Christ's Authority in Galilee

Take your bibles if you would turn to Mark chapter one. Where would we be without the love of Jesus? I know where I'd be. I would be on my way to a place of everlasting suffering punishment. Sadly it's what I deserve and I thank the Lord that he sent his son to die on the cross to take that punishment for me, for you.

So that by his mercy and grace, we could be saved. For save from the eternal destruction and power of sin, save from its eternal penalty in hell. Praise God for his wondrous love toward us. Gospels tell us the life and ministry of Jesus Christ on this Earth tells us of his birth, it tells us of his ministry over the three years, tells us of his death and resurrection to save our souls from sin. We're studying through the book of Mark.

We start out in Mark with the ministry of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ and we studied the baptism of Jesus. We studied the baptism of the spirit. For John said, I come to baptize you with water but Jesus came to baptize us with the Holy Spirit. When you trust Christ as savior, praise God, you're baptized in the family of God, the body of Christ by his spirit. Lives and dwells inside of us.

We looked at his temptation and how he overcame temptation a couple weeks ago. We looked last week at his call of the disciples to follow him that they might become one. Coming out. Fishers of man. Fishers of man.

He's called us to do the same. Giving us the wonderful privilege to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ and to give out the gospel, to throw out the net of the gospel that he might bring men and women, boys, and girls into his kingdom. We're going to start in verse 21 of Mark chapter one this morning. The authority of Christ on Earth. Title I think I put in the bulletin was in Galilee and Galilee happens to be on Earth, okay?

So, the authority of Christ on Earth. Let's begin in verse 21 and they went into Capernaum. That's a city in Galilee along the shores of the Sea Of Galilee and straightway on the Sabbath, entered into the synagogue and taught and they were astonished at his doctrine for he taught them as one that had authority and not as the scribes and there was in their synagogue, a man with an unclean spirit and he cried out saying, let us alone. What have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us?

I know thee who thou art, the holy one of God. Jesus rebuked him saying, hold thy peace and come out of him. The unclean spirit had torn him and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. They were all amazed. Then so much that they questioned among themselves saying, what thing is this?

What new doctrine is this? For with authority commanded he even the unclean spirits and they do obey him and immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee and forthwith when they were come out of the synagogue they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John but Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever and Anon they tell him of her. Anon means immediately and he came and he took her by the hand and lifted her up and immediately the fever left her and she ministered unto them and then even when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased and them that were possessed with devils and all the city was gathered together at the door and he healed many that were sick of diverse diseases and cast out many devils and suffered not the devils to speak because they knew him. Let's go to the Lord in prayer once more. Lord, thank you for this opportunity to praise your name, to worship you here together.

Lord, we pray as we look into the scriptures that the word of God will take the sword of the spirit and we wield it in our lives. Lord, that we might be conformed more to the image of your son. Lord, that your convicting power would be upon us and Lord, if there be one here today that's never trusted Christ as savior that they would see their need today and come to know you. We thank you Lord for your word. We thank you Lord for your testimony and most of all for your death and resurrection that we might have life in you.

Lord, may you receive all the glory, all the honor today. In Jesus name, we do pray. Amen. Amen. The authority of Christ.

We're going to divide it up this text in the in the three points this morning. Number one is Christ's authority over the scriptures. Christ authority over the scriptures. Look if you would in verses twenty one and twenty two again and they went into Capernaum and straightway on the Sabbath, he entered into the synagogue and taught and they were astonished at his doctrine for he taught them as one that had authority and not as the scribes. A few years ago, I got to go to Israel and I have pictures and I tried to get them on the PowerPoint this morning and they would not cooperate but I have pictures of the synagogue in Capernaum that was on Earth.

The pictures that I have for the most part are pictures of a second synagogue that was built on top of the site that the synagogue was where the synagogue was in Jesus' day. Later, it was covered up over the centuries by by dirt and stuff. They dug it all up, set the pillars back up, and it was quite a large synagogue in that day. We find from another passage, There was actually a Roman centurion that gave money to help to build the previous synagogue that was there in Jesus's day. There still remains a black subfloor to the present day synagogue that that they have unearthed and that they believe to be the floor that was there when Jesus taught in that synagogue in the scriptures here at as as it is mentioned.

I I got a picture of myself and my brother standing on a corner of the old floor. So, we could say we stood on the floor of the synagogue where Jesus taught back in that day. So, it was it was it was a neat thing. But what's important is not the floor. Well, that's important is not that we got to see it.

What's important that Jesus was really there? That he really taught in the synagogue, this Jewish place of worship on the the shores of the Sea Of Galilee. What did he teach? Well, he didn't teach the the words of men. He didn't teach the opinions of theologians.

He didn't teach systematic theology. He didn't teach psychology. He taught what? The truth, the scriptures, the word of God. That's what he declared as he taught in the synagogue today in that day.

Not only did he teach the word of God but he taught it as the people here noticed with authority and not as the scribes. They were astonished. He, what he was doing was was so much different than what they were used to. The custom of the scribes, the teachers, the rabbis in Jesus' day was to constantly refer to previous rabbis. Well, rabbi such and such said this and rabbi such and such said that and rabbi such and such taught this.

Like a lawyer referring to former opinions on the meaning of the law. That was their their way of teaching in the synagogue. It was more like a debate than it was actually teaching and instruction. And they like to debate the scriptures. Citing opposing interpretations until after a while, the scriptures seem to lose their authority and seem to lose their clarity because for everything, there were numerous opinions and interpretations.

Does it sound familiar? I'm afraid in some respects, in some churches, We've sort of come full circle and we're back there again. I remember being in my uncle's church, a baptist church and two or three occasions we sat in Sunday school and he had the Sunday school curriculum that he used and and you would get to different passages and well you had interpretation A and he would give you interpretation B and he would give you interpretation C and he would say I don't know which one is right. Take your pick. And I remember that on on more than one occasion.

One of them was a 144,000 in the Book of Revelation. Now, in the Book of Revelation, a 144,000 what? Somebody help me out. Jews were sealed. Twelve, zero from each one.

Tribe. The tribes are named. So, you can't miss it, okay? They're sealed as missionaries to go forth during the time of the tribulation to preach the word of God. But as usual, what happened?

You have interpretation A. We have interpretation B. We have interpretation C. Only one of them was that it was actually talking about 44, zero Jews. The other interpretations were, well, it might have meant this or might have meant that.

And so we finish with the class and it's like, well, who knows which one is which but we have these different interpretations. You know, there are some things in scripture that I have to admit from time to time. I'm not sure. Which interpretation is correct? But most of scripture is actually quite what?

Clear. And we can stand on the word of God and we can take a stand on what it says and not be apologetic for it. We've sort of sometimes I think bought into the relativism of the world in which we live. There's this, there's this, there's this, you pick, you choose. In reality, in most cases though there are some prophecies that can refer in part to this and can refer in part to that.

Most things have what? Just but one, one truth. One interpretation that is correct. It is our job by God's grace and through study and diligence and by his spirit to do our best to figure out which one is right, preach it, teach it, apply it, and live by it. But to the Jews in Jesus' day, they were like termites in a yo yo.

Ever heard that phrase? All confused because they never knew what to believe. Because it was no longer the word of God. It was the opinion of this rabbi and that rabbi. Christ brought the scriptures scriptures back to life which describes it didn't by clearly declaring what they said and meant with no uncertain Even though there are times when there maybe this or maybe that to us but there was certainly none of that with Jesus Jesus was the author of scripture He had no problem knowing what it meant and how to apply it to their lives.

The word of God is more than a book of laws. It's more than a book of men's opinions about God. It's more than a religious allegory or book of moral stories. It is the living and powerful word of God which transforms lives and declares the eternal truths of God. Men would like to turn it into something else that it is not.

Allow them to escape the accountability they have before God. We must not be them. We must contend for the faith. The Bible says, you shall know the truth and the truth shall what? Set you free.

The truth is found in the pages of this book. It must be declared with authority. For it carries the authority of God himself. These are not just religious words. This isn't just a manual for spiritual living.

It is actually the commands, instructions, encouragements, promises, warnings, of God himself. When we read these words, it's though God is standing here telling us what he wants us to know. When he commands us in here, he's commanding us by his words. When he warns us, he's warning us with his words. When he gives promises, he's given the promises of his words.

Just as if he were standing here himself. We can trust them and we can preach them. With author because they are his Hebrews four twelve says this, for the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword. Piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit of the joints and of marrow and as a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. That's how God describes his word.

It's not just a mere book of a collection of religious sayings. No, it is a powerful tool that God uses in our life to change us. It is a powerful tool, the sword of the spirit that we have been given to use in his service and to bring souls to him. To pierce souls with conviction over their sin. To lift souls up.

From hopelessness to faith. It is the living and powerful word of God. It is the word of God by which we have been born again and which abideth forever. First Peter one twenty three, being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the word of God which live it and abideth forever. Much in this world changes.

God's word. Doesn't. Because God doesn't. We can stand upon. We can trust him.

We must put our faith in We must learn to obey it and apply it to our lives Psalm 19. This is how David sees it. Psalm nineteen seven through 11. He says this, the law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure.

Making wise, the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. The judgments of Lord are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. How sweet is the word of God to those who know Jesus the author of scripture As our Lord and savior and how powerful they are to lead us, to guide us to give us assurance faith see us on our way the mansion he has prepared for us in heaven Praise God for his word. We must not shrink to proclaim it We must not shrink to declare its author And truth in the lives of men. Jesus teaching astonished them because he taught it with what? Authority.

His authority because it is his word. Number two, in this passage, we not only see his authority in regards to scripture but also his authority over demonic forces. Verse 23. And there was in their synagogue, a man with an unclean spirit and he cri out saying, let us alone What have we to do with thee? Thou Jesus of Nazareth.

Out there come to destroy us I know thee who thou art the holy one of God Jesus rebuked him saying, hold thy peace and come out of him and when the unclean spirit had torn him and crying with a loud voice, he came out of him and they were all amazed in so much that they questioned among themselves. What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with what? Authority commanded he even the unclean spirits and they do obey him.

So, see his authority in regards to scripture but his authority over demons. As we read here in the passage, the demon cried out probably in response to the powerful teaching of what? Word of God. The presence of the author who was reading it. The demon cried out Let us alone I don't want to hear it Quit teaching Quit speaking The word of God The devil doesn't like The devil hates The clear message of God's word.

Being proclaimed in the years of man. Prior to this, it would seem the demon was unknown to the others that were there. They were all sitting in the synagogue. The man was supposedly there to learn. Nobody knew he had a demon.

You know, we think, well, you know, it's you know, somebody's demonic possessed. They look like one of those people on, you know, one of those spooky horror shows, you know? But it would seem that's not necessarily the case. Sometimes, they look and act just like everybody else and prior to this, it seemed like they didn't know he was there but they're real and they are at work in the world today The best way to defeat and hinder and wound our enemy, the devil, is to boldly preach and proclaim the word of God. To wield it on unashamedly, the sword of the spirit.

Paul says, for I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the what? The power of God. Unto salvation. To everyone that believeth to the Jew first and also the Greek. It is the power of God and the salvation which the devil cannot overcome.

Jesus said, I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Although we know many diseases and illnesses today are caused by bacterial and viral pathogens or other physical abnormalities or deficiencies, we cannot capriciously rule out the potential for demonic involvement in some mental or even physical disorder. In these cases as well as other sinful practices and addictions, part if not most of the solution is spiritual in nature and not just physical in that. You know, the world just wants to ignore that there is a spiritual world out there. That there is a spiritual battle going on for the lives of men between God and his enemy, the devil.

But it's happening and it's real and our enemy is powerful. Subtle Sometimes, we don't see him coming. The Bible says, he can appear as an angel of life. A wolf in sheep's clothing. In the Bible, it say, we read as we look in the gospels that in most cases, Jesus was said to heal people of diseases and cast out demons from those that were possessed.

Not all illnesses were caused by what? Demons. Most illnesses are and not all maladies were caused by those. Some were caused or affected by demonic powers. Jesus recognized them both.

Jesus was God. Jesus knew the what? Jesus knew the difference. Sometimes, you can't see the difference but there is someone who can. God can.

And he knows. Not only does he know but the God who looks on the heart is also the God who has the knowledge and power both to heal you of the He is a Well, I do not believe that God has ordained healers or exorcists today as some might. God is still in the business of healing. He is still in the business of answering prayers of his people. To deliver men from sin and from wickedness.

Ultimately, our battle is not with flesh and blood and our weapons are not those of the flesh but of the spirit. For even though we can't see the enemy that opposes us. They're there. And even though we can't see them, we can yet what? Defeat them.

Through Jesus Christ, our savior. It says here in first Corinthians ten four and five, the weapons of our warfare are not carnal of the flesh but mighty through God to the pulling down strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. We do have weapons at our disposal. The Holy Spirit and the word of what? The word of God.

And they're mighty weapons. It'll bring down strongholds. In our lives and also in the lives of others. Ephesians six ten through 13 says this, finally, brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all. To stand. Having done all to stand. You can stand against the devil.

You can defeat him. How can you defeat him? Because of this. The verse we read, we started out this morning because greater is he that is what? In you than he that is in the world.

We don't have to fear the devil. We can defeat him. We can overcome him. And we can help others to do the same. If we will put on the armor of God if we will put on the helmet of salvation shot our feet with the preparation of the gospel If we'll take the shield of faith, if we'll wield the sword of the spirit our enemy will not be able to withstand the authority of our God and of his word Jesus gave forth the word of God with author and with author he was able to overcome spiritual wi in high places and so can we Not by our authority but by his He says, there's no temptation taken you but such as is common to man there is a way of what?

He will provide a way of escape That you may be able to bear it. There is a way of escape in Jesus Christ. There is a way of escape for the world out there. We're influenced more by demons and spiritual wickedness than they will probably ever know. The answer is not an exorcist or strange ceremonies or The answer is who?

The answer is Jesus The answer is his word The answer is the children of God taking up the armor of God in our own lives That we might defeat him In Revelation, it says, that they defeated the devil. They defeated him. They overcame him. By the blood of Jesus Christ. By the word of their testimony.

They And love not their lives until the death. They put their faith and trust in the one who is everything and the one who has already overcome the devil and the world. Jesus Christ. And then finally this morning, if you look in verse 29, we see his authority over illness. Verse 29.

Forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon, Andrew, with James, and John. The Simon's mother lay sick of a fever and Anon, they tell him of her. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up and immediately the fever left her and she ministered unto them and it even when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased and them that were possessed with devils and all the city was gathered together at the door and he healed many that were sick of diverse diseases and cast out many devils and suffered not the devils to speak because they knew him. He not only has authority, scripture, and over the spiritual wickedness. He has authority over illness.

He went into the house of Simon Peter, his mother in law's house and there, he found her sick with a fever. And he simply stretched out his hand and lifted her up and what happened to the fever? Went away. It says another one of the gospels, he rebuked the fever. In other words, he had authority over.

He got rid of it just like just like that. Does he have that power? Yes. The God who created us has the power to heal us. He does.

I hope you believe it. The Bible teaches it. Christ healed her. He didn't heal her over days. He didn't heal her over months.

In this particular case, he healed her right then. Right then. He healed her that she might minister and serve him. You know, why does why does God save us from sin? That we might want.

We might serve him. Why does God give us victory over temptation in our life and sin in our life that we might serve him? When God does heal us of illnesses and by the way, he heals us in different ways. Sometimes, he can heal you just like that. Sometimes, it does take weeks.

Sometimes, it takes months. Sometimes, he doesn't heal you necessarily in the way you want to be healed. But when he does, he does it that we might serve him Even Paul spoke to the Lord and he said, I asked him again and again, take away this thorn in the flesh that I have. He didn't tell us what it was. And God said, what?

He said, my grace is sufficient for my strength is made perfect in weakness. You know, he was going to heal Paul. Paul's healed today. Whatever that was. Up in heaven.

Because that's where Jesus is and Jesus, Jesus heals. And today he's jumping up and down on streets of gold. I I used to sing a song when I was a kid. I learned on our Thanksgiving get togethers at my house trying to think of trying to think of the name of it. Hallelujah Square.

I think that was the name of it. When we talked about a blind man and I've this guy saw the blind. He felt so sorry for him but the blind man said because of Jesus, one day, he was going to what? He was going to see. He he saw a man a cripple dragging along through the streets.

Felt sorry for him and said, don't feel sorry for me because one day, I'm going to I'm going to walk on streets of gold. So, a man gasping for breath as he was dying. The man said, don't look, don't look so blue. I'm going where? I'm going to heaven.

How about, how about you? You see, we have a savior who cares about us. We have a savior who will heal us all one day. In his time and according to his what? His will and his and his purpose.

Christ's miracles testified first of all that indeed he was the Messiah promised to Israel in the Old Testament. When he came to Israel in Galilee, he came healing. He came casting out demons. Why? Well, God had promised that the Messiah would what?

Would do these things. Isaiah 35, then the eyes of the blind shall be what? Open. The ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as at heart and the tongue of the dumb sing.

When who comes? When Jesus comes. When Jesus was on this Earth, he made all those things to happen for many people. One day, when he returns in his kingdom, he's going to do that. For everyone and one day, when he gives us a new body he's going to do that for us for how long?

Forever. Forever and ever. For all eternity. For he is the son of God and he came demonstrating that. By the works, the miracles, the signs that he gave.

But He also showed and demonstrated compassion for those that he healed. He showed compassion Mark six thirty four says, and Jesus when he came out saw much people and was moved with compassion toward them because they were sheep not having a shepherd and he began to teach them many things. The gospel of Luke tells us not only did he teach them many things but he also healed them that were there that day. Why did he do that? Why did he do that?

Well, to show them that he was who? He was God. That he was God, that he was the Messiah but the passage also tells us, he did it because he cared. He saw them. Sheep without a shepherd who needed to be taught and guided is instructed.

He saw them. People in need and suffering. Under the weight of sin. Sin that would take them to hell if they did not seek forgiveness through Christ. Sin that brings destruction and ruin and death and misery to this world in which we live.

And he taught them and he healed them because he is a god of compassion and he is a god of love and his children That's us who know him as savior. Should share that same compassion. It says, he has sinned abroad his spirit in our hearts that he has filled us with his love that we might have compassion on others on others also He had compassion to those who were ill and in need As we should, praying and helping to care for them where we can There are things that people ask me to do that I can't do for them but there are some things that I can We need to be careful not to become hardened by those who take advantage and there are those that will We must not lose a heart of compassion for the needy around us Sometimes they need a burger from across the street May not be the healthiest thing for them but sometimes they're just hungry and I can I can give em a burger Sometimes, they just need a prayer someone to give them the gospel Those things we can do we must not lose that compassion of Christ our savior Prayer is a powerful thing because we have a powerful God on the other end James five sixteen James five sixteen it says, confess your faults one to another and pray for one another?

That you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. We've been praying for brother Steve Morris. He was in the hospital for a week. He was in rehab for how long, Steve?

A month? Three weeks? He's in a rehab. And he was not in good shape when he went to the hospital. I was there.

But you know something, the Lord provided for the treatment and the help that he needed. The Lord provided him with grace and strength. And he's back here with miss Nora today and we're blessed to see him. We've been praying for him. He knows something God answers prayer.

Maybe it's somewhat coincidental in a way. However, somebody mentioned in Sunday school this morning. We we had prayer for miss Judy in Sunday school because we didn't know how she was doing and five minutes later, she walked in. Now, I don't know that that particular prayer got miss Judy in the door this morning. But you know something?

God answers prayer and I know people have been praying for miss Judy. God answers prayer. Sometimes, he just heals people and sometimes he uses a physician and sometimes he uses medicine and sometimes he says, my grace is sufficient. I'll heal you later. But when God gives us the opportunity to be a part either in prayer or in helping someone in need.

Let's learn from the authority and the example of our savior We can go to that authority in prayer and he still heals people today and know this, Jesus cares also for you but it doesn't end with his concern over your physical well-being. He is even more concerned about your soul. The people of Capernaum saw him. They heard him preach the word of God with power. They were astonished.

They wanted to hear what? More. They they saw him cast out demons. They wanted to see more. They saw him heal the lame and the blind and the sick and they wanted to see more and so they asked him, they beseeched him, would you stick around here?

Would you stay here? And show us more. But Luke four forty three parallel passage to this one. Jesus said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of gospel to other cities also. For therefore am I sent?

Jesus said, I can't stay here. I can't stay here to heal every illness. I I can't stay here just to teach you. I must go to others who need my message. I must go to preach the gospel.

Because that is ultimately my what? My purpose. To bring people to salvation through faith In the name of Jesus Christ The son of God who came to Earth with power The son of God who came to Earth as the lamb of God to die on the cross to take away the sins of the world. That same Jesus has sent us to preach the gospel to every creature. Go you into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Where is that found? Well, that's found in Mark chapter 16. Because there are other people out there that need to hear it. All sinners need a savior and he died for the sins of the what? World.

World. And he's not willing that any should perish that but that all should come to repentance. He died for you. Do you know him today as savior? Do you know the forgiveness that he has to give?

Do you know the peace that comes? And knowing him and having put your faith in him. Do you have eternal life? Do you have a home in heaven prepared for you? Have you been saved by his grace?

Are you trying to get to heaven on your own? Are you trying to get to your heaven through the waters of baptism? Are you trying to get to heaven through sitting in a pew in a church? You're trying to get to heaven by being good to your neighbor. You should be baptized.

You should come to church. You should be good to your neighbor. None of those things can save your soul. Only Jesus can. Do you know that you know that you know today?

That you have eternal life. If you don't, Jesus message, his gospel, it's for you. He died for you. He wants to save you today. And if you're here today and you do know him as savior, What are you doing to tell others?

The tracks are back there The message is here You can take it to a lost and dying world Why is it that we lack compassion that we can't see that we don't care What's wrong with us There's something wrong if we don't So, do. Confess that sin to the Lord. Take up your cross and follow him. Part of that is taking up the word of God. And surrender to his authority in your life.

To his word. To his spirit. That he might use you in service to him today In Jesus name let's pray. Dear heavenly father, we thank you Lord for your authority that we find in the word of God that we can preach unashamedly today, stand upon by which souls are saved lives are changed Lord, may we not draw back from that May we not hesitate Lord, may we speak it with boldness. Lord, we thank you for your authority over our spiritual enemies and Lord, they are many.

We thank you Lord that we can't see them. Lord, we thank you that you can that you have already overcome them We can overcome them too As we put on the whole armor of God as we trust in you for greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world Lord, we thank you that no matter what we're going through we know you have the power to heal and you will in your time. Lord, I pray that we would trust in you and your hand and we would lift up each other in prayer. Lord, that we would show the compassion of Christ to others around us Praying for them helping them in whatever way we can We pray Lord today if there's one that's here that's never trusted you as savior Pray they'd come today as we give this hymn of invitation In Jesus name, we do pray Amen.