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“In the Name of Jesus”

Colossians 3:12-17

Introduction

1.      Peter’s announcement at Pentecost – Acts 2:36

2.      Reflects God’s pronouncement on the mount of transfiguration – Matt 17:5

3.      The connection between the authority of Jesus and the authority of the New Testament – John 14:25-26; 16:13; Gal 1:6-12; 1 Cor 14:37  

Discussion

1.      Delegation of authority

a.       Apostles:  John 20:23; Acts 1:8; Gal 1:6-9

b.      Prophets:  Deut 18:20; Jer 29:8,9

c.       Husbands:  Eph 5:22, 23, 25

d.      Parents:  Eph 6:1

e.       Masters:  Eph 6:5-9

f.       Elders:  Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-3

g.       Evangelists:  2 Tim 4:1-5  

2.      The limits on delegation

a.       King Saul

                                                            i.      Authority as soldier and judge:  1 Sam 10

                                                          ii.      No authority as priest – Ex 29:9  

b.      Nadab and Abihu

                                                            i.      Authority concerning fire and burning incense – Lev 16:12; Ex 30:34-38

                                                          ii.      No authority to substitute – Lev 10:1-2  

c.       Elisha’s servant Gehazi – 2 Kings 5:10

                                                            i.      Authority to instruct Naaman in the procedure for cleansing

                                                          ii.      No authority to accept a gift – 2 Kings 5:26-27  

3.      Some basic rules for understanding the limits on authority

a.       Difference between general and specific commandments

                                                            i.      Example:  Great commission – Mk 16:15

1.      Go – the manner in which we go is not specified

2.      Preach the gospel – the message is specified

                                                          ii.      Example:  Men praying – 2 Tim 2:8

1.      Men – a specific group named

2.      Pray – the content of the prayer is not specified  (for example, we are not told to “pray the Lord’s prayer”)  

b.       1 Cor 4:6  

c.       2 John 9  

d.      Rev 22:18-19  

Conclusion

            1.  Col 3:17

            2.  Your life is not automatically under the control of Jesus – one must make a decision as in Acts 2:36-38

            3.  Heb 5:8-9