Focus: Authority, Power, & Purpose!

Foundation Scripture: Ephesians 1:16-19 (NKJV)

Prayer Points:
1. Discern the Hope of His Calling for the Body of Christ
2. Know and Comprehend the Riches of His Glory
3. Experience the Exceeding Greatness of His Power
4. Pray for a Holy Spirit Filed Sunday Service

Introduction:
As new creations, we have been put in a position of power and authority, a position delegated to us by God through Jesus Christ.

Along with that authority come certain responsibilities. Let’s examine God’s Word concerning that position and our authority in Him.

· When you received Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you were delivered from the power of darkness.

The word power is literally transferred or delegated authority. You have been delivered from the power, or authority of darkness and placed into God’s kingdom.

· All power was given to Jesus after His resurrection. He instructed us to “Go” using His authority.

That power was given to you as part of your inheritance in Christ Jesus. You have entered into this position of authority because you are in Him.

· Righteousness came upon all believers, but you must believe and act on it from a position of authority.
o Romans 5:18 TPT
o 2 Corinthians 5:21 TPT

3. Jesus Has Been Given All Authority.

a. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus stated, "All POWER is given unto me in heaven and in earth."
b. The Greek word translated as "POWER" in this verse is the Word for "AUTHORITY."
c. That authority to exercise power, given to Jesus, covers all of heaven and earth.

4. Jesus Is In A Position Of Authority.

a. Verse 20: Jesus has been raised from the dead and seated at the right hand of the Father God (which is the highest honor and supreme authority).
b. Verse 20: Jesus is in the position of authority above all rulers, authority, governments, and every realm of power in existence. This covers this present age and the age which is to come.
c. Verse 21: In Young's Literal Translation Of the Holy Bible reads, "far above all principalities, and authority, and might, and lordship, and every name named, not only in this age, but also in the one coming."

5. All Things Have Been Put Beneath The Authority Of Jesus. Verse 22

6. Jesus Alone Is The Leader And Source (authority) Of Everything Needed In The Church. All Our Needs Are Met “In Him”.

The Greek word for “blessing” in Verse 3 is the word eulogia which means “benefit.” Let’s look at some of our benefits:
a. Chosen Before the Foundation of the World (Verse4)
b. Holy and Blameless (Verse4)
c. In His Love (Verse4)
d. Predestined to Adoption (Verse5)
e. Accepted in the Beloved (Verse6)
f. Redemption through His Blood (Verse7)
g. Forgiveness of Sins (Verse7)
h. Riches of His Grace Abound To You (Verse7-8)
i. Made Known to You the Mystery of His Will (Verse9)
j. Obtained An Eternal Inheritance (Verse11)
k. Heard the Word of Truth (Verse13)
l. Sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise (Verse13)
m. You Know the Hope of His Calling (Verse18)
n. You are the Riches of His Inheritance (Verse18)
o. The Exceeding Greatness of His Power (Verse19-20)

· Paul says the exceeding greatness of His power is toward you who believe. What kind of power is this? It is the same power that raised Christ from the dead! It is the same power that conquered sin, death, and hell. In Christ, this same power is present and available in your life today.
· So I have just one question for you: Are you enjoying your benefits of being “in Christ” today? If not, here’s your opportunity!