"Godly Authority" by Julie White

This is the sermon preached by Julie White at PCCBC on Sunday 19th June, posted here by request. Warren's sermon entitled "Experiencing Salvation" preached on 26th June appears below it, or can be accessed on the side menu.

GODLY AUTHORITY

The purpose of ‘Godly Authority’ is to –

PROTECT
NOURISH
& LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Today we will look at Godly Authority from the viewpoint of one who has been given authority and also those who are under authority.

Firstly, let’s look at the difference between Godly Authority and this world’s authority. Simply put, this world’s authority is driven by EGO and POWER, but Godly authority is driven by LOVE and is powered by SACRIFICE and SERVICE.

Now, let’s look at how much value God places on authority and therefore how much we need to respect those who have been placed in authority over us. This will cover husband’s authority over their wives, parent’s authority over their children, pastors authority over their congregation and bosses having authority over their employees. If you feel that you don’t fit into any of these categories, then how about the fact that we are all under Christ’s loving authority.

Our first example is the biblical record of King David. Before David became king, Saul was anointed King, but Saul became disobedient to God’s authority. Samuel then anointed David as king, but God left Saul on the throne for a time, to test David’s faith and in particular his obedience to authority.

Let’s look at the background to this story. After David’s anointing, he was called into service to play the harp for Saul, to calm him. Then he volunteered to kill Goliath. Eventually he was called into service as a leader in Saul’s army. He then began a series of war campaigns for Saul, which ended in great victories. The Israelites began to sing his praises and Saul became jealous. Saul tried to kill David, but failed. He then thought the Philistines would kill David for him, but that didn’t work either. Saul then became very active in seeking to kill David.

In this example, Saul shows the worldly type of authority, affected by ego and power. You think that David could have rationalised to himself that he had the right to forcefully take Saul off the throne, after all he had been annointed as king by Samuel and Saul had proven himself to be a wicked and selfish king. However, this was not the case. Let’s look at David’s attitude to Saul and the authority he held.

1 Samuel 24:1-7 & 1 Samuel 26: 5-12

Please note in the first example, David’s men pushed him to take the opportunity, that they believe God had given them, to take Saul’s life. David resisted the temptation and instead only cut off a section of Saul’s robe. Even so, he repented quickly of what he had done, considering this act one of disrespect to Saul’s office of authority. If you read on, you will notice that when David did speak to Saul, it was with great respect, despite the fact that Saul was out to kill him, even though he was innocent.

In the second reading, there is another example of David trying to show Saul that he did not want to cause him any harm and in fact was innocent. Again David’s men tried to tempt David into taking Saul’s life, but he rebuked them and led them by example into not committing this sin.

Let’s now look at another example of Godly Authority and Worldly Authority. Let’s look at Moses. Moses, was an example of Godly Authority, he risked his life to enter Egypt to confront Pharoah. This was leading by example and obeying God, no matter the risk. He tried to nourish Israel to the point of exhaustion, until finally his father-in-law encouraged him to get help by selecting men from within Israel to help rule and guide the people. He was a willing instrument to protect God’s people, through his faith. Remember his courage at the ‘Red Sea’ when Phaorah’s army was in pursuit. He did not run and abandon the people, instead he stood his ground and the people were saved. God can do mighty things through faithful leadership. Therefore, Moses protected, nourished and led by example.

Now, let’s look at the other side of this subject. An example of disobedience to Godly Authority.

Numbers 12: 1-15

Miriam and Aaron began talking against Moses, behind his back. It really doesn’t matter what their problem was here, what matters is the way that they went about it. Instead of going to Moses and talking with him privately and with great respect about their concerns, they condemned him and talked amongst themselves. They could have taken their concerns higher up the chain of authority and directly laid them before God. Notice how forcefully God dealt with them, especially Miriam. Authority is an important part of God’s Kingdom and he has put great value on authority, not only the giving of it, but also the expectations of those under it. Notice that the way God disciplined Miriam was very public. All of Israel knew what had happened to Miriam. God wanted it to be an example that would be remembered. Not just for Israel then, but for spiritual Israel now.

Talking about spiritual Israel, let’s look at an example from the New Testament of how Godly authority works over the spiritual nation of Israel (or, God’s Church, the body of Christ).

Ephesians 4: 9-13

The authority that God has established in the Church, (spiritual Israel), is again created to protect, nourish and lead by example. Notice the scriptures are saying that those in leadership have been put there to build and unify the Church. In other words, to nourish. If you read on in v. 14, it talks about this leadership being instrumental in protecting God’s people from those who would try and take the truth from their hearts. Furthermore, in other scriptures, it condemns leaders who do not lead by example. Remember what Christ said to the Pharisees and Saducees about their conduct witnessed by the people.

As further evidence that God’s leaders must lead by example and in turn be obeyed, let’s look at – Hebrews 13: 7, 17.

Part of the protective aspect of Godly Authority is one of discipline. Discipline carried out in love is meant to protect us from the outcomes of sin.

2 Corinthians 12:20 – end and 2 Cor. 13: 1-2

This was obviously a heavy burden for Paul who appeared to prefer not to have to discipline the Church. However, he made certain that it was made clear to the people, that he would do what was necessary to protect the spiritual lives of those under his authority.

Now, let’s have a look at the authority God has set up in the family.

Ephesians 5: 22-33 [ed. note - actually start reading at 5:21]

Notice that in the first few scriptures it talks about wives being under their husband’s authority in everything. There is no exception to obedience mentioned here, other than the obvious one, which can be easily found in other scriptures, including those on the 10 commandments. I am speaking of the command to put God first in our lives, before all others. Therefore, if a husband asks his wife to do something that is in direct disobedience to God, she could respectively refuse. Also, remember, that although we are no longer under the law in the New Testament Church, we follow the spiritual principles of the law, as directed by Christ, when he stated that he had not come to do away with the law, but to enhance the law into the realm of the spiritual. If a wife is having particular trouble with the way her husband is using his authority, she has the option to discreetly talk with her pastor, or an older spiritually mature man in the Church. Both of these individuals may be able to encourage her husband to lead in love and consider his families needs. Ultimately, we can always go before the throne of God with our concerns. Remember, God honours a pure and meek spirit.

Also notice that God commands husbands to use their authority in love, manifesting it by sacrificing their desires for the sake of their wives wellbeing, as Christ sacrificed his whole being for the Church. In verse 26 it mentions the ‘word’ being used to cleanse the wife. Husbands, are you using God’s word to promote the spiritual holiness of your wives and children? Are you leading the family spiritually? If your wife refuses to be led, then hand this over to God, after that there is nothing further you need to do. However, God will still judge your efforts in this area and I encourage you to continue doing what you can to nourish your wives and children spiritually. Remember, Godly Authority is driven by love and powered by sacrifice and service.

Speaking of children, what does God say about the authority that is given to parents over their children.

Ephesians 6: 1-4

Please take special note of verse 4, which encourages the father’s authority to be given as a careful balance of training and admonition. In other words if you are forever criticising and berating your child, they will grow to despise themselves (and quite possibly the parent) and only be able to see their mistakes and failures. Instead, encourage them whenever possible by speaking of your love for them and of their worth in Christ. Guide them into doing the right things. When you do need to discipline them, make sure it is done with plenty of consideration and respect for the value and future dreams that God holds for them. Choose the words that you speak over your children wisely, remembering that words can be used as a weapon, or a protective shield of love that acts as a wall between them and the world’s negativity.

Some of the great leaders of Israel began their training for leadership as shepherds (remember David and Moses). This is because shepherds are a fantastic example of leaders who protect, nourish and lead by example. Shepherds were known to fight wild animals to protect the flock, (remember what David said he fought to protect his flock), take the sheep into the best pastures to nourish them and lead the sheep from the front of the flock through the sound of their voice. Sound familiar, remember the scripture that says that the sheep know the sound of their shepherds voice. Referring to God’s people knowing the sound of Christ’s voice in their lives.

Let’s now have a look at what God says to those shepherds who do not lead their flocks with Godly Authority.

Ezekiel 34: 1-10 and v. 23

Notice in verse 23, that David will be a shepherd over spiritual Israel in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Also notice how much passion God has for the role of authority being carried out as He created it to be.

Who is the ultimate shepherd? Christ our Lord.

John 10: 14-18

If you would like to read more about how Jesus feels about His role as our shepherd, read from verse 11-16.

I encourage all those who have been given authority, whether it be authority in the Church over God’s people, a boss over employees, a man over his family, or parents over their children – to exercise this authority in a Godly manner. To sacrifice and serve for the sake of those they are in authority over. So that their leadership can be a blessing, as they protect, nourish and lead by example.

Julie White - Chaplain