Walking with Jesus in Our Relationships
Responding to Unrighteous Authority
Text (Luke 7:1-10)
" When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered
Review
What 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.
The real issue with our attitude toward authority is our attitude toward God…! That is why God responds to us the way we respond to His delegated authority.
Why are godly people tempted to rebel against authority?
· Imperfection in those who exercise authority.
· Compassion for those under authority.
· Ambition to exercise authority.
· Lack of appreciation by those in authority.
· Unresolved offence toward those in authority.
How should I respond to unjust authority?
This really is the most difficult part of all scriptural understanding of authority.
"2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan." (Proverbs 29:2 NIV)
" 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 NIV)
The way we respond to unjust authority is one of the truest tests of our character.
1. Honor those in authority.
Going to spend a little more time on this first point, because it really is the foundation for all the other four points. If we get this right, the other four tend to fall into place on their own….!
· With our attitude / from our heart.
Child sitting down on the outside but standing up on the inside.
"17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." (1 Peter 2:17 NIV)
As Mom and Dad taught me, honor the office even when you do not have confidence in the person occupying that office…!
· With our words, both public and private.
Especially in our families and with our children.
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…”
o Satan loves to stir up gossip because it often lends itself to 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)
Another way Satan tempts us to sin against authority with our words is by inciting us to speak words of what the Scripture calls, “scorn” or “mockery.”
o Scorn is a form of disrespect and dishonor, particularly as it is expressed through mocking or ridiculing 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”)
"24 The proud and arrogant man—“Mocker” is his name; he behaves with overweening pride." (Proverbs 21:24 NIV)
"22 “How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?" (Proverbs 1:22 NIV)
"29 Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools." (Proverbs 19:29 NIV)
"25 Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke a discerning man, and he will gain knowledge." (Proverbs 19:25 NIV)
"20 The ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down—" (Isaiah 29:20 NIV)
o Be careful which radio stations you listen to during your drive time…! There is much mockery and scorn of authorities filling our airwaves. If you fill your spirit with these things, you will one day reap their bitter fruits…!
o 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
o Another example is that of the young men who ridiculed the prophet’s bald head and were eaten by bears…!
" 23 From there Elisha went up to
Thank God we are no longer under the law…!
- It is important to note the distinction between teasing that occurs within a loving, respectful relationships and scorn that stems from dishonor and disrespect…!
o 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…!)
"21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2:21-23 NIV)
o 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.)
o 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…!)
· With our actions.
Sons of Noah – reaction to their father’s nakedness (authority)
"20 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. 21 When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. 22 Ham, the father of
Even when we are grown and no longer under the direct authority of our parents with a legal, moral, and spiritual responsibility to obey them, we are still called upon to honor them.
"" Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:1-4 NIV) 16 “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you." (Deuteronomy 5:16 NIV)
"3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ 5 But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ 6 he is not to ‘honor his father’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition." (Matthew 15:3-6 NIV)
" 16 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” 18 “Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”" (Matthew 19:16-19 NIV)
2. Pray for those in authority.
" I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior," (1 Timothy 2:1-3 NIV)
· Pray for their welfare. (“Bless your enemies, pray for those who spitefully use / abuse you…”)
" 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. " (Matthew 5:43-48 NIV)
· Pray for their wisdom.
3. Forgive those in authority.
· Lest a “root” of bitterness springing up trouble you…
" 14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." (Hebrews 12:14-15 NIV)
· One symptom that you have unresolved offense toward prior authority is when you experience major emotion toward minor offence by a present authority.
o Do you find yourself on the job chafing at any attempt by a supervisor to coach you or correct you?
o Do you have a history of going from job to job, marriage to marriage, church to church, team to team, town to town?
4. Appeal to those in authority.
· Daniel’s conduct is a perfect example of righteous appeal to unjust authority.
o Appealing to his direct authority set the stage for intervention from a higher authority (in this case, for God to intervene - this required great faith…!)
"8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. 9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel, 10 but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.” 11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” 14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days." (Daniel 1:8-14 NIV)
· Daniel’s example also illustrates the very narrow context in which it is righteous to disobey authority – due to submission to a higher authority.
"10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward
· Abigail is another example.
"20 As she came riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, there were David and his men descending toward her, and she met them. 21 David had just said, “It’s been useless—all my watching over this fellow’s property in the desert so that nothing of his was missing. He has paid me back evil for good. 22 May God deal with David, be it ever so severely, if by morning I leave alive one male of all who belong to him!” 23 When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground. 24 She fell at his feet and said: “My lord, let the blame be on me alone. Please let your servant speak to you; hear what your servant has to say. 25 May my lord pay no attention to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name is Fool, and folly goes with him. But as for me, your servant, I did not see the men my master sent. 26 “Now since the Lord has kept you, my master, from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, as surely as the Lord lives and as you live, may your enemies and all who intend to harm my master be like Nabal. 27 And let this gift, which your servant has brought to my master, be given to the men who follow you. 28 Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the Lord will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my master, because he fights the Lord’s battles. Let no wrongdoing be found in you as long as you live. 29 Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my master will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God. But the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. 30 When the Lord has done for my master every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him leader over
o Disagree with Bill Gothard…!
o The argument can be made that Abigail was not seeking to protect herself, but others, i.e, her family, servants, etc.….!
· Recent situation with Charity’s test and her concern for grades. (Character is more important than academics...!)
5. Remove yourself out from under unjust authority.
· This can only be a legitimate response when we have first done the previous four, otherwise, we may simply be running away from a lesson that God wants to teach us or a God-given opportunity to exercise a righteous influence upon that unjust authority. (Believing wives winning unbelieving husbands through their righteous conduct while under unrighteous authority, etc.,…!)
· This should not be for reasons of comfort, only conviction, i.e., only when it is required by obedience to God’s higher authority…!
· Even among godly people, there can be honest disagreement about when this point is reached (cf. Romania
Invitation
1. Do you need God’s grace to honor or forgive someone in authority over you?
2. Do you need God’s help to know when, where, and how to appeal to an unjust authority?
3. Do you need to commit yourself to God’s authority by entering into a personal relationship with Him?
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…!
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.
“Gravitational nature of anointing”
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.
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)
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.
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