UNDERSTANDING AUTHORITY 1

MEMORY VERSE: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matthew 28:18

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Kings 11-15

What is authority? Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines authority as a “legal or rightful power; a right to command or to act; power exercised by a person in virtue of his office or trust; dominion; jurisdiction; authorization; as, the authority of a prince over subjects, and of parents over children; the authority of a court.” There are certain things you need to know about authority. Firstly, authority belongs to God. Psalm 62:11 says, “God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.” ‘All’ authority in heaven and on earth have been given to Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:18 says, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” What is the essence of authority? The essence of authority is to ensure order. Imagine a city without the police force or a judicial system. Imagine a world without NATO, UN, and other bodies. Psalm 115:16 says, “The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.” The Lord gave the earth to mankind to subdue it for Him. Genesis 1:28 says, “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” To help mankind subdue the earth, He gave Adam, the first man, some authority.

Secondly, God has delegated some of His authority to us. For example, He delegated some authority to our parents. Colossians 3:20 says, “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Also, He delegated some to our spiritual parents e.g. pastors, bishops, GSs, GOs, and so on. Ephesians 6:1 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” He delegated some authority to kings, presidents, prime ministers, leaders, managers, team leaders, supervisors, chairmen and chairwomen of organisation, police, armies, navy, etc. Proverbs 8:15 says, “By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.” Romans 13:1 says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” He delegated some authority to Fathers and husbands. Ephesians 5:23 says, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” It is important for those who God has given authority to, to know that they are not the owner of the authority and as such, the authority must not be used for selfish gains. The authority they are wielding is only a 'delegated authority' and they will give account. Mr Vice Chancellor, the authority you have over the university staffs, teaching and non-teaching staffs, is a delegated authority. So also, Mr Police officer/ Manager/ Great man of God , Husband, Father, Leader of establishment your authority is a delegated authority not yours.

NOTE: Because your authority (over your children, wife, people working underneath you, etc )is a delegated authority, you must use it in the best interest of the One who delegated the authority to you. You must not use your authority to bully people or promote people of your own colour or race. Your authority must be used solely for the advancement of the kingdom.

ACTION: Let's pray for our leaders that the Lord will give them wisdom and boldness.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world