Counterculture with Authority: The Calling of Every Christian • Friday Service

Counterculture with Authority: The Calling of Every Christian • Friday Service

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Christianity has always stood against the grain of the world’s values. From the earliest believers who faced persecution to Christians today who stand against cultural norms, we are called to be counterculture. But what gives us the authority to do this? It’s not in our own strength; it’s the authority given to us by Jesus. As we live with this authority, we’re empowered to live boldly, resist worldly influence, and shine as lights in the darkness.

Today, we’ll dive into lesser-used scriptures that reveal why we have this authority and why standing apart from the world is integral to our faith.

1. We’re Called to Live Differently, Not Conform

From the beginning, God’s people have been called to be set apart. Our authority begins with the choice to reject the world’s influence and live by God’s standards.

1 Peter 2:11-12: “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

Leviticus 20:26: “And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine.”

2. We Have Authority in Jesus’ Name

Our authority is not rooted in who we are but in who He is. Jesus grants us authority to carry out His will, even in a world that resists it.

Luke 10:19: “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

Ephesians 1:21: “Far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.”

3. We’re Empowered by the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit fills us with power and guides us to live counterculture. Through the Spirit, we can discern what is of God and what is of the world.

1 John 4:4: “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

4. We’re Equipped to Stand Against Worldly Values

As Christians, we don’t wrestle against people but against the spiritual forces behind the world’s values. This spiritual authority allows us to live by God’s standards, even when they clash with society’s norms.

Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.

Our authority lies in God’s promise to defend and equip us. As we stand firm in His righteousness, we have His assurance that no weapon formed against us will succeed.

Philippians 3:20: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

5. We’re Called to Be Light in Darkness

Christians are meant to be a light, bringing the truth of Jesus into a world that prefers darkness. Our authority is demonstrated by living righteously, even when it’s unpopular.

Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Ephesians 5:11: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”

6. Our Identity as God’s Children Gives Us Authority

Understanding our identity as children of God fuels our ability to live counterculturally. As His children, we inherit His power, His love, and His authority.

1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

Romans 8:37: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

Christianity has always been countercultural, and it’s meant to be. We’re called to stand out, not by our strength, but through the authority given to us by Jesus. We don’t have to bend to the world’s standards because our identity, strength, and calling come from God Himself. When we embrace our role as countercultural believers, we glorify Him in a world that needs His light more than ever.