Based on the message by Pastor Chad Everett
OVERVIEW
In this message from the Spiritual Authority — Restored in Christ series, Pastor Chad Everett teaches that the purpose of the local church is not entertainment, but training—to enter people into the fullness of Christ and raise up warrior disciples, not passive church attenders.
Using Luke 4, this sermon reveals how Jesus modeled spiritual authority through fasting, obedience, identity, and spoken truth. The enemy did not overpower Jesus—he attempted to deceive Him, offering shortcuts, counterfeit authority, and traps through offense. Jesus responded by submitting to the Father, answering with Scripture, and moving forward.
This study guide is designed to help believers recognize how authority is lost or released, learn how to resist deception, and practice walking in the authority Christ restored—not through striving, but through obedience and response.
If children are present in your group, leaders are encouraged to simplify questions and invite children to participate by answering in their own words. Including children in discussion helps reinforce biblical truth at an early age and reminds the whole group that discipleship happens best in community and conversation.
HOW TO USE THIS STUDY GUIDE
Hear → Answer → Act
Each section begins with a focus statement drawn from the sermon. Open your Bible and read the passage aloud. Engage the questions honestly. This guide is not about quick answers—it is about learning how to respond to pressure the way Jesus did.
SECTION 1 — THE CHURCH EXISTS TO TRAIN, NOT ENTERTAIN
“My assignment is not to get people to come, but to get people to become.”
Focus
The church is not a show—it is a training ground. Spiritual authority grows as believers are equipped to live out who God created them to be.
READ
Open your Bible and read: Matthew 28: 19–20; Ephesians 4: 11–13
RESPOND
- According to these passages, what is the goal of discipleship beyond attendance?
- Why does growth require training rather than inspiration alone?
- How does understanding the church’s purpose change how you engage with it?
REFLECT
- Where have I been content to “come” without fully “becoming”?
● What kind of training might God be inviting me into right now?
● How can I help others become who God created them to be?
SECTION 2 — AUTHORITY FLOWS FROM BEING FILLED AND LED
“We cannot be led if we are not followers.”
Focus
Spiritual authority flows from submission. Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and led by the Spirit—authority is exercised through obedience, not control.
READ
Open your Bible and read: Luke 4: 1; Romans 8: 14
RESPOND
- Why is it important that Jesus was both filled and led?
- What does following require that leading does not?
- How does surrender strengthen authority instead of weakening it?
REFLECT
- Where have I tried to direct my own steps instead of following Jesus?
● What area of my life resists being led by the Spirit?
● What would obedience look like in this season?
SECTION 3 — FASTING TRAINS THE FLESH
“If I can say no here, I can say no everywhere.”
Focus
Biblical fasting is not religious pressure—it is discipleship training. Fasting teaches believers how to deny the flesh so the spirit can lead.
READ
Open your Bible and read: Luke 4: 2; Galatians 5: 16–17
RESPOND
- What did fasting prepare Jesus for before temptation came?
- How does fasting expose where the flesh has been leading?
- Why is the ability to say no essential to spiritual authority?
REFLECT
- What does my flesh most often demand?
● How has comfort shaped my decisions?
● How might fasting train me to choose God when obedience is difficult?
SECTION 4 — THE ENEMY ATTACKS IDENTITY FIRST
“If you are the Son of God…”
Focus
The enemy cannot overpower believers—but he can deceive them by questioning identity. Authority weakens when identity is doubted.
READ
Open your Bible and read: Luke 4: 3; Colossians 2: 9–10
RESPOND
- What truth about Jesus was already settled before this temptation?
- Why does the enemy target identity so quickly?
- How does knowing who you are in Christ disarm deception?
REFLECT
- What thoughts have caused me to question who God says I am?
● Where have feelings overridden truth?
● What Scripture anchors my identity most clearly?
SECTION 5 — COUNTERFEIT AUTHORITY AND THE TRAP OF OFFENSE
“Offense is a trap that stops forward movement.”
Focus
The enemy offers shortcuts that promise authority without obedience. Offense is one of the most effective traps used to stop believers from moving forward.
READ
Open your Bible and read: Luke 4: 5–8; Matthew 16: 21–23
RESPOND
- What was Satan offering Jesus without the cross?
- Why does offense function like a trap or snare?
- How does offense limit forward movement?
REFLECT
- Where have I been tempted to take the easier way?
● What offense may be holding me in place?
● What would forgiveness release in my life right now?
SECTION 6 — SAYING NO RELEASES AUTHORITY
“He didn’t bind Satan — He just said no.”
Focus
Spiritual authority is released when believers refuse deception and choose obedience. Saying no to the enemy and yes to God activates authority already given in Christ.
READ
Open your Bible and read: Luke 4: 8; James 4: 7
RESPOND
- How did Jesus shut down the enemy without debate or negotiation?
- Why does refusing temptation release authority rather than weaken it?
- What does it mean to submit to God before resisting the devil?
REFLECT
- Where do I need to say no today—not yesterday?
● How has the enemy tried to convince me I no longer have authority?
● What obedience would immediately move me forward?
PRACTICE FOR THE WEEK
- Identify the Trap
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one lie, offense, or temptation that has slowed your movement. - Find the Truth
Search Scripture until you find God’s clear response. - Say No / Say Yes
Say no to the lie and yes to God out loud. - Move Forward
Take one obedient step that aligns with God’s truth.
Closing Reflection
Spiritual authority is not something we earn—it is something we walk in. When believers stop absorbing pressure and start responding with obedience and truth, the enemy loses ground, and forward movement begins.