AUTHORITY

Authority - Preaching Preaching Outline on Luke 7:8 - "For I also am a man subject to authority, and have soldiers under me; and I say to this one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it." Development of Luke 7:8 Once again, we find in the Word a surprising dialog that teaches us profound truths about authority, obedience and faith. The episode involves a Roman centurion, a Gentile man, who demonstrates an extraordinary understanding of divine and human authority. This understanding amazed the Lord Jesus himself, as we read in verse 9: "When Jesus heard this, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, "I also tell you that not even in Israel have I found such great faith." The most striking detail lies in the expression "also" used by the centurion. He said: "I too am a man subject to authority...". With this, he recognized that Jesus was subject to the authority of the Father, just as he himself was subject to the authority of his superiors. This statement reveals a profound humility and a clear perception of hierarchy and order. The authority of the Centurion The centurion was a man of high rank within the Roman army. He had authority over soldiers and servants, and could command and be obeyed. However, he was also subordinate to higher authorities, to whom he owed obedience. This duality - of being both submissive and a holder of authority - allowed him to understand something fundamental: authority is not arbitrary, but part of a chain of command established by God. He explained to the Lord Jesus that his own experience with authority gave him the certainty that Jesus had absolute power. He said: "I say to this one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it." This understanding reflects an unshakeable trust in the word of the one in authority. For the centurion, all Jesus had to do was speak, and the healing would happen, because he believed in the power of Jesus' word. This faith based on Christ's authority is an example for us. We often want to see miracles or tangible proof before we believe, but the centurion showed that all we need to do is trust in the word of the one who has absolute authority. Jesus' authority The centurion recognized that Jesus was subject to the Father's authority. He knew that Jesus had been sent for a specific purpose: to fulfill the eternal plan of salvation described in the Scriptures (Law, Psalms and Prophets). The centurion understood that Jesus came to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, according to Matthew 15:24: "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." However, the centurion also realized something even more profound: although Jesus was subject to the Father's authority, he had complete freedom to act within that purpose. He said, in essence: "If the Lord wills, he can heal my servant, and this will in no way interfere with the plan he came to fulfill." This statement reveals a mature faith, which understands that God can operate beyond human expectations without compromising His purpose. When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. He saw in the centurion's faith an absolute trust in his authority. This faith was rewarded when Jesus declared: "Go your way, and let it be done to you according to your faith." (Luke 7:9). At that moment, the servant was healed. Lessons on authority and faith This episode teaches us several important lessons about authority and faith: God's authority is above all elseJust as the centurion recognized Jesus' authority, we need to understand that all authority comes from God (Romans 13:1). Whether in government, the family, the church or any other area, authority is instituted by God to maintain order and promote justice. We must respect and honor those in positions of leadership, remembering that they are God's instruments. Faith based on God's authorityThe centurion's faith was based on his trust in Jesus' authoritative word. He didn't need to see to believe; he simply trusted. This teaches us that our faith must be based on God's Word, which is infallible and powerful. When God says something, He has the authority to do it. We don't need to doubt or question; we just need to believe and obey. Humility and submissionThe centurion showed great humility in recognizing that he himself was subject to authority. He didn't exalt himself, but recognized his position within the chain of command. In the same way, we must submit to God's authority and to the leaders he has placed over us. Humility opens doors to blessings and miracles. God acts beyond human limitationsAlthough Jesus was subject to the divine plan, he also had the freedom to act with mercy and grace. The centurion understood that God can work beyond human limitations without compromising His purpose. This encourages us to seek God in faith, knowing that He can do infinitely more than we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). How can we apply these lessons to our lives? Recognizing God's AuthorityWe need to recognize that God is in control of all things. He is sovereign and everything that happens is under His permission. When we face difficulties, we must remember that God has the authority to change any situation. Cultivating a faith based on the wordOur faith must be like that of the centurion: confident in God's authority. When we pray, we must believe that God hears and answers. We don't need to see to believe; we just need to trust that He is faithful to His promises. Practicing humility and submissionWe must submit to the spiritual, family and social authorities that God has placed in our lives. Humility is a key to supernatural experiences with God. Seeking God with confidenceJust as the centurion cried out for his servant, we must bring our needs to God in faith. He can heal, restore and transform any situation, because His authority is unlimited. Conclusion of Luke 7:8 The centurion in Luke 7 teaches us a powerful lesson about authority and faith. He recognized that Jesus had absolute authority and that all it took was a word from him to do the impossible. His faith amazed the Lord himself, who granted his request with miraculous speed. May we learn from this example and cultivate an unshakeable faith in God's authority. May we recognize His sovereignty in all areas of our lives and trust that He can do infinitely more than we ask or imagine. May our prayer be like that of the centurion: "Lord, I am not worthy that you should come into my house, but say only a word, and my servant will be healed." Amen! "God's authority is enough to solve any problem." Preaching Outline on Luke 7:8 - "For I also am a man subject to authority, and have soldiers under me; and I say to this one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it." More Preaching Outlines He despised and sold his birthright - Hebrews 12:16 Arise, O eternal portals - Psalms 24:07-09 God's help - Psalm 79:11

AUTHORITY

Authority – Luke 7:8

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