Sermons

When Jesus Speaks, There is No Debate!

Posted by Alex on
Sermon on April 8 by Pastor Roland Eskinazi

Scripture: Mark 1:21-28

Who is the authority in your life? Reason, experience, tradition – or Jesus?

1. WHEN JESUS SPEAKS, ALL ARE EXPOSED! (v21,22)

  • When He speaks it is scary, not safe
    Jesus confronts us with the supernatural world, as real as the world we see around us. (Mark 9:3)
    He never has to say ‘Thus says the Lord’, because He is the Lord. Do you expect Jesus to shake your world?
  • When He speaks it is authentic, not abstract
    Jesus speaks with authority (= out of substance), the weight of the One who is the same essence as God.
    His words are relevant to all ages, all races, all classes of people, at all times.

2. WHEN JESUS ACTS, DEMONS ARE CRUSHED! (v23-28)

  • Jesus’ presence draws evil’s fury
    The first to identify Jesus are the demons. They understand his humanity, ‘the Nazarene’, and His deity, ‘Holy One of Israel’
    If there is an unseen evil network, should we not expect demonic outbursts against the truth?
  • Jesus’ person denies evil’s goal
    It is possible to have faith, yet no love for Jesus.
    ‘You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.’ (James 5:19)
    When Jesus is present, He disturbs the peace to purge sin and evil.
  • Jesus’ power destroys evil’s grip
    Jesus does not need to lay hands on the demoniac, or even to pray. One word proves all that He is!
    ‘The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy works of the devil’. (1 JN 3:8)

Remember! In this week you will not see the supernatural world but you will live on its stage. If Jesus has all authority, bring all you are under the saving authority of Jesus’ voice. Listen only to Him!

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QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Other than Jesus’ authority (revelation), which source of authority – reason, experience or tradition – has the most influence in your life?
2. Why would demons have better theology than some people?
3. What examples of evil are ‘natural’ and what are demonic? What evidence have you heard or seen that demons are active in Belgium?
4. What does Jesus’ absolute authority over demons mean for us today? How should it affect our attitude and approach to life amid the evil around us?

 

Photo credit FreeImages.com/Dave Tuepah