In the modern American Church, it is often thought that teaching and preaching is one thing, and transformation and power is another. God’s Word is important to instruct believers in how to live after they have been transformed by some experience, but does it really have power? And before we are too quick to point the finger at others, have we examined our own hearts in this matter? We can confess that God’s Word has all power – but do we believe that it can change our marriages, transform our families, and even break through the besetting sins that plague us? Perhaps what we need is less analysis of our times and lives, and more examination of the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus went from city to city healing the sick, casting out demons, and changing lives; but this all began with the simple and powerful ministry described by Luke “And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.” (Luke 4:31–32) Are you in need today of the transforming power and grace of God? Do you have demons that need exorcising? Or pains and hurts that need healing? Then what you need is what is available to you today, no matter where you live, what you wear, how old you are, or how educated you are. What you need is the good news of the kingdom of God that Jesus must preach! (Luke 4:43)

I. Authority Over Evil
A. The World Has Real Evil
B. Jesus Has Real Power

II. Authority Over Sickness
A. The Reality of Our Weakness
B. The Reality of Jesus’ Compassion

III. Authority Over All
A. Jesus’ Authority is Real
B. Jesus’ Authority Has Purpose

Questions for consideration: (1) How can this passage help us to answer skeptics who say that the world is getting better and better? Those who say it is getting worse without hope? (2) Why is it important for you to recognize your weakness? (3) How is Jesus’ answer in verse 43 so counter-intuitive to what we expect? How does it challenge what we desire?