Friday, January 30, 2015

The next couplet I would like to share with you based on our study of 2nd Peter 1:3-4 is this: Jesus is authoritative in his word and authentic in his walk. He walked the talk, He lived what He lectured. But the order in this couplet is important. There are a lot of people who walk their talk, but the problem is their talk is not consistent with what God has said. Jesus and His heavenly Father are one. He knows the heart of God. He knows what pleases Him. Everything He taught was an expression of what His heavenly Father wanted us to know. This is the main reason it had the ring of authority. Matthew 7:28-29 says, “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority.” His words also had authority because He had received authority from His heavenly Father. When Jesus forgave sins it was because He had the authority to do so (Matthew 9:6). After His resurrection He met with His disciples and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). He called people to live holy, backing His words by being holy in all He did. He commanded the disciples to love one another and backed it up by being able to say, “as I have loved you.” When He tells us to obey the Father’s commands we have confidence to respond positively because He said, “I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.” What a confidence builder, knowing He did whatever He asks us to do. Humbly follow Him, confident that He is there with you.