recently read, “Spiritual Authority” by Watchman Nee.  The book comprises a series of messages delivered by Nee and later assembled into written form.  Touching on various aspects of authority, the author addresses the church body and authority relating to the life of the believer.  Solidly based on Scripture, the book answers the question, “What is authority and how does it apply to us today?”  The following is a compilation of thoughts inspired by my reading.

God’s throne is seated in authority.  Supreme authority alone belongs to God and every being was created under the authority of God.  Rebellion against God’s authority, first by Satan and his angels and later by man, constitutes the first recorded sins of time.  Satan and his followers were banished from heaven and in rebellion Satan proceeded to corrupt and assume authority over God’s creation beginning with His highest creation man.  Authority first and lastly, begins and ends with God.  Those who would live under God’s authority must put to death the flesh which is in rebellion against God’s rule.  Living under God’s authority is firstly living in obedience to God’s will.

Authority comes in two forms.  The first is direct authority from God.  The second is God’s delegated authority in the realms of home, church, and government.  In Scripture (Acts 1:1-19), we read the account of Saul on the road to Damascus when He encountered Jesus’ direct authority.  Saul was blinded by the light and led into Damascus.  Once there he submitted to the authority of Ananias and received back his sight.  This is a wonderful picture of authority.  Firstly, Saul encountered God’s direct authority meeting the person of Christ; secondly, Saul was healed by submitting to God’s delegated authority – Ananias.

It is much easier to recognize direct authority from God compared to his delegated authority.  It is also much easier to submit to the former rather than the latter.  Submitting to imperfect people is a much larger test of our character.  Who can stand before a holy God and not be moved?  None.  Yet, we can almost unconsciously resist delegated authority when it comes to us “disguised” per se.  The true mark of the Christian is submission to God’s delegated authority in whatever place they are.  When we recognize that we are not just dealing with the man voted into office, but God’s appointed authority, we see that in spurning his authority we despise God’s authority.

Not only are there those who are under authority, there are those who are in authority.  Those in authority must be those who have learned to live under authority.  The person in authority must be appointed by God and clearly recognize that as God’s delegated authority he is only free to operate so long as his actions align with God’s revealed will.  Judgments and decisions can not be made if there is no revelation of God’s will.  The path to authority is a lonely road, for a leader must be sanctified and set apart.  He can not enjoy the casual common pleasures and activities or he is no longer set apart, but common.  A sacrifice is made by true leaders, for they must be holy and sanctified before God and the congregation.

In conclusion we find that all men are indeed under God’s authority, yet some resist that authority and choose to ignore it.  God’s delegated authority sometimes strays into error when that authority does not rely on God but seeks autonomy.  Delegated authority is not free to make decisions according to it’s own whims.  If the church walks in a proper understanding of authority, the church will have an impact in world like never before.  However, we can know for certain that on the last day the authority of Christ will be revealed to all and (Philippians 2:10-11)“every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”.  Amen!