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Speaker: Pastor Chad Everett
Key Scripture: Genesis 1:26–28 (NKJV)

“The closer I get to Jesus the more the realms of darkness begin to know who you are. Not because of you, not because of me, but because of our connection to Him.” — Chad Everett

Introduction

God’s design for humanity began long before brokenness or sin entered the world. In Genesis 1, we see His original intent: that men and women—created in His image—would walk in relationship with Him, hear His voice, and carry His authority on the earth. Spiritual authority is not something we generate, perform, or grow into through strength; it is something we receive through Christ.

Because we were created spirit first, the truest part of who we are is shaped and led by God’s Spirit. Jesus restored what was lost in the fall, bringing us back into relationship and reestablishing our authority in Him. This study will help you rediscover what it means to walk confidently in spiritual authority—not by force, but through submission, alignment, and daily dependence on Jesus.

Why This Study Matters

This study will help you explore God’s original intent for authority, understand what it means to be created spirit first, and practice living from the unseen realm where God’s truth is established. As you walk through each day, expect clarity, conviction, and fresh confidence in who you are in Christ.

How to Use This Guide: Becoming Students of the Word

This study is meant to lead you into Scripture—not just ideas about Scripture—and to help you go deeper into the truth taught in the sermon. As you work through each day, open your Bible and read the passage slowly (even out loud). Come to the Word with hunger and humility. Answer the questions from Scripture itself, and ask Holy Spirit to teach you as you read. Whether you’re studying on your own or with your family, expect Him to bring revelation, clarity, and direction. Remember the words of Jesus: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17). The goal is not to just answer some questions, but to become a student of the Word.

 

DAY 1 — CREATED SPIRIT FIRST

Daily Focus

Understanding that God created us spirit first changes how we hear Him, follow Him, and walk in His authority.

Big Idea

Your spiritual identity came before your physical reality. Authority begins with who God made you to be in the unseen.

Key Scripture

Genesis 1:26–27 (NKJV)

Sermon Quote

“What God says to me in my spirit is more real than what I feel with my feelings.”

Discussion Questions

New Christians

1. With your Bible open to Genesis 1:26–27, what does the passage reveal about your identity?
2. How does knowing God created you spirit first shape your view of yourself?

Mature Christians

1. Compare Genesis 1:26–27 and John 4:24. What truths emerge about spiritual identity?
2. Where have feelings influenced you more than God’s Word?

Jr. & Sr. High Students

1. What stands out when you read that you are made in God’s image?
2. How can you remind yourself of what God says?

Families with Young Children

1. Read Genesis 1:26–27 together. Ask: “What does God say we look like on the inside?”
2. How can your family talk more about what God says?

Families with Teenagers

1. What does it mean for our family to live from the spirit first?
2. How can your home encourage listening to God’s voice?

Application Step

With your Bible open to Genesis 1:26–28, read the passage slowly—twice if needed—and ask the Holy Spirit to show you what it means that you were created in God’s image and formed spirit first. Write down one truth about your identity that stands out from the Scripture itself. Then ask: Where have my feelings, fears, or past experiences spoken louder than what God says about me? Pray intentionally, inviting God to align your thoughts with His truth and to strengthen your awareness of who you are in the spirit.

Optional Family Engagement

As a family, read Genesis 1:26–27 aloud. Have each person share one thing this Scripture says about who they are, and create a simple list or poster titled “Who God Says We Are” to place somewhere visible during the week.

 

DAY 2 — DOMINION THROUGH SUBMISSION

Daily Focus

Dominion was never about overpowering darkness. It was about saying yes to God.

Big Idea

Spiritual authority in Christ begins with choosing His voice over every other voice.

Key Scripture

Genesis 1:28 (NKJV)

Sermon Quote

“You don’t conquer darkness by focusing on darkness—you conquer it by saying yes to God.”

Discussion Questions

New Christians

1. What does God instruct humanity to do in Genesis 1:28?
2. How is submission connected to dominion?

Mature Christians

1. Compare Genesis 1:28 with James 4:7. What pattern do you see?
2. Where is God inviting you to say yes?

Jr. & Sr. High Students

1. What does saying yes to God look like for you?
2. What voices do you need to stop listening to?

Families with Young Children

1. Read Genesis 1:28. Ask: “What does it mean to listen to God first?”
2. What yes can your family say today?

Families with Teenagers

1. How does submitting to God strengthen spiritual authority?
2. What area can your family surrender together?

 

Application Step

Take 5–10 minutes today to identify one specific area where you have been relying on your own strength—your decisions, emotions, schedule, or problem-solving. Open your Bible and read James 4:7. Then intentionally submit that area to God in prayer. Write down what submission looks like in that situation and take one practical step toward obeying His voice.

Optional Family Engagement

At dinner, each person shares one area they submitted to God today and how choosing His way changed their thoughts, decisions, or attitude.

DAY 3 — AUTHORITY THROUGH RELATIONSHIP

Daily Focus

Authority flows from knowing Jesus—not from using His name.

Big Idea

Spiritual authority in Christ is relational.

Key Scripture

Acts 19:13–16

Sermon Quote

“The enemy doesn’t respond to your authority—he responds to the authority you represent.”

Discussion Questions

New Christians

1. Why didn’t the Sons of Sceva have authority?
2. What does this teach about personal relationship with Jesus?

Mature Christians

1. Compare Acts 19 with John 15:5. What connections do you see?
2. What strengthens your connection with Jesus?

 

Jr. & Sr. High Students

1. Why isn’t knowing about Jesus enough?
2. How can you grow closer to Him?

Families with Young Children

1. Why didn’t the enemy listen to the Sons of Sceva?
2. How does staying close to Jesus help our family?

Families with Teenagers

1. What is the difference between religion and relationship?
2. How can your family draw closer to Jesus?

Application Step

Choose a quiet moment today—either before you step into your day or as you reflect on it—to be intentionally present with Jesus. Open your Bible to John 15:4–5 and read the passage slowly. Ask, “Jesus, what are You saying to me right now?” Write down what He shows you. Consider how staying connected to Him shapes your thoughts, your decisions, and the way you walk in spiritual authority throughout your day. Respond with a simple prayer of alignment.

Optional Family Engagement

At any point during the day—morning, afternoon, or evening—invite each family member to share one way they feel they can draw closer to Jesus this week. Choose one simple practice to pursue together.

 

DAY 4 — LIVING FROM THE UNSEEN REALM

Daily Focus

What we see is not all there is.

Big Idea

Authority grows when we live from what God says, not what we see.

Key Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:18 (NKJV)

Sermon Quote

“What you see is not all there is.”

Discussion Questions

New Christians

1. What does Paul say about things seen and unseen?
2. How can you focus more on what is eternal?

Mature Christians

1. How does this verse change how you respond to circumstances?
2. Where is God calling you to see beyond the natural?

Jr. & Sr. High Students

1. What makes it hard to trust what God says?
2. How can this verse help you?

Families with Young Children

1. What is temporary? What is forever?
2. What truths from God can we trust?

Families with Teenagers

1. How can focusing on the unseen change family decisions?
2. What distractions pull your focus away?

Application Step

Find a quiet moment today—either as you prepare for the day ahead or as you reflect on what you’ve walked through—to bring an overwhelming situation before the Lord. Open your Bible and read 2 Corinthians 4:18 slowly. Write down one circumstance that feels heavy, uncertain, or beyond your ability to fix. Beneath it, write a Scripture that expresses God’s truth about that situation. Take a moment to compare the “seen” reality with the “unseen” truth God speaks. Pray, asking the Holy Spirit to help you fix your eyes on what is eternal, not temporary, and to strengthen your heart with the reality of His Word.

Optional Family Engagement

Together, create a simple “Seen vs. Unseen” list. On one side, list things that feel hard that your family is facing (seen). On the other side, write Scriptures that reveal God’s truth and promises (unseen). Pray over the unseen truths as a family.

 

DAY 5 — WALKING IN SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY IN CHRIST

Daily Focus

Authority grows as we say yes to God and no to lies.

Big Idea

Authority is about alignment and intimacy with Jesus.

Key Scripture

James 4:7 (NKJV)

Sermon Quote

“Your dependence on Him determines your freedom.”

Discussion Questions

New Christians

1. What comes first in James 4:7—resist or submit?
2. How does submission bring strength?

Mature Christians

1. How does submitting to God empower you to resist the enemy?
2. Where is God inviting deeper surrender?

 

Jr. & Sr. High Students

1. What does submitting to God look like for you?
2. How can you recognize lies more quickly?

Families with Young Children

1. How do we say yes to God?
2. How can our family practice this today?

Families with Teenagers

1. What areas of life need stronger alignment with God?
2. How does unity in submission strengthen your home?

Application Step

Take a moment to quiet your thoughts and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one lie you have been believing—about your identity, your worth, your future, or your circumstances. Write it down clearly. Then open your Bible and find a verse that directly speaks God’s truth into that area. Read the verse aloud several times, replacing the lie with what God says. Declare the truth over yourself and commit to speaking it whenever the lie tries to return.

Optional Family Engagement

Gather together and take turns praying one simple prayer:
• “God, today I say YES to ______ (truth).”
• “And I say NO to ______ (lie).”

Invite children to use simple words, such as “God loves me,” “I’m not alone,” or “Jesus helps me.”

 

BONUS REFLECTION 

God created you with purpose, identity, and spiritual authority long before you ever faced a battle, a lie, or a moment of discouragement. In Genesis 1, He spoke over humanity a commission grounded not in striving but in relationship: “Be fruitful…subdue…have dominion.” These were not commands of pressure. They were invitations to partnership.

This week, you studied how authority is restored through Christ, strengthened through intimacy, and expressed through submission and obedience. Now take time to reflect on how these truths are reshaping your walk with Jesus.

1. What Does God Say About Me?

• Read Genesis 1:26–28 again slowly.
• Ask: What does this passage reveal about my identity and purpose?
• Write down the words or phrases the Holy Spirit brings forward.

2. Where Has My Authority Felt Weak?

• Consider moments in your life where you’ve felt powerless, unsure, or defeated.
• Ask: Was I listening to God’s truth or to something else?
• Identify the voices—fear, shame, lies, pressure—that often challenge your authority.

 

3. What Am I Submitting to?

• Authority always begins with a yes.
• Look at James 4:7.
• Ask: Where is God inviting me to submit?
  Submission isn’t losing power—it’s receiving it.

4. What Is God Restoring in Me?

• Spiritual authority is not about earning something new; it’s about recovering what was lost.
• Reflect on John 1:12 and 2 Corinthians 4:18.
• Ask: What identity or truth is God restoring in me right now?

5. What Step of Alignment Is God Calling Me Into?

Authority becomes active when your life aligns with truth.

• Ask Jesus: What is one practical step I can take this week to align my thoughts, choices, or habits with Your Word?
  This may involve forgiveness, repentance, obedience, prayer, or surrender.