"You must think you're divine!"

The Lord Jesus Christ gave His first disciples power and authority to cast out demons and heal the sick. Matthew 10:1; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 9:1-2, 6; 10:1, 9, 17

Is this still true?

Jesus said to His eleven remaining first disciples, Matthew 28:16

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. [Including to cast out demons and heal the sick. Matthew 10:1]

And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus also said,

"Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing."

Are you a believer in Jesus, then this means YOU, too!

"He [any believer in Jesus] will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." John 14:12

A Bible teacher shared these truths.

A listener confronted him,

"You must think you're divine!"

Jesus said,

"Is it not written in your Law: 'I have said you are gods'? [Psalm 82:6]

If He [God the Father] called them gods to whom the word of God came — and the Scripture cannot be broken —

then what about the One Whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world? [Jesus Himself]

How then can you accuse Me [Jesus] of blasphemy for stating that I am the Son of God?" John 10:34-36

No, believers aren't little "gods" but we're being conformed into the image of the Father's Son, Jesus. Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18

And we're to reign in life through the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17

Paul wrote a letter to some believers.

Even though most of them were spiritually immature, 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 he wished that they did REIGN as kings.

Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich.

Without us, you have become kings.

How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you! 1 Corinthians 4:8

PRIDE GOES BEFORE A FALL Proverbs 16:18

A problem is that SOME of us tend to get puffed up if the Lord does something good through us in word or action.

We may think secretly, "I'm great. Look how Jesus works through me."

The original followers of Jesus disputed among themselves, "Who should be the greatest?" Luke 22:24

Jesus corrected their wrong thinking. Mark 9:33-35

Surely, we don't think that we're divine.

However, if the demonstration and manifestation of the Holy Spirit in signs, wonders, miracles, and words from heaven operate through us, 1 Corinthians 1:4-7; 2:4-5; 12:4-11; Hebrews 2:4 even ONE time, it can go to our heads.

Peter wrote,

As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.

If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God.

If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides,

so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to Whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11

So, if we're spokespersons for the Lord as His ambassadors, that's wonderful. 2 Corinthians 5:20

If signs and wonders are granted to be done in His name Mark 16:15-18 by our hands, Acts 14:3 let's give thanks. Ephesians 5:20

This authority and power comes from the Lord Jesus Christ; it's not our power or holiness. Acts 3:11-16

YOU ARE NOT NUMBER ONE

A non-believer advertised himself that he was some great one. Acts 8:9-11

A believer loved to be first among others. 3 John vs.9-10

Isn't Jesus supposed to be Number One?

He [Jesus] is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

And He is the head of the body, the church;

He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence. [supremacy, first place] Colossians 1:17-18

Let's allow Jesus to be honored. John 5:22-23; Revelation 5:1-14

Whoever has the Son, Jesus, has God the Father also. 1 John 2:22-23; 2 John v.9

In Jesus dwells all the fullness of Deity [divine essence, all that God is] in a body. Colossians 1:19; 2:9

Jesus is the divine One. John 1:1-2, 14; Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 1:3

3 crosses on a hill and in the foreground, the empty tomb of Jesus Christ

THE SOURCE

As we produce good spiritual fruit, Matthew 13:23 let's remember where the authority, power, character, and blessing originate.

Jesus said,

"I am the vine and you are the branches.

The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit.

For apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Let's remain in the Lord Jesus Christ. John 15:4

When Jesus had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Luke 24:50

He's lifting up His hands now to bless you.

Your thoughts?

R. Jason