Why is the extent of God's authority proportional to the measure of Christ?

 

Why is the extent of God's authority proportional to the measure of Christ?

 

Matthew 16:18 "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."

Ephesians 1:22-23 "And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."

 

Item	Content
Reason	The measure of God's authority is proportional to the measure of Christ
Explanation	1. The church is built on Christ, and Christ Himself is the material for building the church 2. The more "human" elements in the church, the less authority it has 3. The more of Christ we have within us, the more authority we have 4. Only the portion built on Christ is authority 5. The amount of authority in the church is proportional to how much Christ is used as the building material
Examples	1. Some churches may be united, but if human elements dominate, they still lack authority 2. A local church may be praised by people, but if it lacks the element of Christ, it has no real authority 3. Some believers may have talents and abilities, but if they are not built on Christ, they cannot manifest God's authority
Application	1. Learn to go through the cross, allowing God to deal with our "self" 2. When we feel God's illumination, don't ignore it, but allow God to continue dealing with us 3. In service, constantly reflect on whether we are building with Christ as the material 4. Seek to let Christ build from within us, rather than relying on our own strength
Related Scriptures	Colossians 1:18 "And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy." 1 Corinthians 3:11 "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."

 

*Please refer to the 2024 Summer Live Training - Experiencing, Enjoying, and Expressing Christ (1)

Chapter Three: Making Disciples of All Nations by Baptizing Them into the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit