Life Under God

Living under authority isn’t a result of the fall. Rejecting God’s authority is the cause of the fall. Authority isn’t the problem. Bad authority is.

Failed Rulers & Bad Authority

“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Jdg. 21:25).

• NO KING > BAD KINGS > BEASTLY EMPIRES > NEW MASTERS

Grace vs. Authority?

Big Idea: The good news isn’t just that Jesus saves. It’s that Jesus reigns!
At last, the Good King is on his throne!

“‘Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ … ‘But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he said to the paralytic — ‘I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home’” (Mark 2:10-11).

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isa. 52:7).

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore” (Isa. 9:6-7)

Under New Management

Jesus is now Lord over our:

• Time
• Talents
• Money
• Energy
• Influence
• Home

Living Like Jesus is Your King

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46).

1. Speak, Lord. Tune in to his will. A loyal servant intently listens for their master’s voice. Spend time in Scripture praying, “Speak, LORD, for your servant hears” (1 Sam. 3:9). How can you listen more carefully to the King’s voice this week?

2. Follow Him. Follow wherever he leads. Do what He bids. Obedience is the essence of faithfulness, so Jesus asks: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46). What area of your life most needs to come under Christ’s rule?

3. Spread the News. Announce his kingdom, unashamed that we call others to obey the king. May all find life, hope, and peace in his name! Who needs to hear the good news that Jesus reigns?

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think people often fear authority?
• What makes Jesus different from every other ruler?
• How does the cross change the way we think about power and leadership?
• What would it look like to live this week with a deeper awareness that Jesus is Lord?