Matthew 16:19-21
Bible Fact: Jesus expects all of His disciples to demonstrate the authority and power of His kingdom as a witness to a weak and wicked world.
The Big Idea: To get Christian disciples to surrender their faith beyond the traditional to be offered the opportunity to engage with God without restrictions to do miraculous works that represent God.
I. The SOUL ONLY is the lone citizen that lives in the kingdom of heaven.
- On the Cross, Jesus suffered for me
- In me, Jesus saves me
- Around me, Jesus secures me
- By my side, Jesus sustains me
- For me, Jesus sanctifies me
II. 7 Keys to unlock kingdom authority and power within you:
III. Kingdom citizen rules Jesus taught that release His keys of authority to His disciples; Matthews 5:1, 2
A. Teaching (principles) and demonstrating (practice) what is learned is the beginning of authority.
AUTHORITY: The one officially in charge.
I look at a stone cutter hammering away at a rock a hundred times without so much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the 101st blow it splits in two. I know it was not the one blow that did it, but all that had gone before. —Reader’s Digest, Jacob Riis.
A. RULES FOR KINGDOM CITIZENSHIP that release authority (official eligibility) of true Christian disciples: (John 3: 3,5) Are you official?
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- Rule #25 Jesus releases power to His disciples that put in the necessary time to properly build a great witness (house) for living in the kingdom of God. Matthew 7:24-27
- How To Build A Kingdom Life of Authority & Power
1. Build by hearing and heeding to the principles of Christ. v.24a,b
A. Practices are always promoted by principles, good or bad. v.17
2. Build for future flooding and stormy seasons. vv.25a, 27
A. Dig deep.
B. Be patient in your labor.
C. Expect seasons to change.
3. Avoid building upon sandy sources. v.26
A. Sand shifts.
1. It moves when least expected.
2. Is uncertain and unreliable
B. Sand sinks.
1. It lets you down when you need it to hold you up.
C. Sand shambles
1. Weak and unsustainable
4. Build upon a sure solid foundation. v.25b; Ps. 127:1
A. A solid foundation can be tested by time and trials of this old world.
B. A solid foundation that will hold up under stormy conditions.