Greater Than

1 John 4:4 TPT Little children, you can be certain that you belong to God and have conquered them, for the One who is living in you is far greater than the one who is in the world.

No one would argue that there are times and seasons when it seems the greatest understatement in scripture is easily John 16:33, “In the world you will have trouble.” Everyone faces challenges in life: financial, job, relationship, physical, emotional, and/or spiritual. But the promise of Jesus is this: “take heart, be encouraged, be confident, certain, undaunted, be filled with faith, because I have overcome the world.” He could only make this bold statement because he understood the authority held by his Heavenly Father and the authority that had been given to him.

Today, just using the word authority generates a wide range of reactions and responses. By many, it is appreciated, for without it, society would be chaotic. But others have been hurt and wounded by its wrongful and abusive use. However, authority is a major theme of scripture and defines the very life and ministry of Jesus. Jesus proclaimed, “All authority has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18) and “I have been given authority over all people so that I may give the gift of eternal life” (John 17:2). Paul contended that it is by the authority of Christ that “all things are held together” (Colossians 1:17).

Jesus is the perfect representation of God’s authority: mercy, grace, love, compassion, forgiveness, honor, and submission. Yes, the ultimate demonstration of Jesus authority was His constant submission to God the Father. “I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it.” (John 12:49 NLT). Jesus rested in God’s authority, God’s love for him, and his plans; even when it was contrary to his own desires (Mark 14:36). He knew God’s authority was greater than anything that would ever come against him, even death. It was by this authority that Jesus decreed forgiveness of sins, commanded blind eyes to see, deaf ears to hear, crippled legs to straighten, and the dead to live again.

When Jesus overcame Satan in the wilderness, there is a small phrase that is often overlooked but was the authority on which Jesus stood strong. Luke 4:1, “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.” Full of the Holy Spirit and led by the Spirit!  Jesus knew what we seem to think is optional—being filled with the Holy Spirit and led by the Spirit is the requirement to a victorious life as an overcomer, to understanding that God is greater than. Being an overcomer does not come from ‘positive thoughts and energy’ but moment-by-moment surrender to the only one who has overcome sin, death, hell, and the grave. The one who redeemed us and called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9).

Following his time in the wilderness, the ministry of Jesus was marked by one word: authority. After His first miracle following the wilderness, the people proclaimed, “With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits, and they come out!” (Luke 4:36). Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith because he showed that he understood Jesus’ power to heal had to do with his authority (Matt 8:5–13). Jesus’ authority caused demons to scream out when he was present, he had authority over the weather, matter (at the feeding of the 5000), and even death when he called for Lazarus. Jesus gave authority to the disciples and, by his Holy Spirit, has given the same authority to his followers today.

Whatever troubles you are facing today, our God is greater than, and his authority is alive in you to overcome.

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Gary and Sandy Anthony    

Psalms 86:8-10 AMP Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.

1 Corinthians 8:6 TPT Yet for us there is only one God—the Father. Out of him is all things, and our lives are lived for him. And there is one Lord, Jesus, the Anointed One, through whom we and all things exist.

Isaiah 40:10-11 NLT Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart.

1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Proverbs 28:26 AMP Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in godly wisdom are kept safe.

Psalms 62:8 NLT O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Matthew 18:2-4 TPT Jesus called a little one to his side and said to them, Learn this well: Unless you dramatically change your way of thinking and become teachable like a little child , you will never be able to enter in. Whoever continually humbles himself to become like this little child is the greatest one in heaven’s kingdom realm.

Romans 11:33 TPT Who could ever wrap their minds around the riches of God, the depth of his wisdom, and the marvel of his perfect knowledge? Who could ever explain the wonder of his decisions or search out the mysterious way he carries out his plans?

1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:27-28 NLT God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.

Zechariah 4:6 NIV Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.

Psalms 20:7 NIV Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Isaiah 49:23 NIV Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.

2 Chronicles 14:11 NLT O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in you alone.