Discussion

26th Apr., 2015

Exercising Your Authority In ChristMatt 16:13-16, Luke 10:19, 2 Cor 3:18

Who am I? This is a question everyone gets to ask at one point or another. Naturally, we tend to answer this question based on our circumstances, backgrounds or experiences. However, any such perception is at variance with our true identity as believers in Christ. Knowing who we are in Christ means to have a deep understanding of what we have, where we stand and what we can do. It gives us the authority to forbid (bind) and to permit (loose) things on the earth. Many believers live their day to day lives being beaten and battered, victimized and terrorized by the world situations and systems. Our believing in Christ puts us in the same capacity as Christ. Jesus actually declared that we can do greater works than He did when we stand in His stead: “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do greater things than these, because I am going to the father”.(John 14:12) .The focus of today's discussion is to strengthen our consciousness of who we are in Christ, and charge us to go on and exercise our authority.

1) As Christians, what does the word Authority in Christ mean to you and how have you used it in your day to day life? Share your experience.

2) Victory is available and possible to every believer in Christ at all times. The authority of the believer is the very same authority which we see Jesus manifest in His earthly life and ministry. The points outlined below will help us to operate in this authority without limitations:

Ÿ Grow in knowledge through the fellowship in the Word and with the Holy Spirit. (2 Pet 3:17-18, Jn 16:13-15, Act 4:31-32)

Ÿ Understand who you are in Christ (pay attention to your identity in Christ) Gal 4:1-2, Eph 1:19, I John 4:17

Ÿ Exercise the authority with boldness (Act 4:31-32)Ÿ Fellowship in the company of other believers. ( Heb 10:25)Ÿ Pray in the spirit regularly ( I Cor 14:15, Jude 20)

A believer is not a mere person in terms of the authority he bears. Secular authority confers upon those empowered with it the ability to exercise dominion in their physical domain. However, all authority in heaven and on earth are in Christ and we are in him. To reign as victors it is important to exercise this authority given to us. Take your stand to use your God given authority to liberate people from all forms of oppression and bondage. And as you take steps to exercise the authority in your own life and for the benefit of others, you will succeed in Jesus Name.

26th Apr., 2015

The Ten Rules (Review)

Exodus 20:1-17

INTRODUCTION

This month has been awesome learning the Ten rules. Does anyone member what the rules

are? Well today we'll be reminding ourselves of what we have learnt so far.

KIDDIES TALK BACK

1) How many commandments do we have?

2) Can you say at least five rules?

3) Which commandment has a promise attached to it?

4) You must not tell………………against other people as a result of jealousy hatred and……

and this …………….

5) We must obey ……………………. the rules give to us by God and our Parents(All,some of,

none off)

MEMORY VERSE:Proverb 4:20a (NIV)

“My sons, pay attention to what I say”

PUZZLE:

Lies, Like, Command, Rules, Promise, Discipline, Hatred.

Conclusion:

26th Apr., 2015

We Have AuthorityMatt 18:18, Luke 10:19, Matt 7:28-29

There are certain rights and authorities we enjoy when we hold or head an office. In schools, teachers have authority to discipline and rebuke their students when they are found wanting because of their position. As Christians, God has given us authority to allow or disallow circumstances and situations we don't want in our lives, but we need to walk in the consciousness of this. Today our focus will be on how to walk in the authority Christ has given to us.

1) How come some Christians find it difficult to use their God given authority?

2) Getting the revelation of who Jesus is allows/helps us to function in his authority:

The more we see and know him and get his revelation through constant study of the word of God and Prayer, the more we are able to function in His Authority. You will succeed in Jesus Name (Amen).

27th Apr - 2nd May, 2015

The Believer's Authority

Matt 16:19

Authority is the power or right to direct or control someone or something. As believers in Christ, God has given us authority over the rulers of this age to loose ourselves and others from the effect of their oppression. This authority is a function of our understanding of who we are in Christ, and knowing that when we speak, we speak as though it's Jesus actually speaking. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees in the days of Jesus who used their authority to oppress those under them, our authority is to set people free and help them discover and take their place in the world's economy thereby fulfilling their purpose. In the marketplace, God is depending on us as His agents to stand in the gap and take authority over the affairs of our business and the environment to ensure our business/career goals are not just met, but exceeded.Our focus for today will be on how to exercise this authority in every area of our lives.

1. God has given us authority to influence or control the affairs of our businesses not just for personal gain but also for the benefit of others to His glory. To what extent have you been exercising this authority over your career or business and in the light of the statement above, what will you do differently going forward?

2. As Christian business practitioners, our revelation of who Jesus is gives us the authority to operate as His prototype in our business. Below are areas where we can exercise our authority in Christ.

a. Authority to act as kings and priests. (Rev 1:6)b. Authority to deliver people from the oppressive systems in the business world.

(Job 29:12-17, Luke 4:18)c. Exercising authority over territorial spirits. (Luke 10:19)d. Authority to cure business diseases. (Luke 9:1)

Mention others

All that we need to succeed in our businesses or careers have been provided for by Christ but we need to exercise our authority in order to actualize this. Let us rise up and take our rightful place in the market place by exercising our authority to bind (forbid with indisputable authority) what is not right and loose (allow with indisputable authority) or empower for productivity to God's glory. You will succeed in Jesus name.

26th Apr., 2015