Many people identify as Christians, yet not everyone genuinely surrenders and submits to Jesus’ authority in their lives. Through the Gospel, Jesus invites us to embrace His lordship, offering an opportunity to shatter the delusions and misconceptions surrounding our faith. This article explores the significance of divine authority in our lives and encourages believers to subject themselves to the Gospel’s teachings wholeheartedly. We will also discuss the impact of worldly desires and progressive culture on the perversion of the Gospel, ultimately leaving many believers uncovered and disconnected from a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ..
https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-authority.html
The Gospel of Jesus Christ centers on His life, death, and resurrection, demonstrating His authority over sin and death. Jesus’ authority is fundamental to our faith and relationship with Him (Matthew 28:18). As believers, we are called to submit ourselves to His authority and live according to His teachings (John 14:15). Acknowledging Jesus as our Lord and Savior means that we recognize His sovereignty over our lives and choose to follow His commandments.
Shattering Christian Delusions and Misconceptions
Many self-professed Christians claim to believe in Jesus, but they have not genuinely surrendered to His authority. This lack of submission often stems from various misconceptions about what it means to be a Christian. Some may mistakenly believe that attending church, reading the Bible, or performing good deeds are sufficient for salvation. However, true Christianity involves a deep and personal relationship with Jesus, characterized by surrender, trust, and obedience (James 2:17).
The importance of fully submitting to Jesus’ authority cannot be overstated, as it is the cornerstone of our faith. When we submit to His lordship, we experience transformation, spiritual growth, and a renewed sense of purpose (Romans 12:1-2).
Divine authority can make people uncomfortable, as it challenges our sense of control and self-sufficiency. The discomfort we experience can reveal our true spiritual nature and the extent of our submission to Jesus. When faced with this discomfort, we must be willing to confront our feelings and examine our hearts (Psalm 139:23-24). If our love for Jesus and our desire to obey Him are stronger than our discomfort, it signifies that we are genuinely under His authority.
However, if our feelings of resistance and discomfort outweigh our love and obedience, it’s an indication that we may not be genuinely Christ-like or godly. In such cases, we must recognize the danger of rejecting Jesus’ authority and prayerfully seek His guidance to overcome our resistance.
When we reject Jesus’ authority, we expose ourselves to various spiritual dangers. By prioritizing our feelings, desires, and personal beliefs over God’s Word, we risk straying from the path of righteousness (Proverbs 14:12). Jesus will return for His people who have wholeheartedly chosen Him as their Lord and Savior (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Unfortunately, those who have rejected His authority will face eternal separation from Him (Matthew 7:21-23).
The Influence of Worldly Desires and Progressive Culture
Worldly desires and progressive culture can seduce believers into rejecting divine authority. This cultural influence often leads to a perversion of the Gospel, as individuals subject its teachings to their circumstances and desires. This distortion results in a lifeless version of Christianity, devoid of the transformative power that comes from a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ.
As Christians, we must resist the temptation to conform to the world’s values and ideals (Romans 12:2). Instead, we must continue to commit ourselves to seek God’s will and live according to His Word. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises to those who follow Him (John 10:10).
Surrendering to Jesus’ authority is essential for living a life of purpose, fulfillment, and spiritual growth. When we fully submit to His lordship, we allow Him to guide our thoughts, actions, and decisions. This submission opens the door to a deeper relationship with Jesus, characterized by trust, humility, and a willingness to be molded according to His will (Isaiah 64:8).
The following are practical steps we can take to surrender to Jesus’ authority:
- Engage in prayer and Bible study: Develop a daily habit of praying and studying the Bible to better understand Jesus’ teachings and grow in your relationship with Him (Psalm 1:1-3).
- Cultivate a teachable spirit: Be willing to learn from God, other believers, and even from our own mistakes (Proverbs 9:9).
- Seek accountability and fellowship: Participate in a community of believers who can encourage, support, and hold you accountable in your walk with Jesus (Hebrews 10:24-25).
- Practice obedience: Make a conscious effort to obey Jesus’ teachings and commandments, even when it’s difficult or unpopular (Luke 6:46).
- Prioritize Jesus above all else: Make Jesus the center of your life, placing Him above your desires, relationships, and possessions (Matthew 6:33).
Conclusion:
https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/daily-disciples/daily-disciples-july-22-2011.html
Embracing Jesus’ authority over our lives is vital to living a genuine Christian life. By recognizing and submitting to His divine authority, we can shatter delusions, misconceptions, and experience the transformational power of the Gospel. We must be cautious not to allow our feelings, worldly desires, or progressive culture to overshadow our love and obedience to Jesus. As believers, we should prioritize Jesus above all else, seeking to develop a deeper relationship with Him and fully surrender to His authority. By doing so, we can ensure that we are genuinely under His lordship and prepare ourselves for His triumphant return.
