28/12/2022
AUTHORITY PART 2
Where does a leaderâs authority come from?
PROVERBS 21:1
The kingâs heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
ROMANS 13:1-2
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
God wants us to obey those in authority, who have been appointed to govern our lives. Unless they order us to denounce God or directly disobey his commands as found in the Bible, we should submit to them, even if we donât like what they are demanding. That doesnât mean we canât speak up and work for change, but it does mean we submit to our authorities, even if we think their ideas are not as good as ours.
MATTHEW 28:18-20
Jesus came and told his disciples, âI have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.â
JOHN 19:11
Then Jesus said, âYou would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.â
All authority comes from God and is given for the sake of fulfilling responsibility and contributing to the welfare of Godâs people and creation. Power is not given for its own sake, but for the sake of getting the right things down well. Leaders will answer to the Lord for how they steward the power and authority that have been entrusted to them.
How should authority be used? PHILIPPIANS 2:3-7
Use your authority for the sake of serving others. Leadership is for service.
MATTHEW 8:8-10
But the officer said, âLord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, âGo,â and they go, or âCome,â and they come. And if I say to my slaves, âDo this,â they do it.â When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, âI tell you the truth, I havenât seen faith like this in all Israel!â
The centurion displayed humility and faith in his understanding of authority. He knew both the power and the limitations of his authority. He did not presume that because he held a position of authority in the military that he could order the Lord around. He humbled himself for the sake of helping his own servant. This understanding of authority does not demand compliance, but instead wins commitment. Use your authority for the sake of serving others.
What can be dangerous about authority?
GENESIS 11:4
Then they said, âCome, letâs build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world.â
EZEKIEL 31:18
âO Egypt, to which of the trees of Eden will you compare your strength and glory? You, too, will be brought down to the depths with all these other nations. You will lie there among the outcasts who have died by the sword. This will be the fate of Pharaoh and all his hordes. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!â
2 CORINTHIANS 3:5
It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.
Authority and its corresponding power is intoxicating because with it comes recognition, control, and often wealth. Each of these things feeds pride, and pride leads you away from God and into sin. This is why the power that comes from authority so often corrupts. If you are in a position of power or authority over someone, two things will help you use it wisely: accountability and service. When you have to explain your motives to others, you will be more careful in what you do and say. And when you determine to serve others with your authority rather than be served, you will gain great support and loyalty from those you serve.
What if I have a bad attitude toward authority?
HEBREWS 3:7-10
That is why the Holy Spirit says, âToday when you hear his voice, donât harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness. There your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw my miracles for forty years. So I was angry with them, and I said, âTheir hearts always turn away from me. They refuse to do what I tell them.ââ
Sometimes it gets tiring being told what to do; you want to chart your own course and become your own person. But being your own person and being rebellious are two totally different things. Authority is not always a bad thing â the abuse of authority is a bad thing. Godâs authority, his rules, will not only save your life but will show you how to be successful and blessed. Donât rebel against that authority, because you jeopardize your very soul. Being your own person doesnât mean doing whatever you want to; it means using your God-given personality and talents to serve him through serving others. MATTHEW 20:26
But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,
JOHN 3:30
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
If you want to be looked up to by others, then have a servantâs heart, be willing to take responsibility for your actions (not passing the buck when itâs convenient), refuse to stay silent when things are wrong, and do not constantly seek glory for yourself. The world has taught you to look and act cool, to use coarse or foul language, to not respect authority, and to bend the rules as far as you can. But in the end, itâs the people who have consistently lived with kindness, integrity, and a deep love for God who will be most respected and honored.