Recognize Christ’s Authority:
Therefore – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Philippians 4:13 & 19

Key Verse:  Matthew 28:19

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

We have been studying the authority factor that the God of this universe gave to Jesus.  Not only have we seen that Jesus has this authority, but if we have Jesus we have much of that authority in us.  As we go back to Matthew 28 and read verse 19, we see the word “therefore.”  The old saying is, when you see a “therefore” you better go back to see what it is there for.  When we do that in this case, we see that Jesus is connecting the two thoughts.  First, He has been given all authority.  Second, the work of the kingdom is given to His followers, along with the authority to accomplish it.

Therefore, we are to go into our world, call people to repentance, and make disciples out of them.  We need not be timid; we have been given the authority to do it.  The Apostle Paul told the young preacher, Timothy, that, “God has not given us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

As we leave our homes and work through our day, we represent God’s kingdom.  Our very lifestyles should “preach” the kingdom of God.  Beyond our lifestyles, I believe God gives specific opportunities to speak a good word to individuals about God’s eternal truths.  We need not fret over these moments; they will come to us naturally.  As we respond to them, God’s power flows through our words and us.

Father, I will walk with you today.  I will walk worthy of you as best I know how and ask that you use me to your glory.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.