You're Fired!
Can you imagine if the police officer said, "I don't want to stop traffic?" or "Do I really have to arrest that criminal?" Our response would be, "Do your job!" It wouldn't take long for that police officer to lose his job and to be honest, I hope he does! Well, what if, as christians, we could be fired? I can almost hear Donald Trump delivering those words as he glares into the eyes of that weak, powerless, prayer-less saint, "You're fired!" Can you imagine that? Well, again there are some I would like to fire, but thank God I'm not in charge...or am I?
Let's read what Paul has to say...
"I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church." Ephesians 1:19-22 NLT
Notice Paul begins in verse 19 praying that we understand what God has done and then he begins to explain it! The right hand of God is the place of authority and notice that Christ has authority over everything! Did he say everything? Get ready Paul is setting us up for something! Now notice where we have been seated!!
Take Your Seat
"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) 6 For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:5-7 NLTWhat? I'm seated with Christ? As my good friend Rick Zigler says, "Yup!" Did you get that? God in His rich mercy raised us from the dead with Christ and seated us with Christ at His right hand...the highest place of authority! This means that the real Christian has Jesus' authority on this earth and heaven's power backing them! Authority and power!
Notice the word grace in verse 7, which means we were given something we didn't deserve. Meaning God gave us this place of authority we didn't deserve, but because of Jesus and what He did for us, we got it! This points to the greatness that God gave to us from Ephesians 1:20.
You Are His Son/Daughter...act like it!
Have you ever said those words to your kids? I have...many times! Just the other day I was with my 4 year old son Chris at Target and he wanted another toy! Never mind that his birthday was last week, he wanted another toy. After a few moments of trying to reason with a 4 year old (I have no idea what I was thinking!), I sternly whispered into his ear, "You are my son and my son does not act this way!" Well, he lowered his adorable little head and I felt like a big meanie! But the truth was he wasn't acting like my son. We've never allowed our children to act out in public throwing fits on the toy isle and I wasn't about to start now. Chris is the youngest of four and there are certain expectations that Cathy and I have for our children to ensure their happiness and allowing him to act otherwise would have only hurt him in the long run.
Do you remember the many times in scripture where Jesus said to His disciples, "Where is your faith?" or "How much longer am I going to have to do this for you (paraphrasing)?" Jesus was always trying to get His disciples to act like His disciples! He knew they could. He knew they had the authority. He knew God would back them with his power, but the problem was for a long time they didn't know.
"And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the [Holy] Spirit of His Son (1 Cor. 2:11-12) into our hearts, crying, Abba (Father)! Father! 7 Therefore, you are no longer a slave (bond servant) but a son; and if a son, then [it follows that you are] an heir by the aid of God, through Christ." Galatians 4:6-7 AMP
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering." Romans 8:14-17**
Let's recap, if you've accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you are a son/daughter of God, right? Right! This means that everything that belongs to God belongs to you...your His heir with Jesus, right? Right! Ok, good so far! Now, this also means that you are seated with Christ in that place of authority, right? Right! Perfect! So my charge for you today, the real Christian, is to act like it!
Think of all the scriptures that tell the real Christian what they should be doing...resist the devil and he must flee (James 4:8), stand firm with His armor own...hold that shield of faith...those darts can't touch you (Ephesians 6), lay hands on the sick and they will recover (Mark 16) and what about greater is He that is in you (1 John 4:4) and no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17)! All of these take authority and YOU HAVE IT!
Just think about this: if you step out and use your authority in faith, God will back you with His power! Start living and acting today like the son/daughter of God you are!
By the way, I went back to Target later and bought the toy! I know, I know what you're thinking, but he's just so cute!
I love you all,
Charles
**Romans 8:17 Sufferings: the existence of the Church in a fallen world. The friction of good existing when evil is so prevalent. Does not refer to sickness, poverty or defeat by demonic attack. (2 Cor. 4:17)
