Austin Bible Church
There are many areas of authority in life. Today in America, there has been a breakdown in respect for the divinely-authorized authority that has made life wonderful in the U.S. and made it a great client nation. This lack of respect for legitimate authority has hit every area of life, from the concept of God as the sovereign power to the military and its chain of command.
When one has no respect for authority, then they becomes the authority, caring little and without concern for how their antics may affect others. They are a law unto themselves, little dictators never learning how God has distributed authority among the human race for their good and His glory.
Authority of God the Father
God has authority and He has claims on our life. It is our responsibility to respond to Him. Deut. 6:4-5; Jude 1:24-25.
""Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, NASB)
"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." (Jude 1:24-25, NASB)
God has authority over nature and nature always obeys. It is important for us to realize that nature obeys God because God has established the laws of nature and upholds them. Matt. 8:27; Mark 4:41; Luke 8:25; Rom. 8:20-22.
"The men were amazed, and said, "What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?"" (Matthew 8:27, NASB)
“They became very much afraid and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"” (Mark 4:41, NASB)
"And He said to them, "Where is your faith?" They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?"" (Luke 8:25, NASB)
“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.” (Romans 8:20-22, NASB)
God has authority over angels. Mark 1:27; 1 Peter 3:22.
"They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him."" (Mark 1:27, NASB)
"who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him." (1 Peter 3:22, NASB)
Authority of the Word of God
God’s authority in life is revealed through the written Word of God - Bible doctrine. God has commanded the believer to obey. These commands are always executed from God’s sovereignty and are carried out through the function of the grace apparatus for perception. God has exalted His Word (Bible doctrine) above His name. Psalms 138:2; Heb. 4:12.
"I will bow down toward Your holy temple And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name." (Psalms 138:2, NASB)
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, NASB)
God has delegated authority through His mandates in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Word of God is the final authority in matters of faith and practice. Deut. 11:27; 1 Sam. 15:22; Jer. 7:23; Jer. 7:25; Jer. 11:4; Jer. 11:7; Zech. 6:15; 2 Tim. 3:16-17.
"the blessing, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am commanding you today;" (Deuteronomy 11:27, NASB)
""But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you.'" (Jeremiah 7:23, NASB)
“which I commanded your forefathers in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, 'Listen to My voice, and do according to all which I command you; so you shall be My people, and I will be your God,'” (Jeremiah 11:4, NASB)
“"Those who are far off will come and build the temple of the LORD." Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And it will take place if you completely obey the LORD your God.” (Zechariah 6:15, NASB)
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NASB)
Authority of the Pastor-Teacher in the Local Church
The pastor-teacher in the local church is the authority to provide doctrinal or theological information from the Scripture. The pastor-teacher and church officers have authority over the congregation in the local church. Their authority comes from the divine institutions. The pastor is the ultimate authority in the local church government. 1 Cor. 16:15-16; 2 Cor. 10:8; 1 Thess. 5:12; Heb. 13:7; Heb. 13:17; Isaiah 54:17.
"For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame," (2 Corinthians 10:8, NASB)
“But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,” (1 Thessalonians 5:12, NASB)
"Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, NASB)
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:17, NASB)
If the pastor-teacher teaches the Word accurately, repeatedly, and categorically, he has authority. Eph. 4:11; Eph. 4; Heb. 13.
"And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers," (Ephesians 4:11, NASB)
This does not mean that the pastor can be a dictator or is perfect. Not at all! It means he must have authority if a local church is to function properly. All serious trouble begins in a local church when someone bucks the leadership in a local church. See category on Authority of the Pastor-Teacher.
Authority of Volition
Volition is free will and self-determination and is your authority and right to make choices for yourself. 2 Thess. 3:14-15; Gal. 5:22-23; the entire Book of Proverbs.
"If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, NASB)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NASB)
Authority of the Husband over the Wife in Marriage
The husband is delegated the authority leadership in marriage from God under Divine Institution #2 - Marriage. The authority of the husband is meant to provide great happiness in the marriage relationship. This authority and leadership stabilizes the love between husband and wife. Eph. 5:22; Col. 3:18.
"Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:22, NASB)
Authority of Parents Over Their Children
Parents are given authority over their children under Divine Institution #3 - Family. Parental authority is the basis for stability in society. Eph. 6:1-4, Col. 3:20, Gen. 4 – Gen. 10; 2 Tim. 1.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:1-4, NASB)
"Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord." (Colossians 3:20, NASB)
Children are to obey their parents in the Lord. Honor your father and mother is the first commandment with promise. The parent in the home has authority over their children and as such is to command respect and be respected. Children must be taught the truth of self-discipline. Prov. 25:28.
"Like a city that is broken into and without walls Is a man who has no control over his spirit." (Proverbs 25:28, NASB)
Children must be taught that the wrong crowd is the group that has no respect for authority, for privacy, for property, for rights, or for self-discipline. The child must be taught to have the Word at their finger-tips.
Authority of Government
Government has authority over its people to protect the sanctity of their freedom, property, and human life. The authority of government leadership is divinely delegated under Divine Institution # 4 – Nationalism. This involves respecting local police (traffic laws, lights and signs), the city level and mayor’s office, the state level and governor and the national level with the president, congress, etc. Rom. 12; 1 Tim. 2; Rom. 13; 1 Tim. 2.
This includes the authority of the policeman and the judge on the bench. Do you teach your children respect for the policemen or is he just a nuisance to you and someone to avoid? Do you teach your children that it is alright to break a law, if you don’t get caught? Matt. 22:21.
"They said to Him, "Caesar's." Then He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's."" (Matthew 22:21, NASB)
Laws regulate our lives for our own protection and include city zoning, traffic laws, drug laws, etc. The book of Deuteronomy gives this side of authority with regard to Israel which includes law enforcement over citizens. Rom. 13:1-7.
"Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." (Romans 13:1, NASB)
There is the authority of the judge on the bench from local judges to national judges. The book of Judges illustrates this principle. 1 Cor. 6:1-8.
“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” (Romans 13:1-7, NASB)
Authority in Business
Authority in business is designed to stabilize the economy. Economic authority resides in business executives, investors, and management. Management has authority over labor. Eph. 6:5; Col. 3:22.
"Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;" (Ephesians 6:5, NASB)
"Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord." (Colossians 3:22, NASB)
Do you recognize the authority of a boss or foreman in business or do you always buck the front office? Are you always griping about policies? 1 Tim. 6:1-2; 1 Peter 2:18.
"All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles." (1 Timothy 6:1-2, NASB)
"Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable." (1 Peter 2:18, NASB)
Authority of the Coach in Athletics
There is authority in athletics from the coach and referee. There must be discipline in the athlete and the coach cracks the whip to improve the athlete and to keep them in line. Many boys never make it in football because they don’t recognize the authority of the coach. They buck his discipline. He must have authority to build a better athlete. 1 Cor. 9:24-27.
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, NASB)
Authority in the Military
Military authority resides in commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers. Rank is absolutely necessary. Matt. 8:8-9.
“But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. “For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”“ (Matthew 8:8-9, NASB)
You may not like the drill sergeant, but he is dedicated to keeping the soldier alive in combat. Some who served in the military may not have liked that loud mouth drill sarge barking out the orders in close-order drill, but you knew he had authority. Judges 7:5-8 gives an illustration of well-disciplined soldiers who recognized the authority of the military.
“So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, "You shall separate everyone who laps the water with his tongue as a dog laps, as well as everyone who kneels to drink." Now the number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was 300 men; but all the rest of the people kneeled to drink water. The LORD said to Gideon, "I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped and will give the Midianites into your hands; so let all the other people go, each man to his home." So the 300 men took the people's provisions and their trumpets into their hands. And Gideon sent all the other men of Israel, each to his tent, but retained the 300 men; and the camp of Midian was below him in the valley.” (Judges 7:5-8, NASB)
In the military, all superior officers are in authority over those subordinate to them. Freedom through military victory is based on the principle of the authority of military rank. Neh. 4:13-15.
"then I stationed men in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, the exposed places, and I stationed the people in families with their swords, spears and bows. When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people: "Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses." When our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had frustrated their plan, then all of us returned to the wall, each one to his work." (Nehemiah 4:13-15, NASB)
Authority in Education
Teachers have authority over students. There is school authority in both academic and athletic administration, i.e., teachers and coaches. In academics, the teacher in the classroom and the school administration have authority over students. The teacher in a classroom is patterned from a pastor-teacher in the local church with one in authority. 2 Tim. 2:2.
"The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, NASB)
There must be respect for the teacher in a classroom! The school teacher and superintendent have authority and are to be respected. No one can teach without authority. 2 Tim. 4:2.
"preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2, NASB)