Gate City Family Worship Center Study Room:

SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY:

 

What is Spiritual Authority?

 

According to Webster, one of the definitions for authority is a person(s) in command. Therefore, anyone who holds a “commanding” position has the title or is holding the office of a person in authority. In fact he is an authority figure. The office of an authority figure is not something one just happens upon. No, quite the contrary, the office of authority is given and ordained by God thus making the one in authority a messenger and servant of God. He is God’s delegated authority. To rebel against one who is in authority is to rebel against God Himself.

 

Romans 13:1-5 (NIV)

[1] Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [2] Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. [3] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. [4] For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

 

Romans 13 1-5 clearly affirms the fact that authority, regardless of who holds the office, is to be obeyed. To rebel against authority is to operate under the principles of Satan. Rebellion is Satan’s middle name!

 

The revelation of God’s word and His principles is what the people of God need to move freely in the blessings of God. Rebellion against authority may not always be intentional. Because there is not clear concise understanding or authority and because today’s society advocates the challenge of authority many believers are unintentionally operating as witches.

 

I Samuel 15:23a (KJV)

[23a] For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft...

 

Because of rebellion, Satan was cast from heaven and lost his position as God’s personal minstrel. Rebellion violates God’s authority. Having an understanding of authority allows the opportunity to walk in the blessings of God, knowledge is ascertained, and life is lived abundantly.

 

Hosea 4:6a (KJV)

[6a] My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

 

Proverbs 4:7-8 (KJV)

[7] Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. [8] Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

 

It is imperative for the children of God to walk in obedience to authority. In order to walk in obedience to authority one has to position himself so the principles of authority can be received. Embrace knowledge as knowledge divinely walks you into the path of spiritual authority.

 

La'Trisa Howard

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