#1382. Jesus’ rule and authority (7/11/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

In our last devotional, we thought about God’s resurrection power at work in us, which fills us with hope that God not only brought us to faith, but will complete the work that He began in us. Today, let’s reflect on what we read about the surpassing rule, authority, power and dominion of Jesus: 

The Holy Spirit wants to reveal to us the supreme rule of Jesus so as to trust Him absolutely.  

You can listen to this devotional below

1. The Spirit wants to convince us of Christ's supreme authority

One of the enemy’s key tactics is to distort our vision of God - clouding our understanding of His power, goodness, and authority. Paul prays that the ‘eyes of our hearts’ would be enlightened because truth brings freedom (John 8:32). It’s not enough to know about God intellectually - we must see Him rightly with the eyes of faith.

Earlier in his prayer, Paul wrote:

To truly know God includes grasping Christ’s present reign - that He has been raised:

This isn’t a future hope only - it's a present reality. Jesus reigns now, above every power, name, and force - whether earthly or spiritual, political or demonic.

2. Why does God want us to know that Jesus reigns?

i. So we can worship Him

Knowing God rightly fuels authentic worship. When we grasp that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords, seated above every authority, our hearts are lifted in awe. A diminished view of Christ leads to diminished worship. But to know Him as exalted fuels reverence, praise, and joyful submission. Any view of God that does not understand His sovereign reign is deficient and unworthy. 

ii. So we can trust Him

A clear view of Christ’s rule strengthens our faith. The original readers of this letter lived in a world filled with competing gods and fears of spiritual forces. Paul reminds them - and us - that Jesus rules over all of it. He is not one power among many; He is infinitely above all. Whatever storms we face - whether personal trials or global turmoil - we can rest in the sovereignty of Christ.

iii. So we can pray to Him

When we know that Jesus reigns above all, we are encouraged to pray boldly. One of the biggest hindrances to prayer is the subtle belief that God is unable or unwilling to act. But when we see Christ exalted above every name, we are reminded that nothing is beyond His authority - no sickness, no situation, no power of darkness. Faithful prayer flows from confidence in His supremacy.

Response

• Do you truly trust in the absolute, undisputed sovereignty of Christ?

• Are you tempted to fear spiritual powers, or do you rest in Jesus' victory over them?

• Does your worship, trust, and prayer reflect your belief in Jesus’ supreme authority?

Today, may the Holy Spirit enlighten the eyes of our hearts so as to say:

Community Group Notes

This week is ’SIV’ Week, where we will give much more time to sharing and praying about how we are seeking to bring the gospel to our friends and community. 

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

THIS WEEK IS SIV (SERVE INVEST AND INVITE) WEEK.

What is SIV? 

SIV stands for Serve, Invest, and Invite. This is our very simple strategy to help bring our community to Jesus. We believe that God has placed us in relationships and in specific locations to be 'salt and light.' and to ‘fish for people’.  We can effectively bring people to Jesus by 'Serving' them - demonstrating the love of Christ in practical ways; by 'Investing' in the people to whom we feel the Spirit is leading us; and by 'Inviting' them into our homes by showing hospitality and inviting them to church events, to Alpha, and ultimately, inviting them to come to Jesus through the gospel. 

Along with a brief reflection on Sunday’s text, let's spend this time sharing, thinking and praying about how God wants to work through us to help our communities to come to Jesus. 

1. Our message from Ephesians 1:15-21, was:  Understand the Spirit’s work,  give thanks and pray for His work. Please read Ephesians 1:15-21. What, from this text, is helpful and inspirational in regard to growing in effectively bringing the gospel to our friends and community? 

2. Who are you regularly praying for to come to Christ?

3. Do you have any encouraging stories to share - how have you served, invested and invited? 

4. Do you have any plans for how you plan to serve, invest and invite in the places and to the people that God has given to you? Why not make a note so that you can pray and hold yourself accountable? 

5. Are you planning to, or could you, do anything together as a group?

6. Let's pray for ourselves and our community together. Let's pray for the particular people that God is putting on your heart. Let's pray for the Holy Spirit to empower and direct us in how to Serve, Invest and Invite. 

Note - a very practical thing to do, is to think about who you might want to invite to our upcoming carol service (7th December) and to sign up for carol singing (30th November). 

To sign up, go to: https://forms.monday.com/forms/67541e198902721e4b04ee65cc95ae8a?r=use1