Authority for any kingdom minded person is not a new concept though it can be difficult to grasp. I personally am yet to fully appreciate all that pertains to Kingdom authority but with the little I do know I understand that it's an instituted kingdom infrastructure, like a pillar on which it’s very foundations rests.
Colossians 1:16 "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:" (KJVS)
Authority at its different levels or cadres was made by God Himself as part of His desire for self-expression, that His fullness can find free reign by reason of those He delegates authority to. The delegation of authority to other created beings is part of God's way of maintaining order and efficiency, provided those in question remain within the boundaries of what has been delegated and stay in the scope for which their authority is functional and appropriate.
If this is the picture in Heaven, then it's only natural that the Church that has been ordained to replicate the shape and dimensions of God's Kingdom here on Earth should follow suit, because as is written in scriptures “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven,” as said by Jesus Christ Himself written in Matthew 6:10
Ephesians 4:11-12 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; [12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" (KJVS)
Ephesians 1:22-23 "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." ((KJVS).
Luke 10:19 "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (KJVS)
Here are number of examples of authority as should be demonstrated by and within the Church. My emphasis on this short exhortation is authority within the Church using Ephesians 1:22-23 that talks about the fivefold and 1st Timothy 5:17 as anchor scriptures.
1 Timothy 5:17 " Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine." (KJVS)
Scriptures talk about people who are "elders" in the Church and as such should be respected on the basis of the position they occupy, not because these men are infallible but by reason of time, submission to process and the dealings of God upon their lives, their experiences and the allocation of grace given them; they have obtained stature with God and have a say or in simpler terms they have more "mouth" than you do.
The recommendation from scriptures is that we listen to them, follow their instructions and submit to them as unto God.
Hebrews 13:17 "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (KJVS)
1 Peter 5:5 "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." (KJVS)
This institution is for our benefit and edification. There is liberty in the Church no doubt but liberty without constraint and reference is a highway to destruction, we exercise liberty and freedom in submission to authority which is why scriptures has said where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty or in other words, there is liberty where is Spirit is Lord.
The benefits of submitting to Church authority include
1. An avenue for accountability: It is important for there to always be someone we are answerable to as this can help us develop an accurate personal and corporate structure as well as fostering integrity.
Acts 20:17-21 KJV And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. (18) And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, (19) Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: (20) And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, (21) Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. A sign of growth and maturity: Submitting to recognized and God ordained heads in the Lord’s house is a good index to measure the degree of an individual’s growth and spiritual maturity, spiritual babes find it difficult to submit to an authority figure.
3.Preservation of order, love and unity: When the chain of authority in the Church is not violated, order and unity can be maintained. Considering the greater good of the assembly and an act of selflessness in faithful obedience and submission to authority is a way of expressing love for those over us and likewise other brethren too.
4. Development of humility
1 Peter 5:5 KJV Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
5. Safeguard from Spiritual and physical attacks (covering): Simply taking into consideration the principle that an anointing you do not honor cannot work for you.
James 5:14 KJV Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
6. Entitlement to Spiritual heritage and inheritance: The portion of the fathers can only flow to genuine sons; true son-ship thrives on the platform of faithfulness, loyalty and submission.
1 Timothy 4:14 KJV Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
7. Platform for expression, as well as endorsement:
Acts 9:27-30 KJV But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (28) And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. (29) And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecian's: but they went about to slay him. (30) Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
Acts 15:22 KJV Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
These are just a few advantages of coming under authority with a heart of submission. It is better not to be under a house than to be part of a house where you cannot submit to the governing authority. An accurate house will have authority instituted by God Himself through His representatives, defying this is equivalent to resisting God.
These are just a few advantages of coming under authority with a heart of submission. It is better not to be under a house than to be part of a house where you cannot submit to the governing authority. An accurate house will have authority instituted by God Himself through His representatives, defying this is equivalent to resisting God.
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