What are God-ordained authority structures?Structures of Authority
order in the home, church, workplace, and governmentRecognizing and obeying the one in charge brings security and order to a group. Each person looks to the leader for direction and accountability, and he or she provides guidance for working through questions or problems that arise. The one in charge is ultimately responsible for the activities and productivity of the group. In the Bible, God outlines authority structures that provide direction for the family, church, workplace, and government. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1). God Is the Source of All AuthorityBy virtue of Who He is as creator of all things, God is the sovereign ruler of the universe. He has all power and all authority, and He entrusts roles of leadership to individuals in the family, the church, the workplace, and the government. The orderliness we find in structures of authority reflects the order of God’s own nature. God is a Trinity: the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The Father sent the Son into the world as Savior and Redeemer. (See I John 4:9.) Jesus was obedient to God the Father. (See John 5:19.) When Jesus returned to heaven, He and the Father sent the Holy Spirit to comfort Jesus’ disciples, lead them in all truth, remind them of the words of Jesus, and empower them to carry out Jesus’ commission to spread the Gospel. (See John 14:26, 15:26, and Acts 1:8.) Each member of the Trinity works within the structure of authority and fulfills a specific role, perfectly complementing the others and demonstrating God’s glory. The members are not independent of one another, but God the Father is recognized as the authority Who directs and empowers the Son and Holy Spirit to carry out His will. Four Biblical Authority StructuresGod ordained human authority in four areas and established a specific chain of command in each area. This structure does not express superiority or inferiority. Just as each member of the Trinity is essential to express the fullness of God, so within social structures each role in the chain of authority is necessary for the success of the relationship.
Human authorities are accountable for how they exercise their authority. They are responsible to provide protection and direction for those under their care, to punish those who do wrong, and to praise those who do well. Those under authority are accountable to God for their responses to authority. Since God placed authorities over us, to obey them is to submit to God’s design and authority in our lives. If an authority asks us to do something that is wrong, we need to appeal to him and explain why we cannot violate God’s laws. “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23–24). “. . . Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (I Peter 5:5–7). Accountability is a foundational premise on which all relationships are built. As children of God, children of earthly parents, parents of our own children, employees, employers, and citizens of communities, each of us must wisely carry out his responsibilities both as an instrument of authority and as one who is submitted to authority. Thus, God’s design can be implemented in our relationship with Him, our families, our communities, and our nations.
0 Comments
Revelation 18:4King James Version (KJV)4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
What is an "umbrella of protection"?Understanding “Umbrellas of Protection” embracing the Biblical principle of authorityAn umbrella is designed to provide protection from various elements of nature: rain, hail, snow, wind, or sunshine. As long as a person is under an umbrella, he finds shelter from harsh weather conditions. If he steps out from under the umbrella, he exposes himself to the environment. God-given authorities can be considered “umbrellas of protection.” By honoring and submitting to authorities, you will receive the privileges of their protection, direction, and accountability. If you resist their instructions and move out from their jurisdictional care, you forfeit your place under their protection and face life’s challenges and temptations on your own. Jurisdictional UmbrellasGod is the ultimate umbrella of protection over all people. He rules over the universe and governs in the affairs of nations. He defines the parameters of His umbrella of protection by the commands in His Word, the Bible. When you honor God’s authority, obeying His Word, you will enjoy the protection of living within His jurisdiction. Under the overarching umbrella of His protection, God has established significant jurisdictional structures:
Consequences of RebellionThe concept of an umbrella of protection is illustrated in what the prophet Samuel said to Israel’s King Saul when Saul disobeyed God’s instructions: “Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft” (I Samuel 15:23). Those who participate in witchcraft directly interact with destructive, satanic influences. Rebellion is similar, because through disobedience you remove yourself from God’s full protection and are therefore far more susceptible to the attacks of Satan. For example, when God created Adam and Eve, He commanded them not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. As long as they honored His instructions, they enjoyed ideal living conditions and freedom from pain and death. When Adam and Eve resisted God’s Law, they resisted His protection and succumbed to Satan’s temptation. God held them responsible for their rebellion and brought on the consequences of sin, suffering, and death, which plagued their lives and affected all their descendants. (See Genesis 2:16–3:19.) If you resist God-given authorities, you will experience God’s judgment. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake” (Romans 13:1–5). Responsibility of Those in AuthorityIndividuals in authority need to embrace their God-given responsibilities by protecting, leading, and providing for those in their jurisdiction. If an umbrella is torn or broken, it can’t provide the protection it was designed to give. In the same way, when leaders fail, the people “under” their jurisdiction often suffer the consequences along with the leader. When a leader fails, he is no longer protecting those under his care, and therefore they are exposed to the attacks of Satan. Those under authority may feel the impact of the leader’s failure so acutely that they notice the problem even before the leader himself is aware of it. The attacks of the enemy can be manifested in many forms, including health problems, overwhelming temptations, unusual cycles of doubt or depression, nightmares, or unexplained conflicts. This cause-and-effect sequence should motivate leaders to make wise decisions and live uprightly, because even their “hidden” sins can bring harm to those under their care. It also motivates those under their authority to know their leaders and to help them make wise decisions by offering encouragement and making appeals when necessary. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17). |