We're so glad you're all here today!
Heavenly Father,
We ask that in our worship service today, You would fill us with Your Holy Spirit and Your power so that when we leave and go out into the world, we may speak the word of God with boldness and effectiveness; and we pray and ask it in Jesus’ mighty name.
Amen
Last time, in our study of Understanding the Authority of God,
we studied our responsibility to submit to civil government.
So now, we'll take it to the next level…
An excellent question was raised....
How far do we go in submitting to ungodly authority?
Let's look to the best source for any and all questions...
Scripture!
"And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”
But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
Gamaliel’s Advice
When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ."Acts 5:27-42
The answer is found in verse 29!
When ever a delegated authority requires us to go against God’s moral law, we must with gentle firmness yield to the supreme authority!
Ultimately, this is our highest calling to obey the King of Kings!
All authority flows down from Him.
"Let every soul be subject
to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from
God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For
he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid;
for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an
avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor."
The Church:
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves."
1 Thessalonians 5:8-13
So what does Scripture mean by "recognize" and "over"?
It simply means to be aware of, consider, perceive and preside by rank
GOD SETS AUTHORITY IN THE CHURCH
Church & Civil are EQUAL but they overflow
Each one able to correct the other except the church has not police!
Honor the Elders
"Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine."
Elders that rule well
Preachers & teachers
Corinth was told to submit to the first converts Stephanas, because of their sacrificial service.
Because of 1 Corinthians 11, Men are to represent the authority of God, while woman represent the church.
The spirit world also has authority levels!
Remember Michael contending with Satan, however, he did not rebuke him!
This is similar to David submitting to Saul’s fading authority!
A Christian should have 2 great senses in his life:
1. Sense of Sin
2. The other of Authority
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
A Christian should have 2 great senses in his life:
1. Sense of Sin
2. The other of Authority
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you
The Lord life up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Now and forever, in Jesus' name
Amen
And be gracious to you
The Lord life up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Now and forever, in Jesus' name
Amen
Brian Monzon Ministries