“Word and Deed Authority”
Luke 4:31-44
And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. – Luke 4:31
Jesus had authority in His words! No doubt it was because He was [and is] God, in flesh [ref. Jn 1:14]. But we, too, can have a similar testimony when we live in the authority of God’s word. It is an authority that comes with deeds.
James said it best, “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds” [Jms 2:18].
If our words are not supported by what we do, then our faith is null and void. Thus, the question: “14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” [Jms 2:14]
Well, the answer to this rhetorical question is an emphatic, “No,” such “claims” of faith cannot save. But let’s qualify that within the context of James’ epistle.
Nowhere does James say that we are saved by deeds. The New Testament Doctrine on Grace is clear, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God…” [Eph 2:8]
The point that James makes is that if you truly have saving faith through God’s unmerited favor [i.e., through grace], then you will respond with deeds. In summary, the deeds from your new creation life will ratify the grace that you have received through faith.
Therefore, a divine cadence is rendered in our born-again lives that should emulate Christ. Jesus’ life and ministry is a blueprint for our new creation life in the Spirit. It is a godly rhythm of words and deeds. And that is exactly what we see in our passage this morning as we witness the life and ministry of Jesus.
“And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority” [Luke 4:31]. Jesus followed with supernatural deeds. “Any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid hands on every one of them and healed them.” [Lk 4:40]
His words and deeds worked as one in the authority of His earthly ministry. It is, however, a similar authority that we have access to today through the power of the Holy Spirit.
A Spirit-filled life makes all the difference! It comes with a Word and Deed Authority. And it is a powerful testimony to the God we serve!
