LUKE 4:31-44 TEACH WITH AUTHORITY The Lord Jesus Christ moved into Capernaum from Nazareth where there was a headquarters for the Roman soldiers, as well as a thriving business community. The Romans could maintain their authority by a force of arms and intimidation by fear. In contrast to this, the Lord Jesus began teaching there in the synagogue and there was such power in His words the people were amazed. This was not the ordinary, weary repetitious, hair-splitting, frivolous teaching they were used to. Preaching with authority is reasonable and practical. It is heart-searching and authoritative.
There is lasting value in presenting truth in doctrinal purity with authority. Vague speculation and casual suggestions are not ways to get important matters across to those who listen. When we deliver the message the Holy Spirit gives us, it does not help them to generalize those things we know are clearly taught in the Word of God. People need to be assured of the authority behind our teaching. There is also a way to present the truth verbally that makes it relevant, understandable and real. There is a certain value in ardor when one is speaking. The careful but zealous use of words in a respectful earnest way has the tendency to claim the attention of those who listen.
Demons made claims to know the Lord but He refused their deceptive homage. He never showed love to the powers of darkness. The evil spirits knew who He was but didn't really know Him. They were hoping to maintain their claim on a possessed-man by identifying the Lord Jesus as to who He truly was, but there is no fellowship between light and darkness or good and evil in any way. The demons could not hurt the man when he was under the authority of the Lord and in His presence. His authority was over evil forces as well as in the words He spoke. Even though we may not see visible signs of demonic activity very often, there is no question that the moral and spiritual darkness all over the world is coming from powers greater than that of mere men. We are wrestling against principalities and powers - against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Disease and sickness, has come on all humanity because of human sin. The power of sin can bring the strongest man down under its authority. Sin when it is finished brings death. Peter's mother-in-law was under the authority of a great fever. When the Lord Jesus came and stood over her and rebuked the fever by His authority, the fever immediately left. This was not a gradual recovery of health but an instantaneous restoration to health and strength.
The authority of the Lord Jesus Christ is greater that that of any residual effects of sin. His power leaves no area of sin unconquered. His authority goes beyond the results of human sin to forgiveness of sin and cleansing from sin by the blood of Christ. That opens the way to all the blessings of God He desires to give us for our good. The authority of the Lord was not limited to one moment of time or one event. His power was felt by people with all kinds of problems. In any time of difficulty, the healing touch and kindness of the
Lord comes through to us by the touch of a sympathetic brother or sister. A simple caring gesture means a lot to one who is suffering. Human touch can often do what human words cannot do.
When the demons spoke and identified the Lord as the Son of God, He rebuked them to show His authority over them; to show those who were watching He was the Christ because of His words and works, not the testimony of demons; and to maintain the order of His work on earth according to the divine timetable of events that had to be fulfilled - not by Satan's aggressive effort to thwart His plans.
There are times in our lives, the same as in the Lord's life, when we need to be by ourselves for prayer and refreshment. He needed quiet with His Father the same as we do. His interest was that the kingdom of God would be declared in other places to bring freedom from sin. The authority of the Lord Jesus Christ would through the Gospel message be demonstrated. The ultimate authority of the Lord over all the earth will be on display in the coming reign of Christ as King.
To love our enemies takes a conscious effort and needs actions to really be seen. Positive acts of grace and kindness takes away all bitterness that before had been A hindrance to the authority of the Gospel in people who viewed negatively The right of the Lord Jesus to control dark powers seeking to claim authority.
We must show our love to those in their sins so they can see the love of God. Many have never stopped to think of the supreme authority of the Lord. His word is true in all ways and substance, for in Him is no darkness at all. As sons of our Father, like our Lord Jesus Christ, we are under authority when to sinners we call.
A critical spirit, a self-centered mind is foreign to what our God intends. He had forgiven us by His grace, and with authority He then does send Us into this world with a message to tell so sinners around won't be lost. We can tell people with biblical authority; the Savior has paid sin's full cost.
Sincerity of heart on our part is needed so people will know what we say When speaking for God it is with authority, teaching that there's no other way For sinners to ever be accepted by God unless they obey His voice. Urgency in delivering the truth is needed if we expect people to make the right choice.
Our faith is based on the firm foundation of truth that cannot change. We live confident lives without having some unusual spiritual experience that is strange. God is the same today and forever, His authority is firmly in place. To speak for God, we need the confidence of faith, and in ourselves display His grace.
"Father, I pray that I will be speaking Thy truth tonight in a faithful way with grace from my lips. May those who come to hear, realize there is authority in the Word of God and we are not left to our own opinions or speculation when it come to Thy will, Thy work and Thy control over us. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."