Discernment Chapter 5: Influence and the Cost of Discernment

We read chapter five of Discernment: A Wake Up Call for a Generationally Cursed Society and unpack the difference between influence and authority in light of Scripture. We share Neil Broach’s reflection on labels, then challenge listeners to align power with obedience to Christ.

• distinction between bought influence and received authority
• scriptural warnings about counterfeit power and signs
• why results and reach do not prove truth
• submission to God as the source of authority
• the cost of discernment and drawing lines
• the narrow road, accountability, and allegiance to Jesus
• closing appeal to start a real relationship with Christ
• website mention and gratitude to listeners

Check out the website www.forchristministry.com

Transcript

Welcome And Episode Setup

Today In American History

Neil Broach’s Reflection On Labels

Chapter Five Introduction

Influence Versus Authority

Deception, Results, And Borrowed Power

Submission As The Path To Authority

The Cost Of Discernment

Counterfeit Power And Scriptural Warnings

Narrow Road And Eternal Accountability

Jesus’ Authority And Unchanging Nature

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Alright, how are we doing today? It's the Food for Thought Faith Cast, and I'm your host, B-Rob. As if you didn't know that already. FaithCast fam, I want to thank you once again for joining in. We're going to listen to um uh chapter five of my book Discernment: A Wake Up Call for a Generationally Cursed Society. I hope you guys check that out and pick up a copy when it comes out. I'm just previewing it on here, the audio book for you. And I hope you enjoy that. And before we do, let's just check out. I was just checking out today in American history. Today in 1861, Kansas became the 34th US State. That's pretty cool. Uh, 1936, the first baseball hall of fame. Um, the Frisbee was made in 1957. The first episode of Jerry Springer in 1991. I never liked that show. I did not, I do not care. I do not care about that. Uh the first successful gasoline-powered automobile in 1866. Well, that's kind of cool. But let's get back to the program. Um, we're gonna do a word from Neil Broach. Neil writes, uh, good morning. I hope you slept well last night. Here's a thought for today. And when he had found him, he brought him up to Antioch. And it came to pass that a year, a whole year, they assembled themselves with the church and taught much people, and the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. That's Acts 11, 26. He writes, so much emphasis is placed on labels and titles, the pressure of impressing people, the capabilities of communication like social media and the compulsion of pride will drive you to promote the grandest image of yourself. Up until this eleventh hour, up until this eleventh chapter in Acts, the followers of Jesus were known as believers or disciples. But as they assembled for a year in Antioch, the unsaved of that city took notice of them and came up with a label of their own for the disciples, Christians. This is where they were first called that name. So they resembled Christ in the way they lived, that others associated them with him. That's a great testimony. What a testimony, he says. You know, your social media platform's title and label you give yourself is one thing, but what do others call you? Is there a clear identification with Christ in the way you live that even lost people can tell? Granted, your witness for Christ should be vocally bold and unashamed, but what kind of sermon does your life preach? Most, if not all, have heard of Jesus and what he's all about. I just wonder if they see clear evidence in you that you're all about Jesus. Posting it, tattooing it, broadcasting it, and saying it might promote your public image, but living distinctively for Christ in this dark world will portray your personal integrity. As a result, they will call you Christian and you will have a tremendous impact on them. I prayed for you this morning. Have a great day. That's words from my buddy Neil Broach, and he said to give all the glory to God. He doesn't want any of it. I'm just telling you who wrote it. But um God put it on his heart, and I think that's a great, 100% great message. And guys, we're gonna listen to chapter five now. I hope you enjoyed the show earlier today. So here's chapter five. And guys, if you don't have a relationship with Jesus, you better get right. Roll it. Chapter five. Authority, influence, and the cost of discernment. A lot of people confuse influence with authority. Just because something is popular doesn't mean it has authority. Just because something reaches a lot of people doesn't mean it's from God. Influence can be bought, authority cannot. That's where people get tripped up. You can have millions of followers and still be spiritually bankrupt. You can have a platform and no authority. You can move crowds and still be operating outside of God's will. You see, Jesus warned about this. Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Then I tell then I will tell them plainly, I never knew you. That's Matthew chapter seven, verses twenty-two twenty three. The enemy understands influence very well. That's why deception spreads the way it does. It doesn't need truth, it needs attention. Authority doesn't chase attention. Influence lives off it. Scripture explains how deception works. Such people are false apostles, deceitful workers masquerading as apostles of Christ. That's Second Corinthians chapter eleven, verse thirteen. There are people who practice witchcraft, occultism, manifestation, sorcery, and forbidden knowledge who have real influence. Things happen. People feel things. Results show up. That's what confuses people. They assume results equal truth, but results don't prove authority, they prove access. Scripture warns us not to judge by outcomes alone. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power. That's Second Thessalonians chapter two, verse nine. You see, borrowed power can still produce outcomes. That's why Scripture never tells us to judge by appearances alone. A wizard, a warlock, or a sorcerer can make things happen. But that doesn't mean the source is God. God was explicit about this. Let no one be found among you who practices divination or sorcery. That's a Deuteronomy chapter 18, verse 10. People hear that and they get uncomfortable. But the Bible never denied the existence of other power sources. It warned us about them. The real question has always been, where does the power come from? Because power without authority always leads to bondage. Jesus made the contrast clear. The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that I may have that they may have life. That's John chapter ten, verse ten. The enemy doesn't mind people having power as long as they don't submit to God's authority. That's why counterfeit systems focus on empowerment without obedience. They promise control, enlightenment, healing, knowledge, and identity without repentance. Scripture warned this would be appealing. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. That's Second Timothy four three. That's the bait. Authority, on the other hand, comes through submission. You don't seize authority, you receive it. James explains this order clearly. Submit yourselves then to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. That's James four verse seven. That's why Jesus never borrowed power. He didn't tap into rituals, symbols, spells, or secret knowledge. He commanded authority. Scripture records he taught as one who had authority and not as their teachers of the law. That's Matthew chapter seven, verse twenty nine. Jesus spoke, demons obeyed. When Jesus commanded, storms listened, that's authority. Darkness can only influence. Jesus has authority. And there's a cost to walking in that authority. Authority will separate you. Jesus never hid that. Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. That's Matthew chapter 16, verse 24. People don't like discernment because discernment draws lines, it forces decisions, it removes neutrality. You can't unsee truth once you see it. That's why people resist discernment. It cost comfort. It cost tradition. It cost social acceptance. It cost influence. Scripture confirms this tension. Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings or of God? That's Galatians chapter one, verse ten. That's why a lot of people would rather stay focused than be clear. Because clarity demands action. Discernment exposes things people were enjoying. And once something is exposed, you can't keep participating without knowing you're compromising. And that's heavy. You don't get to claim ignorance anymore. Eternity is on the line. Scripture is direct about accountability. So then each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. That's Romans fourteen verse twelve. That's why Jesus said the road is narrow. Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life. Matthew chapter seven verse fourteen. You see, authority will cost you friends, it will cost you approval, it will cost you being like, but influence cost you the truth. People will follow influence for a season, but authority last. Authority just doesn't fade away when trends change. Scripture reminds us why. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. That's Hebrews chapter thirteen verse eight. That's why the enemy works so hard to blur authority and influence. If he can make influence look like authority, people will follow him. Anything. And that's where deception thrives. This isn't about fear, it's about alignment. You're either aligned with God's authority or you're borrowing power from somewhere else. You see, there's no middle ground. Scripture makes that final. No one can serve two masters. That's Matthew chapter six, verse twenty four. If you want the authority that breaks change, it only comes through Jesus Christ. There is no shortcut, there is no alternative source, there is no neutral position. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. That's Matthew chapter 28, verse 18. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ today, you better get right. Well, hello, Facebook fam, and we thank you for tuning in once again. We hope you like chapter 5. Check out the website www.forechrist ministry.com. And guys, once again, we love you. God loves you. And if you don't have a relationship with Jesus, you better get yourself right.