father gave it to Him (John 5:26-27). Jesus the Son of God
not only has the power and authority because God gave it to Him, but also by virtue of who
Jesus is. He created and upholds all things (Colossians 1:16). He who became flesh for us, is the
Word (John 1:1-17). The same word exousia (authority) was used by Jesus in Matthew 21:24-25
when he questioned His questioners, concerning "by what authority I do these things."
Authority. Some other interesting uses of exousia (power, or authority) in the gospel include
John1:12, where it says Jesus gives those who receive Him the "power" to become sons of God
(Christians). In 1 Corinthians 11:10, the first century female prophetess showed a sign of her
submission to divine will by having "power" (covering) on her head. In Mark 6:7, Jesus gave the
twelve (apostles) "power" over unclean spirits of those times. Way long before our US
Declaration's "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness" was 1 Corinthians 9:4, giving church leaders
(and members) the "power" to eat, drink, and marry a Christian, and to be paid for work.
Finally, and grievously, is the "power" usurped by this world's prince - the devil, who uses that
power to keep people in darkness (error, lies, sin), Ephesians 2:2. [See lesson #27 for more
about Satan] Triumphantly, Colossians 1:13 tells Christians that Jesus "delivered us" from that
evil use of power. Yeah, brethren in Christ must stand against Satan, "..against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness
in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). But such is made possible because there is a higher kingdom
than Satan's rule. And behind that higher kingdom, is a glorious and good King!
John1:12, where it says Jesus gives those who receive Him the "power" to become sons of God
(Christians). In 1 Corinthians 11:10, the first century female prophetess showed a sign of her
submission to divine will by having "power" (covering) on her head. In Mark 6:7, Jesus gave the
twelve (apostles) "power" over unclean spirits of those times. Way long before our US
Declaration's "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness" was 1 Corinthians 9:4, giving church leaders
(and members) the "power" to eat, drink, and marry a Christian, and to be paid for work.
Finally, and grievously, is the "power" usurped by this world's prince - the devil, who uses that
power to keep people in darkness (error, lies, sin), Ephesians 2:2. [See lesson #27 for more
about Satan] Triumphantly, Colossians 1:13 tells Christians that Jesus "delivered us" from that
evil use of power. Yeah, brethren in Christ must stand against Satan, "..against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness
in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). But such is made possible because there is a higher kingdom
than Satan's rule. And behind that higher kingdom, is a glorious and good King!
(2) Kingdom Must Have A King (Jesus)
Authority Figure. The number one identifying trait of religious cults is the failure to understand
and to respect, who Christ is. That is why Jesus asked, "What think ye of Christ? Whose Son is
He?" (Matthew 22:42) The thesis of this lesson is that Christ Jesus has the right to rule us. His
authority is by virtue of who He is. And the authority of what He says (requirement to obey), is
by virtue of who He is. Now, there are a lot of fancy ways of saying it, but really it boils down to
about three things: 1) Understanding who Christ is; 2) Understanding what He commands; and,
3) Doing what He tells me. Now somewhere along the way humanity gets lost. Most people
pretend that it is just a "different interpretation of doctrine." No, that is not the main culprit.
Most people get derailed at point #1, who Christ is. Because if they really believed He is who He
said He is, then they would not put anyone or anything over and above Christ, not even their
own self. Read Luke 14:25-33 (note: "hate" there means to "love less." The cults have twisted
that, too). In Matthew 22:21, Jesus said that "For many are called, but few are chosen." Many
put their own self above Christ. A few will put Christ over their own self.
and to respect, who Christ is. That is why Jesus asked, "What think ye of Christ? Whose Son is
He?" (Matthew 22:42) The thesis of this lesson is that Christ Jesus has the right to rule us. His
authority is by virtue of who He is. And the authority of what He says (requirement to obey), is
by virtue of who He is. Now, there are a lot of fancy ways of saying it, but really it boils down to
about three things: 1) Understanding who Christ is; 2) Understanding what He commands; and,
3) Doing what He tells me. Now somewhere along the way humanity gets lost. Most people
pretend that it is just a "different interpretation of doctrine." No, that is not the main culprit.
Most people get derailed at point #1, who Christ is. Because if they really believed He is who He
said He is, then they would not put anyone or anything over and above Christ, not even their
own self. Read Luke 14:25-33 (note: "hate" there means to "love less." The cults have twisted
that, too). In Matthew 22:21, Jesus said that "For many are called, but few are chosen." Many
put their own self above Christ. A few will put Christ over their own self.
King. Related to Christ's authority, is His kingdom, over which He is King. "Kingdom" and
"church" are used to refer to the same thing. Two of many scriptures that show this are Matthew
16:18-19 and Colossians 1:13-18. In the former, Jesus promises "my church" and then
immediately calls it "the kingdom." In the latter, "the kingdom of His dear Son" (Col. 1:13) is
shown to be "the church" (1:18). Notice that we were "created by Him and for Him" (1:16), that
Christ rules as "the Head of the body, the church" (1:18), and in which Christ is to have
"preeminence" (1:18, first place). Jesus is at once the King of His kingdom, and also the Head of
His church. Salvation brings souls into this Kingdom/Church.
"church" are used to refer to the same thing. Two of many scriptures that show this are Matthew
16:18-19 and Colossians 1:13-18. In the former, Jesus promises "my church" and then
immediately calls it "the kingdom." In the latter, "the kingdom of His dear Son" (Col. 1:13) is
shown to be "the church" (1:18). Notice that we were "created by Him and for Him" (1:16), that
Christ rules as "the Head of the body, the church" (1:18), and in which Christ is to have
"preeminence" (1:18, first place). Jesus is at once the King of His kingdom, and also the Head of
His church. Salvation brings souls into this Kingdom/Church.
King of kings. Since Jesus is King of His kingdom, Head of His church, it might be helpful to
consider the various senses of "kingdom." A new testament Greek word for "kingdom" is
βασιλεία (basilia, pronounced bas-il-í-ah). In Matthew 4:8 the "kingdoms of the world" meant
the realm of the regions governed by an earthly king (such as king Herod). Notice those earthly
kingdoms did not lure Jesus. Whey should they? They are slight to nothing compared to His
church (kingdom, Matt. 16:18-19)! Matthew 6:33 says to "Seek ye first the kingdom of God...",
meaning to actively pursue membership in the true church of Christ, putting that first. The
spiritual, not carnal, purpose of this church kingdom is shown in Romans 14:17. To stay alive in
this world we must eat and drink. But concerning the church, "the kingdom of God is not meat
and drink." Modern, social, and cultural factors do not change divine law. Revelation 17:14 (and
Psalm 9:15-17) help reveal that nations turn themselves backwards by rejecting the gospel,
because Jesus is the Lord over all earthly lords, and also He is "King of kings." The ultimate
veto power is not in the United Nations. The power and the glory is from the God of heaven,
through the kingdom of Christ (cp. Revelation 11:15) . In Acts 1:6, we see what made the
apostles of Christ the chosen messengers they were. Before Christ's ascension, they still
wondered about the "..restoring again the kingdom to Israel?" They asked about it. Notice
Jesus' answer in which He told them that some things were not for them to know, reminding the
apostles of that which the Heavenly Father "hath put in His own power" (exousia). Then by
Acts 2:14, after Jesus had sent the "power" He had promised to the apostles (Acts 1:8), they had
overcome past questions, and knew all they needed to know to do their work. The gospel was
preached, and 3000 souls were saved (Acts 2:36-42, 46-47).
consider the various senses of "kingdom." A new testament Greek word for "kingdom" is
βασιλεία (basilia, pronounced bas-il-í-ah). In Matthew 4:8 the "kingdoms of the world" meant
the realm of the regions governed by an earthly king (such as king Herod). Notice those earthly
kingdoms did not lure Jesus. Whey should they? They are slight to nothing compared to His
church (kingdom, Matt. 16:18-19)! Matthew 6:33 says to "Seek ye first the kingdom of God...",
meaning to actively pursue membership in the true church of Christ, putting that first. The
spiritual, not carnal, purpose of this church kingdom is shown in Romans 14:17. To stay alive in
this world we must eat and drink. But concerning the church, "the kingdom of God is not meat
and drink." Modern, social, and cultural factors do not change divine law. Revelation 17:14 (and
Psalm 9:15-17) help reveal that nations turn themselves backwards by rejecting the gospel,
because Jesus is the Lord over all earthly lords, and also He is "King of kings." The ultimate
veto power is not in the United Nations. The power and the glory is from the God of heaven,
through the kingdom of Christ (cp. Revelation 11:15) . In Acts 1:6, we see what made the
apostles of Christ the chosen messengers they were. Before Christ's ascension, they still
wondered about the "..restoring again the kingdom to Israel?" They asked about it. Notice
Jesus' answer in which He told them that some things were not for them to know, reminding the
apostles of that which the Heavenly Father "hath put in His own power" (exousia). Then by
Acts 2:14, after Jesus had sent the "power" He had promised to the apostles (Acts 1:8), they had
overcome past questions, and knew all they needed to know to do their work. The gospel was
preached, and 3000 souls were saved (Acts 2:36-42, 46-47).
(3) Christ, "the Word was God" John 1:1-3
Part (1) and (2) above laid down the authority of Christ Himself. Now we go to the authority of
His word - the written scripture. First, there is the the sheer fact that Jesus is called, "the Word"
(John 1:1). After Christ "was made flesh, and dwelt among us," (John 1:14), He died, arose and
went back to be with the Father in heaven. But before He did that, He promised His twelve
apostles that He would send them from on high the Spirit power (John 14:26; Acts 1:8). Notice
the purpose of that power: the "Spirit of truth" would testify of "Me" [Christ, not of the Holy
Spirit himself, John 15:27]. Christ told them the purpose was to "bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26), and to "guide you into all truth,"
so that those promised apostles could speak , or write His written word. (By the laying of hands,
the apostles could transfer gifts [#17] of prophecy, Acts 8:14-17, such as to Luke and Mark,
and certain others.) In His John 17 prayer to the "Father" (17:1) for oneness (#30), Jesus had
said God's "word is truth" John 17:17). Note how apostle Paul closed new testament epistles,
"The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand" (1 Corinthians 16:21; cf Galatians 6:11). In 2
Corinthians 13:10, he says, "Therefore I write these things.." So power was given for the word
to be written, passing from God to Jesus, to Holy Spirit, to apostles and prophets (Ephesians
3:5), to the written pages in the Book, which we call the Bible.
His word - the written scripture. First, there is the the sheer fact that Jesus is called, "the Word"
(John 1:1). After Christ "was made flesh, and dwelt among us," (John 1:14), He died, arose and
went back to be with the Father in heaven. But before He did that, He promised His twelve
apostles that He would send them from on high the Spirit power (John 14:26; Acts 1:8). Notice
the purpose of that power: the "Spirit of truth" would testify of "Me" [Christ, not of the Holy
Spirit himself, John 15:27]. Christ told them the purpose was to "bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26), and to "guide you into all truth,"
so that those promised apostles could speak , or write His written word. (By the laying of hands,
the apostles could transfer gifts [#17] of prophecy, Acts 8:14-17, such as to Luke and Mark,
and certain others.) In His John 17 prayer to the "Father" (17:1) for oneness (#30), Jesus had
said God's "word is truth" John 17:17). Note how apostle Paul closed new testament epistles,
"The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand" (1 Corinthians 16:21; cf Galatians 6:11). In 2
Corinthians 13:10, he says, "Therefore I write these things.." So power was given for the word
to be written, passing from God to Jesus, to Holy Spirit, to apostles and prophets (Ephesians
3:5), to the written pages in the Book, which we call the Bible.
(4) How The Scripture Word Spoke To Us, John 1:4-8
General Authority. The disciples were told by Jesus to, "Go ye therefore, and teach all
nations..." (Matthew 28:119). This command to "Go" is general (or generic). Because it is
general and not particular (not specific), disciples can go by walking, driving, flying, or sailing,
whichever may be expedient (helpful option).
nations..." (Matthew 28:119). This command to "Go" is general (or generic). Because it is
general and not particular (not specific), disciples can go by walking, driving, flying, or sailing,
whichever may be expedient (helpful option).
Particular Authority. However, in that same command, Christ said, "...baptizingthem in the
name of the Father..." (Matthew 28:19). This command to "baptize" is particular (specific) in its
authority. In dozens of new testament verses, including Acts 2:38, the bible word “baptize” is
actually an English transliteration, from the Greek word βαπτίζω (baptizō, pronounced bap-tid'-
zo). A translation would be “immerse” or “dip” or “plunge.” From Vine's Expository Dictionary,
baptizo means “To dip” and “immersion, submersion, and emergence.” It means to go under
and out of water, as is also supported by such passages that call baptism being "buried"(Romans
6:4; Colossians 2:12). Thus, sprinkling or pouring oppose the authority of God's word.
name of the Father..." (Matthew 28:19). This command to "baptize" is particular (specific) in its
authority. In dozens of new testament verses, including Acts 2:38, the bible word “baptize” is
actually an English transliteration, from the Greek word βαπτίζω (baptizō, pronounced bap-tid'-
zo). A translation would be “immerse” or “dip” or “plunge.” From Vine's Expository Dictionary,
baptizo means “To dip” and “immersion, submersion, and emergence.” It means to go under
and out of water, as is also supported by such passages that call baptism being "buried"(Romans
6:4; Colossians 2:12). Thus, sprinkling or pouring oppose the authority of God's word.
Examples. In John 3:23, John was baptizing in Aenon, because there was "much water" there.
In Acts 8:36-38, after Philip guided him in an understanding of the gospel of Christ, the Ethiopian
nobleman pointed out "when they came to a certain water" and was then ready to stop and get
out of his chariot and be baptized in that body of water.
In Acts 8:36-38, after Philip guided him in an understanding of the gospel of Christ, the Ethiopian
nobleman pointed out "when they came to a certain water" and was then ready to stop and get
out of his chariot and be baptized in that body of water.
Particular (Specific). Accordingly, under the new testament today, we are not permitted to be
immersed into milk or tomato juice. To do so is not funny, and would be sinful, because the
Lord stated in particular that it was to be water. Likewise, the truth does not permit sprinkling or
pouring water instead of immersing the believer. When the command specifies water, that rules
out anything else. When the command specifies baptism, that rules out sprinkling or pouring, by
definition. "Buried with Him [Christ] by baptism into death" (Romans 6:4).
immersed into milk or tomato juice. To do so is not funny, and would be sinful, because the
Lord stated in particular that it was to be water. Likewise, the truth does not permit sprinkling or
pouring water instead of immersing the believer. When the command specifies water, that rules
out anything else. When the command specifies baptism, that rules out sprinkling or pouring, by
definition. "Buried with Him [Christ] by baptism into death" (Romans 6:4).
Written. God created man, and gave to man the ability to send and receive communication. So,
it should be no surprise that God has used His broad array of communicating forms. The Bible
itself includes inspired and authoritative records, letters, proverbs, songs, narratives, wars, love
stories, and doctrine. But our purpose here is to briefly consider: How God in His Word
Authorizes The Actions Of Man. That is, what man is commanded, permitted, and not permitted
to do, under the authority of Christ.
it should be no surprise that God has used His broad array of communicating forms. The Bible
itself includes inspired and authoritative records, letters, proverbs, songs, narratives, wars, love
stories, and doctrine. But our purpose here is to briefly consider: How God in His Word
Authorizes The Actions Of Man. That is, what man is commanded, permitted, and not permitted
to do, under the authority of Christ.
Either - Or. An ideal starting point for this is Luke 20:1-4ff. Concerning the power behind His
works, Jesus was asked, "by what authority...?" He did them, and "Who...gave thee this
authority?" Jesus turned it around to His questioners, asking them about the authority of the
prophet John. "...From heaven, or of men?", Christ asked them. Unwilling to overcome their
own selfish sinful dilemma exposed by this blunt question, those chief priests and scribes did not
answer Jesus. So Jesus kept "by what authority" He did those things, to Himself! So there!
works, Jesus was asked, "by what authority...?" He did them, and "Who...gave thee this
authority?" Jesus turned it around to His questioners, asking them about the authority of the
prophet John. "...From heaven, or of men?", Christ asked them. Unwilling to overcome their
own selfish sinful dilemma exposed by this blunt question, those chief priests and scribes did not
answer Jesus. So Jesus kept "by what authority" He did those things, to Himself! So there!
Fearless. Seriously, this points to authority as the key in religion - where it comes from, how we
respect it, whether we will obey it. Fearful of men, those chief priests and scribes above failed
that test because Jesus gave them one horn or the other of a dilemma, and they took neither. But
when we are not fearful of man, then we are free to follow the logic of the Rational Spirit of the
universe, the Logos (Word), who is Christ (John 1:1-17). Religiously, the difference is: 1) From
Heaven, or 2) Of Men.
respect it, whether we will obey it. Fearful of men, those chief priests and scribes above failed
that test because Jesus gave them one horn or the other of a dilemma, and they took neither. But
when we are not fearful of man, then we are free to follow the logic of the Rational Spirit of the
universe, the Logos (Word), who is Christ (John 1:1-17). Religiously, the difference is: 1) From
Heaven, or 2) Of Men.
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Understand. In John 1:5 (read 1:1-17 for context) it says concerning Jesus Christ, "And the light
shineth in darkness: and the darkness comprehended it not." (cf. John 3:19) Within this
impeccable account from John on the entrance of Christ into our world, it also laments of those
in the dark (error) not comprehending the light (truth by Jesus Christ, John 1:17). Well,
Overcoming Self, and this Help Your Self lesson on "Authority," support helping those willing to
comprehend the truth that came by Christ.
shineth in darkness: and the darkness comprehended it not." (cf. John 3:19) Within this
impeccable account from John on the entrance of Christ into our world, it also laments of those
in the dark (error) not comprehending the light (truth by Jesus Christ, John 1:17). Well,
Overcoming Self, and this Help Your Self lesson on "Authority," support helping those willing to
comprehend the truth that came by Christ.
(5) Respecting What The Word Did Not Say, John 1:9-11
Not What They Expected. John 1:9 informs us that Jesus has the "light" (truth) for "every" one.
But in verse 11, "His own received Him not." Why did they reject Him? Why do many reject
Christ? Perhaps some of His Jewish fellows expected Jesus to bash the Roman Empire and got
mad when He did not (John 18:36). Perhaps some fellow Nazarenes wanted Jesus to be a "chip
off the old block," but were infuriated when He avowed Himself the Messiah (Luke 4:16-30).
Perhaps Pharisees wanted Jesus to tow the line on the many burdens they had invented while
omitting weightier matters. Jesus condemned such (Matthew 23:1-33). All those folks wanted "a
piece of" Jesus, when they wanted it, just like they wanted it. When Jesus did not fit their
preconception, or when He did not say what they wanted to hear, they threw Him like a hot
potato. They failed to honor what He said, and they also failed to honor what He did not say.
What counts here is this: It is not what you expect from Christ, but how you respect His
authority.
But in verse 11, "His own received Him not." Why did they reject Him? Why do many reject
Christ? Perhaps some of His Jewish fellows expected Jesus to bash the Roman Empire and got
mad when He did not (John 18:36). Perhaps some fellow Nazarenes wanted Jesus to be a "chip
off the old block," but were infuriated when He avowed Himself the Messiah (Luke 4:16-30).
Perhaps Pharisees wanted Jesus to tow the line on the many burdens they had invented while
omitting weightier matters. Jesus condemned such (Matthew 23:1-33). All those folks wanted "a
piece of" Jesus, when they wanted it, just like they wanted it. When Jesus did not fit their
preconception, or when He did not say what they wanted to hear, they threw Him like a hot
potato. They failed to honor what He said, and they also failed to honor what He did not say.
What counts here is this: It is not what you expect from Christ, but how you respect His
authority.
Respecting Silence of Authority. In religions, people are heard to say, "It does not say you
can't... (do such and such).." Well, let's say a mother sends her money with her daughter to the
grocery store. She instructs, "Go to XYZ store and buy one loaf of bread." So the daughter
comes back with one loaf of bread, plus three hula hoops. Furthermore, when the mother asks
why she is so late returning, the daughter says she stopped to chat at her friend's house. Then,
about the unauthorized purchase, and the unauthorized visit, the daughter says, "But Mom, you
didn't say I couldn't." No, no, families learn better logic than that. "Do that," means "that and
only that." The mother did not need to tell the daughter all she could not do. Instead, she told her
only what was needed - if the daughter would follow it. And in religion, Jesus said "If any man
will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of
myself" (John 7:17). One who wants and wills to do the will of God, will know the truth of it
(also, John 8:32).
can't... (do such and such).." Well, let's say a mother sends her money with her daughter to the
grocery store. She instructs, "Go to XYZ store and buy one loaf of bread." So the daughter
comes back with one loaf of bread, plus three hula hoops. Furthermore, when the mother asks
why she is so late returning, the daughter says she stopped to chat at her friend's house. Then,
about the unauthorized purchase, and the unauthorized visit, the daughter says, "But Mom, you
didn't say I couldn't." No, no, families learn better logic than that. "Do that," means "that and
only that." The mother did not need to tell the daughter all she could not do. Instead, she told her
only what was needed - if the daughter would follow it. And in religion, Jesus said "If any man
will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of
myself" (John 7:17). One who wants and wills to do the will of God, will know the truth of it
(also, John 8:32).
Conclusion: Putting the Word Over Self Brings Salvation & Grace
In the following passage, "sons of God" means Christians. In this lesson, we have looked at the
power of Christ. Christ offers to give the "power to become" a genuine Christian.
power of Christ. Christ offers to give the "power to become" a genuine Christian.
John 1:10-17 10. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew
him not.
11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to
them that believe on his name:
13. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of
God.
14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as
of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
15. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that
cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16. And of his fulness have
all we received, and grace for grace.
17. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
him not.
11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to
them that believe on his name:
13. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of
God.
14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as
of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
15. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that
cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16. And of his fulness have
all we received, and grace for grace.
17. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
OvercomingSelf.net
| G. Brown |
G. Brown
Help Your Self article #16