A question of authority

Matthew 21:23-46

I. A challenge to the authority of Christ vs 23

Who do you think you are?

Jealousy

Mat 21:15: And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,

Self protection:

Mat 21:26: But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.

Do we have any fight in us?

Eph 6:10: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Eph 6:11: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Eph 6:12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Eph 6:13: Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Eph 6:14: Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Eph 6:15: And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Eph 6:16: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Eph 6:17: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Eph 6:18: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Heb 10:22: Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Heb 10:23: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Heb 10:24: And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

1Ti 6:12: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Jud 1:3: Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Jud 1:4: For there are certain men crept in unawares,

II. A comparison of two sons vs 28-32

Jas 1:22: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Three extremist religious types that do harm today

1. Extremely liberal with little backbone2. Extremely legalistic with little love3. Extremely lazy with little ambition

BLESSED ARE THE BALANCED…..

III. A damning conclusion that leaves the challengers crushed vs 33-46

Are you on the Lord’s side? More importantly, Is He on your side?