TOPIC: The Sword of Authority
TEXT: 2nd Corinthians 10:8 “For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for destruction, I should not be ashamed.”
MEMORY VERSE: John 5:27 “And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.”
FOCUS
This morning, we are looking at the sword as a seal of authority. According to our text, Paul wrote concerning his ministry that God has given him the sword of authority not for destruction but for defense and edification. There are times people need to be edified in the things of God and this kingdom principle stands forever. Paul the Apostle was telling us that this sword given to him is for edification, for defense, is for him to put people in order because there are times people will want to go get out of order.
There are times things and people will want to go out of God’s original plan and what you use to bring them back on track is your Sword of Authority. Just like when Jesus entered the temple and drove those buying and selling away, that is Authority. And as a child of God, there are times you have to boast of your authority in Christ.
You do not exercise authority over people illegally, but when it is right, bring out your Sword of Authority and put people back in their original state. Do not forget that until you lawfully use your Sword of Authority, many things will go out of place and that is why we are charged to use our Sword of Authority for defense, edification, and not for destruction. Use your authority lawfully.
LESSON
Titus 2:15 “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.”
Today, we are looking at the Sword of Authority. It is in your place as a child of God to rebuke evil doers because when people do evil and you do not rebuke them, they take that evil to be good. If you read verse 14 of Titus chapter 2, it said “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” in verse 15 Paul said, “..rebuke with all authority..”. When you want to live a good Christian life, then you have to learn to rebuke with authority. Do not spare, do not pity, do not look at them and think “What if they feel bad”. He said “..rebuke with all authority..” call a spade a spade, call a sin a sin, call a temptation a temptation.
One of the things that have affected the body of Christ is calling a spade a digger. Jesus rebuked those that were buying and selling in the temple. The power that lies in rebuke is the power that aligns people with God.
There are times that people will want to go outside the will of God but it is your duty as someone who understands scriptural principles to reinstate them with authority. You correct people sharply and bring them back with love. We live in a time where people are afraid to lose people and what they do is call a spade a digger and call a digger a spade. And the more they do this, the more they condor wickedness and sin. The Church is not just in a sinful state but in a state of wickedness because, at the initial point, people do not rebuke with authority.
PERSONAL CONFESSION
I receive divine grace to exercise my Authority in the name of Jesus Christ.
PRAYER FOCUS
Father deliver me from living a life without exercising my godly Authority in the name of Jesus Christ.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
God has conferred his Authority on you, don’t lose it.
You have Authority over evil and powers that wants to sink you.