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Based on the message by Chad Everett
OVERVIEW
In this message, Chad walks through Luke 4, Luke 9, Philippians 2, and 2 Corinthians 4 to answer a critical question:
How did Jesus function when He walked the earth—and what does that mean for us?
Jesus was fully God. Yet He chose to empty Himself of divine privilege and operate as a man anointed by the Holy Spirit. He moved in dunamis (power) and exusia (authority), not independently, but in submission to the Father through the Spirit.
Then He gave that authority to His disciples.
This week centers on one defining truth:
“We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” — 2 Corinthians 4: 7
The authority of Christ is not distant. It is not something we are waiting to fall from heaven. It is the reality of Christ dwelling within us.
The question is not whether the treasure is present. The question is whether we are living from it.
HOW TO USE THIS STUDY GUIDE
Hear → Answer → Act
Each section begins with a focus statement drawn directly from the sermon.
Read the Scripture aloud. Let the Bible supply the answers. The goal is not agreement, but transformation.
You can review the sermon notes on YouVersion here: https://www.bible.com/events/49563867
Open your Bible. Go to the text. Let Scripture shape your thinking.
SECTION 1 —
WHO JESUS WAS VS. HOW JESUS FUNCTIONED
Focus:
“Who Jesus was and how He functioned are two different conversations.”
Read
Philippians 2: 5–8 and Luke 4: 14
Respond
- According to Philippians 2: 6–7, what did Jesus willingly lay down when He became a man?
- In Luke 4: 14, what does it mean that Jesus returned “in the power of the Spirit”?
- Why was it necessary for Jesus to function as a Spirit-anointed man rather than operate independently?
Reflect
- Where am I relying more on my natural ability than on the Spirit’s empowerment?
- What would shift in my life if I truly embraced dependence as strength?
SECTION 2 — TRAINED, NOT ENTERTAINED
Focus:
Jesus taught with authority to impart skills—not just information.
Read
Luke 4: 31–32 and Ephesians 4: 11–12
Respond
- What marked Jesus’ teaching in Luke 4: 32?
- According to Ephesians 4: 11–12, what is the purpose of teaching and leadership in the Church?
- What does “equipping the saints for the work of ministry” say about the role of every believer?
Reflect
- Am I approaching church as a consumer or as someone being trained?
- What obedience step have I delayed that God is calling me to take?
SECTION 3 — DELEGATED AUTHORITY
Focus:
“He gave them power and authority… and He sent them.”
Read
Luke 9: 1–2
Respond
- What does the word “gave” imply about responsibility and ownership?
- What were the disciples specifically sent to do?
- What does this reveal about God’s heart toward oppression and sickness?
Reflect
- Where have past disappointments shaped my expectations more than Scripture?
- In what area have I stepped back instead of stepping forward in obedience?
SECTION 4 — THE TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS
Focus:
“The excellence of the power is not of us, but of God.”
Read
2 Corinthians 4: 6–7
Respond
- What is the “treasure” in this passage?
- Why does Paul emphasize that the power is not of us?
- How does this truth protect us from pride while also protecting us from passivity?
Reflect
- When I face obstacles, do I measure by my ability or His?
- Where might what I call humility actually be limiting obedience?
- Am I trying to “pray God down,” or am I learning to release what He has placed within me?
SECTION 5 — AUTHORITY IN DAILY LIFE
Focus:
Authority is not only for dramatic moments—it applies to daily battles.
Read
Ephesians 3: 20
Respond
- What does it mean that God works “according to the power that works in us”?
- What everyday struggles require spiritual authority (attitude, fear, temptation, offense, discouragement)?
- How does believing Christ is in you change how you approach those struggles?
Reflect
- What internal battle do I need to confront this week?
- What would exercising authority look like in that specific situation?
- What step of obedience will I take in response to this message?
UNIFIED PRACTICE FOR THE WEEK
We are learning to live from what has already been placed within us.
Step 1 — Identify the Measure
Each morning, ask the Lord: “Where am I measuring this situation by my ability instead of your power God in me?”
Be specific. Write it down.
Maybe it’s a strained relationship, a temptation cycle, a negative mindset etc.
Step 2 — Agree With Scripture
Read aloud: 2 Corinthians 4: 7 and Ephesians 3: 20
Say: “The excellence of the power is not of me, but of God.”
Let your thinking align with truth before your emotions respond.
Step 3 — Exercise Authority
Now, take the specific situation you identified in Step 1 and form a declaration using biblical language.
Search Scripture for a verse that directly addresses your situation.
Ask:
- What does the Bible say about this?
- What is God’s truth in this area?
Then form your declaration using the language of that verse.
Example structure:
“I agree with Your Word, Lord. Your Word says ________. Therefore, I will ________.”
For example: (If struggling with temptation – 1 Corinthians 10: 13)
“Your Word says no temptation has overtaken me except what is common to man, and You are faithful. I trust Your way of escape.”
Step 4 — Take One Concrete Action
Authority must move into obedience.
Choose one visible action this week that aligns with you living from the treasure:
- Initiate the conversation.
- Apologize first.
- Remove access to temptation.
- Speak encouragement instead of complaint.
- Pray boldly when prompted.
- Open your Bible before your phone.
Do not wait for confidence. Move in obedience.