THERE POWER IS IN HIS HOLY WORD: SPEAK THE WORD ONLY!
“… The Son of Man (the WORD) has authority on earth to forgive sins...” (Matthew 9:6 NASB). “… Jesus (the WORD) …SPOKE to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB).
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The POWER of God and the AUTHORITY of God are closely related. AUTHORITY is inherent in God’s POWER the same as HIS POWER is inherent in God’s WORD. “… [ALL] power belongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).
The POWER inherent in God’s WORD naturally possesses the AUTHORITY to influence the ACTS or ACTIONS of people or events as God chooses, pleases, and desires. “… Jesus (the WORD) …SPOKE to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).
The POWER of God tells YOU God has the SUPERNATURAL ABILITY to do whatever he CHOOSES to DO.
the AUTHORITY of God tells you he has the SUPERNATURAL RIGHT to DO whatever he CHOOSES to do.
“… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB “…You are very GREAT…” (Psalm 104:1-2 NASB). “… he [THAT] hath done marvellous things…” (Psalm 98:1 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).
God is the ULTIMATE BOSS who DIRECTS and DELEGATES all events and people IN HIS WORLD. “… [ALL] power belongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB). “…he does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB
The WHOLE WORLD, therefore, is UNDER God’s POWER and AUTHORITY. .“…he does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).
He is the OWNER of the WHOLE WORLD. He is IN CONTROL and the WHOLE WORLD SUBMITS to his POWER and AUTHORITY. “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).
The AUTHORITY of God’s WORD comes from the SOVEREIGN right of God to direct and delegate the activities of his WORLD and the PEOPLES of the WORLD as he pleases. “…he does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV). AND “…All the PEOPLES of the earth are regarded as nothing…. [The SOVEREIGN God] … does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “… the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV).
God, the Holy Spirit is the ULTIMATE POWER and has the ULTIMATE AUTHORITY to DIRECT and DELEGATE the ACTS and ACTIVITIES of “HIS” WORLD with absolute ASSURANCE that these ACTS and ACTIVTIES will respond as EXPECTED to HIS WORD. “…[ALL] power belongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB). “…All authority has been given to [HIS WORD) in heaven and on earth … [therefore,] the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth [submit to him] …” (Matthew 28:18 NASB & Daniel 4 NLT),
ALL POWER belongs to God and that POWER is inherent in his WORD. In addition, God’s AUTHORITY is also inherent in his WORD. For instance, “…God SAID, “Let there be light”; AND THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB). The COMMAND (His WORD) is a SIGN of God’s authority. “…Let there be light…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB). The LIGHT is a SIGN of God’s POWER. “…THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB). “…. All things came into being through Him (the power and authority of his Word) … (John 1:1-4 NASB).
“… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).
God’s POWER reinforces and gives WITNESS to his AUTHORITY. “…All authority has been given to [the WORD of God] in heaven and on earth … [which reinforces god’s] powers [over] heaven and the peoples of the earth …” (Matthew 28:18 NASB & Daniel 4 NLT), “…All things came into being through Him (God’s power and authority), and apart from Him (God’s power and authority) nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).
Understanding the POWER and AUTHORITY inherent in the WORD of God focuses on the source of influence on HIS ACTS and ACTIONS over events and people.
God’s AUTHORITY over EVENTS and PEOPLE is the REASON his people can TOTALLY depend upon his CARE. “…All authority has been given to [the WORD of God] in heaven and on earth … …” (Matthew 28:18 NASB), “...[god]… careth for you…” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…[god]… “WILL” … [take care of]…that which concerns … [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB).
God’s AUTHORITY means that when God’s WORD is SPOKEN - over events and people - it or they have to SUBMIT to his WORD. “… [god’s] powers [are over] heaven and the peoples of the earth …” (Daniel 4 NLT).
God gives every man or woman the FREEDOM of CHOICE and they can willfully refuse to submit to the AUTHORITY of God’s WORD. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
King Nebuchadnezzar was GIVEN the freedom of choice and could willfully SUBMIT to the AUTHORITY of GOD’s WORD, but he refused to submit.
The WORD of God to King Nebuchadnezzar was this: “…Your Majesty … Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue…” (Daniels 4 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar chose not to SUBMIT to God’s WORD. However, his CHOICE could NOT stop the power and authority of God’s SPOKEN Word. “… This is … the decree (the WORD) the Most High has issued against …the king: You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes…” (Daniels 4 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar refused to CHOOSE to listen to God’s Word. He followed his OWN way. “…. Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven (God’s Word), “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes …” (Daniel 4 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar had the FREEDOM of CHOICE, but he did NOT alter the authority of God’s WORD. “… Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar chose to refuse to SUBMIT to God’s WORD, but LEARNED the HARD way to RESPECT God’s POWER and AUTHORITY. “…At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven ... Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation …” (Daniel 4 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar demonstrated the ONLY attitude appropriate for the AUTHORITY of God’s WORD. “…Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride (over God’s authority) he is able to humble (Daniel 4 NIV).
God’s ULTIMATE authority is a HARD REALITY in light of human will. “…He does as he pleases (not human will) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Human WILL creates the illusion that ULTIMATELY mankind is autonomous over God’s SOVEREIGN authority. “…No one can hold back his hand (God’s hand) or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Because of the DEEP and ENTRENCHING influence of human will submitting to God’s authority is challenging. “…Humble yourselves (submit yourself) therefore under the mighty hand of God…” (1 Peter 5:6 KJV).
To be autonomous usually means to follow your OWN stubborn desires. “But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
When it comes to God’s sovereignty, an autonomous person prefers NOT to be totally controlled by the authority of God’s WORD. “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).
The state of being autonomous is described as having the human will to make decisions to live as one pleases. “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar had authority over the royal kingdom, but God had authority over the KING and the KINGDOM. “…King Nebuchadnezzar. ….was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar clearly demonstrates the ideology of personal, human autonomy over God’s authority. “…, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built … by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NLT).“…This is what is decreed for you (by the AUTHORITY of God’s WORD), King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. …” (Daniel 4 NLT).
He didn’t NEED to submit to God’s authority. He had his OWN “royal authority.” The King, therefore, preferred to live HIS life apart from God’s loving authority. Nebuchadnezzar choose to be the authority of HIS own SMALL piece of God’s World. . “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV).
Thus, King Nebuchadnezzar rejected and ignored God’s authority and continued to do what he wanted to do. “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
He CHOSE to continue to live independent of God’s sovereign authority. “…Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily (because of God’s GRACE and MERCY) …the HEART of the sons of men is fully set in them [Nebuchadnezzar continue to do as he pleased]… to do evil….” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV).
Eventually, God’s WORD came to pass and demonstrated its POWER and AUTHORITY. “…And in the PROCESS of TIME “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). “…For the vision [is] yet FOR AN APPOINTED TIME, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, WAIT FOR IT; because IT WILL SURELY COME, it will not tarry….” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV).
Autonomy is basically man’s decision to live independently of God authority instead of submitting to his “rightful” Lordship.
This is God’s world and ALL peoples are under his authority. Therefore, he is ultimately sovereign and has the “RIGHT” to rule over the entire universe as HE pleases.
Autonomy, on any level, is mankind’s rejection of God’s “RIGHT” to rule. The original sin was not only the FIRST independent CHOICE, but also the REJECTION of God’s authority.
Self-autonomy, in ANY area of your life, is a continuation of the original sin of REJECTION and REBELLION against God’s sovereignty.
Your self-autonomy SAYS, God does “NOT” have LORDSHIP over “THIS” or “ANY” area of YOUR life.
Self-autonomy SAYS that individuals are self-governed to the degree that they can do WHATEVER they feel or believe is right without consideration of God’s authority. “….The way of a fool is right in his own eyes…” (Proverbs 12:15 KJV). “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death...” (Proverbs 14:20 KJV). “…There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV).
Like it or not, God is in control, but he is not controlling. God is ultimately sovereign over events and people, yet HE did not create the human “will” to be controlled.
Even in the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, the King “still” had to voluntarily submit his “will” under God’s sovereign authority.
Nebuchadnezzar voluntarily submitted to God’s sovereignty. “…At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven…. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever…” (Daniel 4 NIV).
Nebuchadnezzar further teaches us that having a human “will” is a privilege bestowed upon humanity by God who is the ultimate authority. “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
God’s HOLY sovereignty is his right to do as HE pleases in his world and with the people in his world. “…He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Your human sovereignty is God’s bestowed privilege which is what gives you the right to choose to do what you want. However, you make those choices WITHIN God’s world and with HIS people that “HE” has given you authority over. “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God …The authorities are God’s servants …” (Romans 13:1-5 NLT). Authorities are meant to be God’s servant-leaders, who are ultimately under HIS authority.
MOST people forget and become complacent about God’s ultimate authority. God doesn’t want you to ever forget “…the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…(Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).
You have been given a certain amount of authority in a small corner of God’s VAST world to do as you please, but WHO gave you that authority or position? “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).
Doing what you please can be intoxicating, but it can always puff you up and make you become prideful. So be careful and remember, “…If the Lord will, [YOU] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).
King Nebuchadnezzar learned his authority was bestowed upon him by God, the ultimate authority. “…Your royal authority has been taken from you …” (Daniel 4 NLT). “…All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NI V).
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “….Do not forget that [God]… led you through ... He gave you water …He fed you…. He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power (authority) to be successful ...” (Deuteronomy 8:17-17 NLT). “…For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).
A position of authority can cause pride to blind you and you won’t be able to SEE your position is a bestowed privilege, “…Your royal authority has been taken from you …” (Daniel 4 NLT). Ultimate authority belongs to the sovereign God. “… It is the …Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts (authorities) and powers … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. …” (Job 1:20-22 NASB). “…. He (God) does as he pleases with… the PEOPLES (or authorities) of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT). “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar didn’t think there was a higher authority than himself, but he discovered he was wrong “At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven…. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever… Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Daniel 4 NIV).
“…Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities (First and Foremost; God, the ultimate authority). For there is no authority “except” from God, and those which exist are established by God…” (Romans 13:1 NASB). “…Now God gives us many kinds of special abilities … He gives power for doing miracles to some, and to others power to prophesy and preach. He gives someone else the power to know whether evil spirits are speaking … It is the ….Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and powers, deciding which each one of us should have… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
Authority comes from God and those WITH authority are to choose to FIRST submit to God’s authority themselves. “…Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities (God, the Holy Spirit.). …. established by God…” (Romans 13:1 NASB).
When those in authority don’t show respect by submitting to God, they are rebelling against him. “...So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. …” (Romans 13:2 KJV).
Submitting to God’s authority is a SIGN of humble respect for God’s sovereignty. “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).
In these last days more and more people are showing less and less respect for God’ s authority. “…in the last days perilous times shall come . For men shall be lovers of their own selves… unholy… heady, highminded…. evil men …shall wax worse and worse…”(2 Timothy 3:1-13 KJV). “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).
Unfortunately, disrespect and dishonor for God’s authority can also be heavily witnessed among his OWN people or those who profess to follow Jesus Christ. “…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires”…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
To show disrespect for God’s authority is to blatantly dishonor HIM. “… whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men…” (Colossians 3:23 KJV). “….Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME…” (Matthew 25:40 KJV).
“…fools display dishonor…” (Proverbs 3:35 NLT). “…THE WAY YOU LIVE will always honor and PLEASE the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. …” (Colossians 1:9-10 NLT).
“… Jesus (the WORD) …SPOKE to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB).
God is the BOSS. Show respect and honor to the AUTHORITY of his WORD. You may have the FREEDOM of CHOICE, but the WORD of GOD has POWER and AUTHORITY; eventually, LIKE NEBUCHADNEZZAR, you will SUBMIT to its (the WORD’s) sovereignty. “…At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven…. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever…” (Daniel 4 NIV).
“….every tongue should CONFESS that Jesus Christ (the WORD OF GOD) is LORD (the SOVEREIGN authority) to the glory of God, the Father (the HOLY SPIRIT)…” (Philippians 2:11 KJV).
“… His (Jesus) name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…God …gave him the name (the WORD of GOD) above all other names, that at the name of Jesus (the WORD) every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” (Philippians 2:9-10 NLT).
POWERFUL!!!
JESUS GAVE GOD'S PEOPLE "HIS" WORD (JOHN 17:8). HE TOLD HIS PEOPLE TO SPEAK THE WORD ONLY (MATTHEW 8:8). ALL AUTHORITY AND POWER IS GIVEN TO GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT'S, WORD (MATTHEW 28:18)
WHEN JESUS (GOD'S WORD) SPOKE AND TOOK AUTHORITY OVER THE WINDS AND WAVES, THE WINDS STOPPED AND SEA CALMED. HE SPOKE THE WORDS "PEACE BE STILL" AND THEY OBEYED! (MATTHEW 4:39)
THE SAME WORKS JESUS DID, UPON EARTH, HIS PEOPLE ARE EMPOWERED TO DO ALSO
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