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SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY – RESTORED IN CHRIST
Filled, Sent, and Accountable
Based on the message by Chad Everett
OVERVIEW
In this message, Chad walks through Luke 4, Luke 9, Luke 10, Matthew 28, Acts 1, and Matthew 25 to answer three defining questions: Who has sent us? How has He equipped us? Who will we give an account to? Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus was sent with authority. Jesus then gave that authority and assignment to His disciples. The Great Commission was never meant to become the great suggestion. We are not filled with a feeling — we are filled with a Person. And because of that, we are sent. One day, we will give an account.
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Hear → Answer → Act
Each section begins with a focus statement drawn directly from the sermon.
Read the Scripture aloud. Let the Bible answer the questions.
The goal is not inspiration alone — but obedience.
Open your Bible. Go to the text. Let Scripture shape your thinking.
SECTION 1 — FILLED, NOT A FEELING
Focus:
“We are not filled with a thing. We are filled with a Person.”
READ: Luke 4: 1, Romans 8: 11, Acts 1: 8
RESPOND
- In Luke 4: 1, what marked the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry?
If Jesus did not begin ministry until He was filled and led, what does that imply about how we should begin ours? - According to Romans 8: 11, who dwells in the believer?
If the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, what does that reveal about the kind of power available to you? - In Acts 1: 8, what does Jesus say happens when the Holy Spirit comes upon you?
If power is connected to being witnesses, what does that tell us about the purpose of Holy Spirit power?
REFLECT
- Where have I been chasing a spiritual feeling instead of building a real relationship with the Holy Spirit?
- When I walk into school, practice, or my friend group, do I remember the Spirit of God lives in me — or do I shrink back?
- What situation this week (pressure, temptation, insecurity, fear of what others think) requires me to rely on the Person within me instead of my emotions?
SECTION 2 — SENT WITH AUTHORITY
Focus:
“He sent them.”
READ: Luke 9: 1–2, Luke 10: 1–2, Matthew 28: 18–20
RESPOND
- What did Jesus give the disciples in Luke 9: 1?
If Jesus gave them power and authority, what does that reveal about how He intends His disciples to operate — passive or empowered? - What were they sent to do in Luke 9: 2?
If they were sent to preach and to heal, what does that show about the nature of the Kingdom they were representing? - According to Matthew 28: 18–20, why are we commanded to go?
If all authority belongs to Jesus, what responsibility does that place on those who call Him Lord?
REFLECT
- Do I see myself as “just a student” — or as someone sent by Jesus into my school and circles?
- Where do I feel the most pressure to blend in instead of stand out?
- If I truly believed I was sent with authority, how would it change the way I speak, respond to gossip, or treat people who are overlooked?
SECTION 3 — THE KINGDOM HAS COME NEAR
Focus:
“The kingdom of God has come near to you.”
READ: Luke 10: 8–9, Luke 10: 17–20
RESPOND
- Why were the disciples told to declare that the Kingdom had come near?
If they carried both the message and the demonstration of the Kingdom, what does that reveal about what happens when believers enter a place? - What authority did Jesus affirm in Luke 10: 19?
If Jesus has given authority over the power of the enemy, how should that shape the way we view spiritual opposition? - What did Jesus say should be our greater source of joy?
If our names being written in heaven is greater than power over demons, what does that teach us about identity versus performance?
REFLECT
- When I enter a room — classroom, locker room, cafeteria, group chat — do I believe the Kingdom is present because Christ is in me?
- Where have I felt intimidated by darkness (peer pressure, sexual pressure, comparison, bullying, anxiety culture) instead of confident in Christ’s authority?
- Am I more excited about spiritual experiences — or about belonging to Jesus?
SECTION 4 — DISTRACTION VS. MISSION
Focus:
“I’m not trying to win a Facebook argument. I’m trying to win an eternal soul.”
READ: Matthew 24: 4–14
RESPOND
- What warnings does Jesus give about the last days?
If deception, offense, and lawlessness increase, how might those pressures affect believers who are not grounded in the mission? - What must happen before the end comes?
If the gospel must be preached in all the world as a witness, what does that clarify about the Church’s primary assignment? - How can cultural distractions pull believers away from their mission?
If Jesus warned not to be troubled or deceived, what distractions today compete with preaching the gospel?
REFLECT
- Where have I been more focused on winning arguments, gaining followers, or proving a point than loving people toward Jesus?
- What distracts me most right now — social media, comparison, sports performance, relationships, entertainment, controversy?
- If Jesus asked me whether I’m living on mission or living distracted, what would my honest answer be?
SECTION 5 — ACCOUNTABLE
Focus:
“After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts.”
READ: Matthew 25: 14–19, Romans 14: 11–12
RESPOND
- What did the master do when he returned?
If the master settled accounts with each servant, what does that reveal about how seriously God views what He entrusts to us? - According to Romans 14: 12, who will give an account — and to whom?
If each of us gives an account of ourselves to God, how does that shape the way we think about obedience? - In Matthew 25, what was entrusted to each servant?
What has God entrusted to you — influence, gifting, opportunity — and how are you currently using it?
REFLECT
- If Jesus asked me how I represented Him at school this week, what would I say?
- Have I buried any gifts He gave me because I’m afraid of being different?
- What influence has God given me — leadership, kindness, boldness, creativity, prayer — and am I multiplying it or hiding it?
- What step of obedience have I delayed because it feels uncomfortable?
UNIFIED PRACTICE FOR THE WEEK
This week, live intentionally as someone who is filled, sent, and accountable.
Step 1 — Identify the Assignment
Ask the Lord what your assignment is this week. Write down one specific person or place.
Step 2 — Agree With Truth
Read aloud: Matthew 28: 18–20 and Acts 1: 8.
Say: “I am filled with the Holy Spirit. I am sent by Jesus. I carry authority.”
Step 3 — Take One Spirit-Led Action
Jesus was filled and led — then He went.
Ask the Holy Spirit where He is sending you.
Choose one step of obedience:
• Speak when He highlights someone.
• Pray when He nudges you.
• Share when He opens the door.
• Obey even if you feel inadequate.
We are not self-sent. We are Spirit-sent.
Step 4 — Prepare for Accountability
Before the week ends, ask: “If I had to give an account for this week, would I?”
Then respond accordingly.