Lesson: Authority
Author: Mark Stusek
Date: 6/8/08
We live in a land of law and order; hence, there are all kinds of people in positions of authority: the President, military officers, police officers, judges, teachers, bosses and parents. But authority is not limited to “good guys”. The Scripture warns us about evil people—“wolves dressed up in sheep’s clothing” and in the spiritual realm, principalities, powers, and demons holding command posts.
There is one authority above all others! He is called “I Am”, Wonderful Counselor, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Alpha and Omega, Son of God—Jesus. The great news about this authority figure is, He’s our Savior/Daddy. The Scripture says He knows what’s going down this very second in your and my life.
His promise: To get us through the rough patches of life.
I. Crossing Over To The Other Side
1. This simple directive was more than directions; it included a promise.
2. If Jesus Christ says, “let’s go somewhere”, you can bet your last dollar
it’s going to happen, because He said so. We can trust His word and
promises, because He cannot lie/fudge.
Question: What deeper meaning or message is Jesus Christ wanting us
to glean when He says, “to the other side”.
Mark 4:36,37
In this life, we will all face storms along the way.
3. The disciples, like you and I, could not see or anticipate what would occur
on this simple journey, but Jesus Christ knew—He was not surprised.
Question: What storm in life took you by surprise, something that you did
not anticipate?
4. Like the storms that come into our lives, at first we believe we can handle
them—so did the disciples. We don’t seek others’ help or pray. We try
to handle it in our own strength.
5. Sometimes the storms of life intensify. For the disciples:
- waves came crashing over the boat
- rains beat down on them
- boat was sinking
6. They knew they had a problem, and that was their “focus”. Sound
familiar? They weren’t concerned about getting wet. No, it was about
survival!
7. For us, the drowning in life’s storms may be:
- our children walking away from God
- job losses that create fear about our future
- divorce
- terminal illnesses or repeated sickness
- loss of home – 1 out of 10 are foreclosed or haven’t made payments
in 3 months
8. Be on guard during these storms of life, that you don’t lose your faith/
belief system.
II. Do You Not Care
Mark 4:38
1. How many times have we said the same thing to God—“don’t you care
that I’m drowning in problems”?
2. How easy during this “testing time” for us to question God’s sovereignty,
love and faithfulness.
3. God’s response to the disciples’ question was a resounding “YES”!
God has the desire and authority to do something about our problem/storm.
4. Jesus Christ has amazing authority over all things, even nature. Mark 4:39,40
III. Trials, Tests, Fear, Faith
1. God has given to each of us a measure of faith, and He expects us to use it
to overcome our fear.
2. Fear always accompanies adversity, otherwise it would be just another
experience.
3. Faith says that God is in control, and that all things work together for the good.
4. Faith says that we will recover and that the final outcome will be better than
anything we experienced before.
SUMMARY
It is said that we are a work in progress—that is true.
But it’s a process to allow Jesus Christ to be the Lord of our lives.
So, while today or in the future when you face a storm, cleave to God’s love
and promises, and know with a resounding “YES”, He cares.
Tony Evans Ministries
June 08 Newsletter