INTRODUCTION

Although one individual may possess both power and authority, the two are not identical. Authority is the right or responsibility to do something whereas power is the ability to do something. Unfortunately, the modern versions missed this truth when they translated Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
See All.... Instead of properly expressing that because of the resurrection the Lord Jesus had been given all power in heaven and earth, these so-called bibles suggest that He had been instead given authority. The authority already resided with Him, but the resurrection declared Him “to be the Son of God with power” (Romans 1:4And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
See All...). His resurrection from the dead gave Him the power over death by conquering the one who possessed the power of death (Hebrews 2:14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): God gave fathers the authority to rule the home. Read Genesis 18:19For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
  See All...; Genesis 35:1-4 [1] And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. [2] Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: [3] And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. [4] And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.
  See All...; 1 Samuel 3:12-13 [12] In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. [13] For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
  See All.... Which fathers ruled with power? Those in authority in the church must first exercise the right authority and power in the home (1 Timothy 3:4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
  See All..., 5, 12).
• (For everyone): Why is it important in your own life to learn the difference between power and authority? What are some areas in which you might have one without the other?
• Why is it important to learn the limitations of authority? How will this truth help you to live a life of faith in the power of God rather than one with the power of your own flesh?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to teach you the limitations on your authority.
• Ask God to show you your need for His help in your daily work.

HYMN

O WORSHIP THE KING

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