“His Word Possessed Authority”

Discussion QuestionsWeek of: February 2, 2025 // Sermon Text: Luke 4:31-44Sermon OverviewTrust in Jesus, who uses his authority to restore us to God.Digging Deeper  Read Luke 4:31-441. In what ways is the Bible’s view on authority counter-cultural?2. Jesus spoke and acted with authority. Where do we see that in this passage?3. Jesus’ teaching has the authority of absolutely trustworthy truth. How do those in this passage respond to Jesus’ authority? 4. Submitting to the authority of another (even someone as good and wise as Jesus) can be hard. Why is it hard to follow Jesus’ authority? 5. What might be some indicators that we are failing to submit to Jesus’ authority over us? 6. How have you experienced the sweetness of submitting to Jesus’ authority in your own life (or the lives of people close to you)?  7. Authority can be used for a variety of reasons. Toward what end did Jesus use his authority? Why might we find this encouraging?8. Jesus uses his authority to restore what sin and Satan have ruined. Where do we see this idea in the passage? Has this idea occurred to you before? What do you think about this?9. Through his ministry of authoritatively setting people free from the spiritual and physical effects of the fall, Jesus was ushering in the Kingdom of God (and driving out Satan’s). On what basis can we be confident that he will one day bring the fullness of God’s Kingdom to reality for all those who trust him? 10. How can we help one another cultivate a deeper longing for Christ’s return and the fullness of the Kingdom he will bring on that day?11. What was Jesus’ priority, even higher than healing people or casting out demons? (see verse 43) What might it look like for us to have gospel-shaped priorities?12. What might it look for us to (eagerly and actively) make known the good news of the Kingdom to those who don’t yet know Christ in a saving way? Prayer