THE AUTHORITY OF THE RISEN CHRIST

THE AUTHORITY OF THE RISEN CHRIST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 28:16-20

Key Verse: “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18 KJV)

Supporting Texts: Philippians 2:9-11; Ephesians 1:20-23; Colossians 2:15; Revelation 1:17-18; Daniel 7:13-14; Acts 2:32-36

Description: The resurrection of Jesus Christ established His supreme authority over heaven, earth, death, and every power, giving believers confidence to obey and serve Him.

INTRODUCTION
Matthew 28 marks the glorious conclusion of Christ's earthly ministry and the beginning of the Church's mission. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and declared a truth that would become the foundation of Christian faith and ministry: "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." This declaration revealed that the risen Christ possesses absolute authority over all creation. His victory over death confirmed His identity as the Son of God and the sovereign Lord of all.

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated authority over sickness, demons, nature, sin, and even death. However, His resurrection and ascension publicly established His lordship before heaven and earth. The cross was not a defeat but a pathway to exaltation. By conquering death, Jesus proved that no power could oppose or overcome Him. His authority is not limited by geography, time, or circumstance; it extends over the entire universe.

Understanding the authority of the risen Christ is essential for every believer. Many Christians struggle with fear, doubt, and spiritual weakness because they fail to grasp who Christ truly is. When believers understand that Jesus reigns supreme over every situation, they can live with confidence, faith, and boldness. The authority of Christ assures us that God's purposes will prevail and that His Church will continue advancing despite every challenge.

1. CHRIST'S AUTHORITY WAS CONFIRMED THROUGH HIS RESURRECTION
The resurrection proved beyond doubt that Jesus is Lord.

a) Death Could Not Hold Him (Matthew 28:6)
The empty tomb demonstrated Christ's victory over the grave.

b) The Resurrection Validated His Claims (John 11:25)
Jesus proved that He truly is the resurrection and the life.

c) God's Power Raised Him from the Dead (Ephesians 1:19-20)
The resurrection revealed the greatness of God's power.

d) His Victory Established His Lordship (Romans 1:4)
Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power through the resurrection.

Biblical Example: Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate victory over death (John 11:43-44).

2. CHRIST HAS AUTHORITY OVER HEAVEN AND EARTH
The risen Lord possesses universal dominion.

a) All Power Belongs to Him (Matthew 28:18)
There is no authority greater than Christ's authority.

b) He Rules Over Heavenly Realms (Ephesians 1:21)
Christ is exalted above all principalities and powers.

c) He Reigns Over Earthly Affairs (Psalm 103:19)
The affairs of nations and individuals remain under His sovereign control.

d) His Kingdom Is Everlasting (Daniel 7:14)
His dominion will never end or be replaced.

Biblical Example: King Nebuchadnezzar learned that the Most High rules in the affairs of men (Daniel 4:34-37).

3. CHRIST HAS AUTHORITY OVER SATAN AND DEMONIC POWERS
The resurrection sealed Satan's defeat.

a) Christ Disarmed Principalities and Powers (Colossians 2:15)
The cross and resurrection publicly defeated the forces of darkness.

b) The Devil's Power Was Broken (Hebrews 2:14)
Jesus destroyed the one who had the power of death.

c) Believers Share in His Victory (Luke 10:19)
Christ gives authority to His followers over the enemy.

d) No Demonic Power Can Prevail Against Him (Philippians 2:10)
Every spiritual being must bow before His name.

Biblical Example: Jesus cast out the legion of demons, demonstrating His authority over evil spirits (Mark 5:1-13).

4. CHRIST HAS AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE AND SAVE
The risen Christ possesses the power to redeem humanity.

a) Salvation Is Found in Him Alone (Acts 4:12)
No other name can save sinners.

b) He Has Authority to Forgive Sin (Mark 2:10)
Jesus exercised divine authority to pardon transgressions.

c) He Reconciles Humanity to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
Through Christ, sinners are restored to fellowship with God.

d) He Grants Eternal Life (John 10:28)
Those who trust in Him receive everlasting life.

Biblical Example: Jesus forgave and restored the sinful woman, demonstrating His authority to pardon sinners (Luke 7:48-50).

5. CHRIST'S AUTHORITY COMMISSIONS THE CHURCH
The Church carries out its mission under Christ's authority.

a) The Great Commission Is Based on His Authority (Matthew 28:19)
Believers go because Christ has commanded them.

b) His Authority Gives Boldness (Acts 4:13)
The disciples ministered fearlessly because they knew Christ was Lord.

c) His Authority Provides Divine Backing (Mark 16:20)
God confirms the preaching of His Word.

d) His Authority Ensures Kingdom Advancement (Matthew 16:18)
Nothing can ultimately stop the progress of Christ's Church.

Biblical Example: Peter boldly preached the gospel after Pentecost because he understood Christ's lordship (Acts 2:14-41).

6. BELIEVERS MUST SUBMIT TO THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
Acknowledging Christ's authority requires obedience and surrender.

a) He Must Be Lord of Our Lives (Luke 6:46)
True disciples submit to His rule and leadership.

b) Obedience Demonstrates Faith (John 14:15)
Love for Christ is expressed through obedience.

c) His Word Must Guide Our Decisions (Psalm 119:105)
Believers should live according to God's truth.

d) His Authority Brings Blessing and Victory (James 4:7)
Those who submit to God experience spiritual triumph.

Biblical Example: Saul of Tarsus surrendered to Christ's authority and became the Apostle Paul, a mighty servant of God (Acts 9:1-22).

CONCLUSION
The authority of the risen Christ is one of the greatest truths revealed in Scripture. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated sin, conquered death, triumphed over Satan, and established His everlasting dominion. Today, He reigns as Lord over heaven and earth, possessing all power and authority. No circumstance, power, or opposition can challenge His sovereignty.

As believers, we must live with confidence in Christ's authority. We are called to obey His commands, trust His promises, and carry out His mission with boldness. When we submit to His lordship and rely upon His power, we can overcome every obstacle and fulfil our divine purpose. The risen Christ reigns forever, and His authority guarantees victory for all who follow Him faithfully.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for exalting Jesus Christ above all powers and authorities in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to fully submit to the authority of Christ in Jesus name.

3. Father, strengthen my faith in the power of the risen Lord in Jesus name.

4. Lord, grant me victory over every work of darkness through Christ in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to obey Your Word completely in Jesus name.

6. Lord, empower me to fulfil my kingdom assignment with boldness in Jesus name.

7. Father, let every opposition against my destiny bow before the authority of Christ in Jesus name.

8. Lord, deepen my understanding of Your lordship and sovereignty in Jesus name.

9. Father, let Your power be manifested in every area of my life in Jesus name.

10. Lord, help me to remain faithful under Your authority until the end in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk in the victory of the risen Christ.

2. Every power opposing your progress shall bow before the authority of Jesus.

3. The Lord shall strengthen your faith and confidence in Him.

4. You shall overcome every challenge through Christ's power.

5. Divine wisdom shall guide your decisions and actions.

6. You shall fulfil your God-given purpose with boldness and excellence.

7. No weapon formed against you shall prosper.

8. The authority of Christ shall establish peace and order in your life.

9. You shall experience continuous spiritual growth and victory.

10. You shall live under the covering, favour, and dominion of the risen Christ all the days of your life, in Jesus' name. Amen.