Walking with Jesus in Our Relationships
Understanding Spiritual Authority
Text (Luke 7:1-10)
" When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered
Mention Push, Stretch, Breathe cds…! (Background to "When God Parts the Waters")
Review
Last week, after a brief detour into the book of Exodus, we returned to our ongoing study of the life of Jesus Christ as described by Luke in his Gospel record.
Last week, after looking at the miracle itself in a previous message, we asked the question, "Why did this man receive this great miracle?" The most apparent reason is quite obviously because of his faith. It was so great that Jesus marveled over it…! The question then arises, "What gave rise to his great faith?" Upon closer examination, we can see that his faith resulted from other qualities in his life. And so, in my last message on this subject, we took a long look together at why this man received this great miracle…
· He came in great need.
o "…servant sick and about to die…"
· He came with compassion.
o He felt his servant's need and he cared deeply "entimos" for his servant.[1]
· He came with great wisdom.
o Luke – "…sent some elders of the Jews…"
· He came in great humility.
o "…Lord…" (not divinity, but superiority)
· He came with great respect.
o "…not worthy for you to come under my roof…"
· He came with great faith.
o "…you do not even need to come under my roof, say the word, and my servant will be healed…"
Where did his great faith come from? The answer is found in his own words: His words indicate that it was his grasp of the nature, role, and power of authority. He was a man who was under authority and who understood authority and this is what gave rise to his great faith and set the stage for him to receive his miracle, i.e., for God to "part the waters" of incurable sickness on his behalf…! Understanding the nature, limits, role, and blessings of authority in our lives helps us navigate some of the most important yet difficult relationships in our lives. Because they involve authority, these relationships can be among the most painful and also the most problematic of our lives. If we sin, directly impacts those under our authority. If we suffer abuse of any kind, it is the most damaging when it comes from someone who is over us in authority. The ability to walk out these relationships in a God-honoring way is not only an important test of our Christian character and maturity, but also a key to our destiny. God takes our attitude toward authority so seriously that He will not let us experience the full unfolding of His plan without getting this part right…!
Last week, we specifically asked the question, "What then is the relationship between faith and submission to authority?"
· Submission to authority requires faith that God is sovereign.
· Submission to authority requires faith that God is active.
· Submission to authority requires faith that God is good.
· Submission to authority requires faith that God is just.
Next week, Lord willing, I am going to talk with you about the reasons we rebel against authority and I am going to give you some basic, biblical steps to take when find yourself unjustly treated by an authority. This morning, I want us to probe a little deeper into this Roman army officer's understanding of authority that gave rise to such great faith.
What did the Centurion understand about authority?
1. Spiritual authority is real.
"When I speak, things happen, so I believe that when you speak, things will happen."
"I say 'do' and he does…!"
Our attitude toward spiritual authority is often what determines how much of God's supernatural power we experience in our lives.
You may not understand it or respect it, but your disbelief does not in any way contradict it…! Kingdom authority is is real because the King is real…!
This centurion recognized the power of Caesar, but he also recognized the power of Christ.
Giving our hearts to Jesus means entering into His Kingdom now, so that His authority is the ultimate authority in every area of our lives.
2. Spiritual authority is supernatural.
Spiritual authority is spiritual, not necessarily natural.
One of the greatest mistakes that has been made throughout human history, sometimes by well meaning people, is some attempt or another to legislate, institutionalize, organize, or somehow impose spiritual authority in the natural realm. This has led to cults and dramatic social upheaval. (Anabaptists, cults, etc.) It is important to remember that the ultimate expression of God's kingdom on earth will only come when Jesus returns Himself to rule and reign as "King of Kings" and "Lord of Lords…"
"23 At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. 24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time. 26 "So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. 27 For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." (Matthew 24:23-27 NIV)
The centurion knew he had very real civil authority, but recognized that Jesus had spiritual authority.
Centurion was the conqueror, humanly speaking, Jesus was the conquered, yet the centurion recognized his authority.
"13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 "What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in
"25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. 26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." 1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." (1 Corinthians 1:25-2:5 NIV)
The centurion knew Christ's authority could bring about miraculous healing.
The centurion knew he had authority over soldiers, but that Jesus had authority over sickness, so he can with an attitude of respect and honor for the spiritual authority he sensed in Jesus.
Do you respect the anointing of the Holy Spirit?
Note, "touch not mine anointed..." and "…do my prophets no harm…" does not imply a lack of accountability…! (In fact, that verse was speaking, at least in part, of all of
"17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism." (1 Timothy 5:17-21 NIV)
Peter at Council at Jerusalem re: Gentile's being baptized in the Holy Spirit; role of women in God's Kingdom economy; etc.
In order to receive more spiritual power, I must walk in more grace.
Cf. "Gravitational nature of anointing" (flows downward from head to body, etc.)
"1 A song of ascents. Of David. How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes." (Psalm 133:1-2 NIV)
Ø One of the ways Satan corrupts spiritual authority is by counterfeiting the prophetic and the miraculous, or by drawing our attention more toward someone's anointing than toward their character. "By their fruits you shall know them…not just by their gifts…!"
" 15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" (Matthew 7:15-23 NIV)
3. Spiritual authority is influential.
The centurion did not just have a position, but had a relationship (sent elders). He also cared for his slave.
Ø In order to increase my authority, I must grow in compassion and influence.
In God's Kingdom today, virtually all exercise of spiritual authority between humans is exercised through counsel, not command. Even Paul's admonition to Timothy to "command" those who are rich…" was a call to speak, not to oblige.
"17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV)
When Jesus walked the face of the earth, He called men and women to follow Him, but He did not compel them to follow Him. (In the ultimate sense, even banishment to eternal punishment is simply God following through on man's choice.)
Annanias and Sapphira – You were not obligated to sell this property, and once sold, the proceeds were entirely yours to do with as you wished. Why, then did you lie to the Holy Spirit?
" Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. 3 Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God." 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him." (Acts 5:1-6 NIV)
One of the ways that Satan corrupts our respect for spiritual authority is by slandering those in authority over us. "Receive not an accusation against an elder but at the mouth of two or three witnesses. Let every word be established…"
Run from the scorner, even if you think what they say is true…!
One particularly insidious way we sin with our tongues is through what the Scripture calls, "scorn" or "mockery."
Scorn is a form of disrespect and dishonor, particularly as it is expressed through words. Scripture has much to say about this kind of speech.
"10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended." (Proverbs 22:10, NIV) (KJV – "scorner")[2]
One of the most infamous examples of scorn in the Scripture is that of Shimei, who cursed David, pelting him with stones and throwing dirt on him as he fled Jerusalem before his rebellious son, Absalom (2 Samuel 16:5-17). Abishai wanted to cut his head off, but David forbade him from doing it. Later, when David was restored to the throne, Abishai came to him before anyone else, begging his forgiveness, and David allowed him to live. (2 Samuel 19:16-23). Before he died, though, David told his son Solomon to keep his eye on Shimei (1 Kings 2:8-10). Why? I think it was because David knew that it is very difficult for someone like Shimei to change their attitude toward an authority toward which they have developed an attitude of scorn…! Solomon told Shimei to build a house in
Satan loves to stir up gossip because it often lends itself to slander.
One common way we sin with our tongues is through gossip and slander…
"20 Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. 21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. 22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts. 23 Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart." (Proverbs 26:20-23, NIV)
"22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts." (Proverbs 26:22, NIV)
Listening to a gossip (someone who tells you someone else's secrets) is about as foolish as dating a girl behind another guy's back. After all, if she betrayed him to go out with you, she will betray you to go out with someone else…!
Paul lists gossip right up there with other, shocking sins, even listing it a sign of a reprobate mind…!
"28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. " (Romans 1:28-32, NIV)
How should we respond when slandered?
Be sure that it is slander and not simply criticism…! (1 Peter – be sure that you are suffering for righteousness's sake and not as an evil-doer…!)
Jesus was reviled, but reviled not again…! (Did not return slander for slander…!)
When we defend ourselves, God cannot defend us. If we commit ourselves and our reputations to Him, He will defend us ("every tongue that will rise against us in judgment we will condemn…", etc.)
The point is not our reputation when we are slandered, but the impact those things have on other, innocent people (It is not about the man, it is about the plan…!)
4. Spiritual authority is delegated.
The centurion knew you had to be "under" authority in order to "have" authority.
Ø In order to exercise Christ's authority, I must be submit to Christ's lordship.
This principle gets to the heart of what is so difficult and problematic about spiritual authority – A perfect God delegates His authority to very imperfect human beings…! (Parents, Presidents, pastors, and other leaders)
The way we respond to delegated authority reveals our true attitude toward higher authority.
God takes this issue of our attitude toward delegated authority very seriously – "What is Aaron, that you murmur against him?"
One of the wonderful truths in the New Testament is that Jesus has given us His authority…
Seven sons of Sceva – tried to exercise the authority of Christ's name without personal, intimate knowledge of Christ's person and it did not work…!
One of the reasons Satan works so hard to undermine the respect we have for our leaders is that he knows we cannot have spiritual authority unless we are under spiritual authority…!
5. Spiritual authority is limited.
We can only exercise divine authority within the sphere of our God-given assignment. (Paul at Antioch vs. Paul at Jerusalem
Jason- "…'buke you in the name of Jesus!"
Ø In order to exercise authority, I must recognize the limits of my calling and gifts.
" your apostles…"
6. Spiritual authority is beneficial.
"Covering" – As we respond to the authority God has placed in our lives, we position ourselves to receive the greatest amount of His blessings possible in our lives, because He uses His delegated authority to guide us, care for us, protect us, promote us, and prosper us.
Next week, I am going to deal with the issue of rebellion, a sin we all are tempted to commit. I am going to talk about its causes and its consequences, but also about biblical ways of responding to unjust authority.
Notes:
Beware the flattering tongue, especially if pretends to be prophetic…!
"17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people." (Romans 16:17-18, NIV)
- I am amazed, by the way, at how many people fall for false prophets and false prophecies simply because they are flattering in nature…!
- 1 Kings 22 tells the end of Ahab, how he had four hundred false prophets around him who told him what he wanted to hear. There was only one true prophet, Micaiah, who told him what he needed to hear…!
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