Colliding with Jesus' Authority

And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.

Text: John 5:25-29

What happens when the authority of Jesus collides with our functional saviors?

Jesus made bold claims about His power and authority. Do we take His claims seriously? Examining our functional saviors can provide practical insight into how seriously we take the authority of Jesus.

Jerry Bridges defines functional saviors in the following way:
"Sometimes we look to other things to satisfy and fulfill us—to ‘save’ us. These ‘functional saviors’ can be any object of dependence we embrace that isn’t God. They become the source of our identity, security, and significance because we hold an idolatrous affection for them in our hearts. They preoccupy our minds and consume our time and resources. They make us feel good and somehow even make us feel righteous. Whether we realize it or not, they control us, and we worship them" (Bridges & Bevington, The Bookends of the Christian Life).

Here is a list of some questions that can help us uncover functional saviors in our life:

• What am I most afraid of?
• What do I long for most passionately?
• Where do I run for comfort?
• What do I complain about most?
• What angers me most?
• What makes me happiest?
• How do I explain myself to other people?
• What has caused me to be angry with God?
• What do I brag about?
• What do I want to have more than anything else?
• Who do I sacrifice the most for in my life?
• If I could change one thing in my life what would that be?
• Whose approval am I seeking?
• What do I want to control/master?
• What comfort do I treasure the most?