Submitted and Un-submitted Appetites pt 3: MARSHMALLOWS AND THE CHOICE BETWEEN HEAVENLY AND EARTHLY POWER

Fixate Phx - Pastor Micah Schoeplein June 21st, 2026

Scripture References:

MATTHEW 4:8-11

MARK 10:35-45

1. ALLEGIANCE DETERMINES THE SOURCE OF POWER. The greatest question about power is not what you can do with it, but where you believe it comes from. Jesus was offered the kingdoms of the world, but refused to gain power at the cost of false allegiance. Earthly power tempts us to compromise for quicker results, greater recognition, or more control by asking us to worship fallen things. Heavenly power begins with surrender, trusting God’s timing and God’s ways. Before God entrusts us with influence, He first tests our allegiance… and the worst thing that can happen is when you have influence but do not know where your allegiance is..

2. Earthly power produces pride; humility determines how well we handle power. Throughout Scripture, the temptation of power is ultimately the temptation of pride. Whether it was Satan offering Jesus the world, the disciples debating who would be greatest, or rulers believing they were the source of their own authority.. earthly power consistently feeds pride, self-reliance, and arrogance. Heavenly power works in the opposite direction—it produces surrender, dependence, and humility before God. It recognizes that every position, opportunity, and measure of influence is entrusted by God and ultimately belongs to Him.

3. Trust God’s sovereignty more than human authority. Scripture repeatedly shows that God raises up kings and removes them. Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, Babylon, and Rome all seemed permanent, yet every earthly power eventually faded. Our hope is not in who sits on an earthly throne, but in the God who rules over every throne. Power is not just about earthly thrones of others we swear allegiance to, it's also about the thrones we seek to build in hopes people swear allegiance to us.. Submitted power is the recognition that any power I have is borrowed from Jesus.