AUTHORITY

SERVE THOSE IN AUTHORITY AS YOU WOULD SERVE GOD.• Eph. 6:5 “Slaves, obey your

earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.”

• Eph. 5:22 “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.”

GET RID OF YOUR OLD NATURE

• We must surrender our rebellion to Christ.

• 1 Samuel 15:23 “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity of idolatry.”

Our Respect For Authority Is Shown In Four Areas Of Our Lives.

1. Family

2. Government

3. Work

4. Church

1 John 4:20-21 (The Message) “If anyone boasts, "I love God," and

goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a

liar. If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't

see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes

loving people. You've got to love both.”

Examine your submission to Christ through the

following areas…

Honoring Authority

• Jude 1:8-9 The angel, Michael controls his tongue towards the devil.

• 1 Sam. 24:2-7 David feels remorse for cutting King Saul’s robe.

Dishonoring Authority

• Num. 12:1-15 Miriam & Aaron murmur against Moses.

• Gen. 9:20-27 Noah’s son, Ham uncovers his father’s sin.

• Num. 16:1-3, 23-33 Korah’s rebellion against Moses.

Family• Ex. 20:12 Honor your father & mother.• Col. 3:20 Children obey your parents

in ALL things: this pleases the Lord. • Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4 Wives submit

yourselves to your husbands! • Eph. 5:21 “…submitting to one

another in the fear of God.”

Government• Rom. 13:1-7 “Everyone must submit

to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God…2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.

• 1 Peter 2:13-14 Submit yourselves to the ordinances of man…and to the governors & those appointed by him.

Work• Col. 3:22-24 “Servants, do what you're told by

your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.”

• 1 Pet. 2:18 Submit to your boss whether they are good or not!

Church• 1 Thess. 5:12-13 “…honor those who

are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work.”

• 1 Tim. 5:17-18 “Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.”

How to Honor Authority in the Church:

Cell Leaders1. Be an Armor Bearer at all times!

2. Learn to love and respect your cell leader.

3. Never talk negatively about them.

4. Always pray for and support them.

5. Love their family.

6. Help carry the duties of the cell…be a disciple.

Pastors1. Know your Pastor (his needs, likes,

dislikes)

2. Esteem him highly.

3. Double honor (Gk) Value, Highest Esteem, Dignity, Money (salary)

4. Follow him.

5. Obey and submit.

6. Bring joy to your Pastor

Conclusion• God has established ALL authority!• Submit to the leaders God has

placed over you in your family, government, work & church.

• Honoring authority brings great blessings!

• Rebelling against authority brings drastic consequences!

AUTHORITY