..
"A New Teaching With Authority"
Mark 1:22
In Mark 1:22 the people in Capernaum were "amazed " by the teaching that went on
in their synagogue. The reason for their surprise was that Jesus was not
teaching them as the scribes had taught them, but instead, "as one having
authority." In v.27-28 we read that the amazement continues as well as a debate
over this matter, while "news about Him went out everywhere, into all. . . of
Galilee." The reason for all the furor? Well, certainly His healing of the demon
possessed man was part of it, but also, they were amazed at this "new teaching
with authority." These people were hearing God's will in a way that they had
never heard before.
Several years later, as the apostle Paul is equipping other men to teach the
gospel of the Kingdom, we see the same principle in action. Titus 2:15 is where
the evangelist is admonished to "speak and exhort and reprove with all
authority. Let no one disregard you." The word of God is not some soft substance
like toast dipped in milk. It is the "power of God," Romans 1:16. It was/is to
be taught "with all authority."
It is common in the religion of our age to hear a watered-down gospel. A gospel
that speaks of forgiveness, but neglects to mention the basis upon which that
forgiveness is offered. We hear a gospel that speaks of sacrifice, but it is a
sacrifice of our surplus, our extra, our leftovers. Is this really a sacrifice
at all? Even among God's people it often seems that teaching which demands
change, exhortation to activity, or addresses areas of our life in which our
light is being dimmed out is "sniffed at," to use the language of the prophets.
It is dismissed as just "opinion" or "that preacher's interpretation." The truth
is that God's word should be taught "with authority." The world needs to hear
the gospel taught in a way that it has never heard before from false teachers
who preach for hire. And sometimes, we need
to hear it also. We need to come face to face with that which will cause us to
lose our souls.
Does it not appear sometimes as if the only time we get serious about Bible
teaching is when we see it pointed at denominational folks and those who need to
obey the gospel or learn how to worship God acceptably? We also need to be
serious when the "sword of the Spirit" cuts inward. We need to be serious about
enslaving compulsions such as selfishness, lust, covetousness, jealousy, greed,
and laziness. We need to be concerned about our example and see our influence as
we wear the Lord's name. There are habits that we "pickup " which overshadow our
words and demonstrate a lack of self-control. Far too often, we allow ourselves
to be led by our "feelings" rather than by the instruction which God gives us
and pride seems to be a besetting obstacle to spirituality with many.
Fornication and adultery are wrong, period. Lying and deceit are sinful. Gossip
and idle words, lukewarmness and being a busybody will cause us to miss out on a
heavenly home and be lost eternally.
It is important that we not view the things above, and more, as "small things"
that God will overlook. He has told us how to live and He expects us to be
obedient children. It is not a matter of "interpretation," but of
self-discipline and obedience. The religious world, in general, ignores the
authority inherent in God's word and
simply overlooks that which God calls sinful. Let us stand, and teach, and live
as those who possess a spiritual with the poser to change men's hearts and save
their souls. God bless your commitment to His cause.
By Carl (Mac) McMurray
From Expository Files 2.10; October 1995
