Previously, we looked at divine authority and power in the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ in Luke 4:1-22. Then Jesus warned us to look for the mark of divine authority in the lives and ministries of others, as well as in our own life and ministry in Matthew 7:13-29. In this lesson we will examine the flow of grace from God through us to others (Ephesians 3:1-8; I Peter 4:10; Romans 15:18). We also will discuss the glory, which is revealed to us and through us, that must not be tampered with (II Corinthians 4:6-7; 2:17; 12:7-10; I Corinthians 2:1-5).

Receiving and Distributing - John 3:27

Read John 3:25-30

• Ritual and form become less significant when we focus on who Jesus is.


• Our ministries need to provide black velvet for displaying the glories of Christ

Foundational truth for life and ministry - John 3:27

• Senders must first be receivers.


• Teachers must first be students.


• Those who feed must first be fed.


• Those who lead must first be followers.


• We do not create. We distribute.


• Our head must be anointed, and our cup must run over (Psalm 23:1-6 - Shepherds are sheep, too).

Touch not the glory - John 7:18

Read John 7:14-18

• God-centered preaching transcends academic knowledge (I Corinthians 2:1-5, 9-16).


• "Touch not the glory" - John 7:18 cp. John 3:27, 30; I Corinthians 4:7; Romans 12:3


• God's thoughts, not mine.


• God's purposes, not mine.


• God's results, not mine.


• God gets the attention, not me.


• Godly teaching is best discerned by those who desire God and desire to please Him (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 14:6; Psalm 111:10 cp. Hebrews 11:6)