Mark 1:21-45 "One With Authority"
What the world knows as power and authority is only a corruption of the true power of God.
“One having authority.” In the original language the word denotes the right to exercise power.
Power Personified (1:21-34; 40-45)
Only one name comes to mind – Jesus.
In Mark we have seen Jesus authority revealed:
- 1:12-13, authority over temptation of Satan.
- 1:16-20, authority over men.
1. Christ authority is greater than the Scribes’ (21-22)
- He did not teach as other men taught.
- He did not appeal to the authority of others.
- He had authority to establish truth.
2. Christ authority was greater than Satan’s. (23-28)
In Christ encounter with the demonic work of Satan, He shows that He is the Messiah. Isaiah 35:5-6
3. Christ authority is greater than sickness. (29-34; 40-45)
Sickness has been with us since the Fall of Man.
All things are running down and are subject to the degenerative forces now operative in the universe.
Saved and lost alike die in the flesh.
Jesus has the power to heal.
Power Perpetuated (1:35-39)
God desires to reproduce His power in us and use it through us.
It is important for us to see that:
1. the source of power is God.
2. the secret of power is prayer.
3. the standard is how Jesus used His power.
In each case Jesus was ministering to the needs of others.
For Jesus, power was not a show.
We must never want to see the power of God working in a meeting just to see it.
Ask yourself: Have I been blessed materially, financially, with gifts and abilities, talents and capabilities?
- What are you doing with it?
- Are you engaged in Kingdom work?
- Do you have a burden for those who are lost?
- How are you using the authority and power that you possess?
If Heritage Church is going to make a difference, we must actively seek out ways to touch the lives of others.
