“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” – Luke 12:4-5 (NIV)
In these verses, Jesus addresses the very real fears that his disciples faced, encouraging them to have courage in the face of danger and even death.
Perspective Shift
Fear is a natural human response, but Jesus challenges us to shift our perspective.
Instead of fearing those who can only harm the body, we are called to fear God, who has authority over our eternal destiny.
Basis of True Courage
This may seem counterintuitive at first, but when we understand God’s character as a loving Father, this fear becomes the foundation for true courage.
We can face earthly threats with boldness, knowing that our lives are in the hands of a God who loves us deeply and desires our ultimate good.
Promise of Protection
Moreover, Jesus assures us that even in the face of physical harm or death, our lives are not ultimately at risk.
As we confront the fears and challenges of this world, cling to the courage that comes from knowing and trusting in our Heavenly Father.
With His strength and protection, we can face even the most daunting circumstances with faith and boldness.
“Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6)
When Peter and John encounter a lame beggar outside the temple, they demonstrate the authority and power available to all believers through the name of Jesus.
Though they possessed no money to assist him, they offered far greater riches through Christ – miraculous healing in an instant!
Expect the Impossible
Jesus assured His followers, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move” (Matthew 17:20-21).
This exciting spiritual truth applies to our physical bodies, relationships, jobs, ministry efforts, cities and nations. Through invoking Jesus’ authority in the unseen realms, we gain access to His resurrection miracle-working power.
“God’s power is always available where the name of Jesus is proclaimed.” Derek Prince
Let us call upon His name with bold expectancy today!
An Open Invitation
In Acts 3, Peter extends an invitation to the gathered crowd who are astonished at the healing they’ve witnessed.
Similarly, God wants miracles to draw people to Himself – the ultimate source of life and power.
As conduits of His grace, we are privileged to bring the refreshment, renewal and salvation found solely in Jesus. May the power unleashed through Christ’s name open many eyes to His worth.
Luke 10:16 – “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
Authority Not Our Own
When Jesus sent out the seventy-two disciples to preach and heal, he gave them authority to carry out those ministries in his name.
The authority of the seventy-two was not their own but derived from being representatives of Jesus.
Weight of His Commission
This is an immense responsibility! The disciples went out proclaiming and demonstrating the kingdom of God with authority from heaven’s throne room.
The disciples represented a direct delegation from the highest possible authority. Their message and actions carried eternal weight.
Faithfulness in Small Things
At first glance, the disciples were a seemingly ragtag group to bear such a sacred charge. Yet God often chooses the small, unimpressive and ordinary to carry his authority.
Each act of faithful service matters.
Hearing from a Holy Envoy
The flip side is that every Christian today carries this same gravity as the seventy-two. Those we interact with are, in effect, hearing from a representative of the Lord himself through us.
We must consider carefully how to represent Jesus well to others through both speech and action. What an honor to serve as His envoy!
Romans 5:17 – For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
Contrasting Effects
While Adam’s sin ushered death into the world, Christ came to overwhelm sin with surpassing grace and the gift of righteousness. His redemption reverses the curse with boundless blessings.
Christ more than erased Adam’s damage. He pours out radical grace that takes us further than the original paradise. In Him, we are adopted children given authority to reign.
Far Greater Provision
Imagine being imprisoned for years only to not just be released, but become cherished sons welcomed into the king’s palace with royal rights and privileges. This illustrates God’s lavish grace.
In Christ, we gain far more than was lost. We are co-heirs with Him over God’s estate. As grace is embraced through faith, we are empowered to reign in life.
Thank You for Abounding Grace
Lord, I stand in awe at the super-abounding grace You freely give me in Christ. Thank You for granting me not only pardon but adoption, purpose, power, authority – abundant life. Your grace truly abounds!
Acts 4:10 – Then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.
Name Above All Names
When Peter healed the lame man, he made it clear the power was not his own. The healing came through calling on the name of Jesus Christ – the crucified and risen Messiah.
Unrivaled Authority
That name sets Jesus apart, conferring unrivaled authority and ability. As Peter invoked His name, irresistible power was released to restore the man’s legs and ankles.
Standing Strong
Jesus’ name had brought wholeness. The crippled beggar was now standing tall, healed inside and out. What a vivid demonstration of Jesus’ supreme authority!
The Name We Call Upon
Today, we continue Christ’s healing ministry in dependence on His powerful name. As we pray in Jesus’ name, His merciful might flows through us. All praise to the matchless name!
Matthew 16:19 unveils a metaphor that holds profound spiritual significance. In this verse, Jesus speaks of keys to the kingdom of heaven, symbolizing authority and access.
Symbol of Authority
Imagine keys that unlock doors and grant access to restricted areas. In ancient times, keys symbolized authority and power.
When Jesus mentions “the keys of the kingdom,” He’s highlighting His supreme authority over spiritual matters.
Just as a key opens doors, Jesus’ authority opens the door to the kingdom of heaven.
Binding and Loosing
The terms “binding” and “loosing” in Matthew 16:19 indicate the exercise of authority to permit or forbid. It’s like a legal ruling that sets the course of action.
Jesus empowers His disciples to exercise authority in spiritual matters, shaping the direction of God’s kingdom work on earth.
A Calling to Discipleship
The context of this verse comes after Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus’ words to Peter extend to all disciples who confess Him as Lord.
This verse underscores the transformative impact of faith in Christ. It’s an invitation to embrace discipleship, participating in the kingdom’s work with the authority granted by Christ.
Invitation to Partnership
Matthew 16:19 invites us into partnership with Jesus in advancing God’s kingdom; we are entrusted with the keys of authority in the spiritual realm.
This verse encourages us to actively engage in shaping God’s kingdom on earth through prayer, proclamation, and acts of love.
Exercising Kingdom Authority
Matthew 16:19 offers a glimpse into the spiritual authority granted by Christ. Just as keys unlock doors, Jesus’ authority unlocks the door to a life with God’s purposes in mind.
As you live out your faith, remember that you hold the keys to impact lives, effect change, and bring heaven’s influence to earth.
For those who have chosen to follow Jesus, you have a mandate to go out and declare that the Kingdom of God is near. The same directives He gave the early church, He gives you.
You are sent out with His authority, His power, and His might! Don’t fear the enemy, as you engage this mission, you have EVERYTHING you need!
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” Luke 10:19
For many years I have been trying to put together a series of Bible Studies designed to help the Christian understand their true position in Christ.
Finally, I have set aside the time and put them altogether, The studies were born out of my own desire to understand the power of prayer, and how this meshes with our relationship to Jesus.
My experience in pastoral ministry took place in rural Pennsylvania; nestled in the mountains of Cameron County, the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds.
A small community with big problems
Like many small rural communities, the one my wife, Sherri and I served, had its fair share of problems. Having lived in the community for many years, we knew in detail the problems associated with the town; problems of drug abuse, alcoholism, suicide and sexual abuse. These issues were far more common than folks there care to admit.
As pastors in this community, we saw firsthand the hurt and pain the devil had inflicted upon the community, and we began earnestly to pray for the deliverance of this town.
For many years, every Sunday morning, Sherri and I would head to an overlook that provided a stunning view of our little town, and we would pray there.
On one particular occasion, I went alone and began praying over the town; what happened that day would change my life forever!
An encounter with God on the mountain
I stood where I could see the whole town and began praying against the powers and principalities that had been enslaving the people in my community.
Determined to see a breakthrough, I was passionately praying aloud, fists punching at the sky as if pounding on the devil himself!
It was then the most unexpected thing happened; the Lord seemed to draw near, I could sense His Presence, and while I was praying, He asked me a question. To the best of my recollection, here is how the conversation unfolded.
The Lord said to me; “Rock, what are you doing?”
I was somewhat taken aback, it seemed obvious to me what I was doing, so I answered the Lord; “I am praying.”
He said in the kindest way possible; “Why are you praying like that, punching at the sky?”
I was not sure what He was getting at, and I really did not know how to answer, so I responded; “This is how I do it.”
There was a pause, and then he asked me another question; “Rock, where are you?”
I am getting even more confused now, and all I could do was to say; “I’m here, Lord!” There was another pause, and then He rephrased the same question,
“Rock, spiritually where are you?”
I responded by saying, “I’m with you, Lord.” It was then that the Scripture from Ephesians 2:6(And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus) came rushing to my heart.
The Lord asked me again; “Rock, where are you?”
I responded; “I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms” What the Lord said next would forever change my life and ministry!
The Lord said to me; “Rock, stop praying with your fists pounding at the sky, as if you were fighting an enemy that you are in subjection to. Start praying from your true position in Me.
God taught me to pray Upside Down
Instead of praying with a down-side up mentality, pray from the up-side down; from the heavenly realm where you are seated; the battle is not over your head, but is under your feet.”
Wow, stunned by what had just taken place, I realized that much of my prayer life took place without recognizing the authority with which one could pray.
I learned that I do have authority and that I can pray expecting powerful answers. That day on the mountain changed everything!
It was out of this encounter with the Lord on that mountain, the idea of Praying Up-side Down and consequently the name of our ministry; Faith Up-side Down came to fruition.
The Faith Upside Down Bible Study Series will help you to understand the truth of who you are in Christ and you will discover the powerful position you have, and your prayer life will take on new passion and power!