What other scriptures emphasize believers' authority and responsibility in God's kingdom? Starting Point: Judging Angels — 1 Corinthians 6:3 “Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!” Paul’s words reveal a sweeping theme: God appoints His people to real authority, both now and in the age to come. Echoes from the Beginning • Genesis 1:26, 28 — “Let Us make man in Our image… to rule over… all the earth.” • Psalm 8:4-6 — “You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet.” Jesus Hands the Keys to His People • Matthew 16:19 — “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…” • Matthew 18:18 — “Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven…” • Luke 10:19 — “I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.” • John 14:12-14 — “Whoever believes in Me… will do even greater things than these… Whatever you ask in My name, I will do.” Authority Expressed Through Our Identity • Romans 5:17 — “…those who receive… the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” • Romans 8:17 — “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” • 2 Corinthians 5:20 — “we are ambassadors for Christ.” • Ephesians 2:6 — God “raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms.” • Philippians 3:20 — “our citizenship is in heaven.” Present Responsibilities • Ephesians 6:10-18 — “Put on the full armor of God…” • Acts 1:8 — “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses.” • 1 Corinthians 6:2 — “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?” Everyday disputes must be handled with Spirit-led wisdom now. The Future Dimension: Reigning with Christ • Daniel 7:18, 27 — “the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever.” • 2 Timothy 2:12 — “if we endure, we will also reign with Him.” • Revelation 1:6 — “made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God.” • Revelation 2:26-27 — “To the one who overcomes… I will give authority over the nations.” • Revelation 3:21 — “I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne.” • Revelation 5:10 — “they will reign upon the earth.” • Revelation 20:6 — “they will reign with Him for a thousand years.” • Revelation 22:5 — “and they will reign forever and ever.” Living Between Promise and Fulfillment Because every promise is literal and sure, believers today: • Judge wisely in earthly matters, reflecting coming judgment. • Stand against demonic powers, exercising delegated authority. • Intercede confidently, knowing heaven backs Spirit-led petitions. • Serve as ambassadors, carrying kingdom values into every sphere. • Persevere in holiness, anticipating shared rulership with Christ. Putting It All Together From Genesis dominion to Revelation’s eternal reign, Scripture consistently declares that God entrusts His people with genuine authority and sober responsibility—now in spiritual ministry and ultimately in governing the renewed creation alongside His Son. |
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