Spiritual Authority

[WalkerAllan]

SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY​

Jesus laid the foundation for the exercise of God’s authority in the church, when he said:
You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:25‑28, NIV)

The Lord was here defining two different types of authority.

• The first we could call “worldly authority” by which human societies are governed.
• The other is “spiritual authority” which is God’s authority as exercised within the Body of Christ.

These two types of authority are fundamentally different.

Those who exercise worldly authority have the power to tell others what they must and/or can't do or say, and to punish, in some way or other, those who would challenge that authority.

Spiritual authority, however, is not something that is to be exercised over God’s children. Rather it is exercised on behalf of God’s children. Its purpose is to control and overcome the dark forces which exist in the spiritual environment (the “air”) in which we live (Ephesians 2:1‑2) and which seek to hinder the fulfillment of God's purpose in our lives.

In other words, worldly authority is about coercion while spiritual authority is about enablement.

Imagine for a moment a platoon of soldiers advancing through a dense tropical jungle. Two of them have taken the lead and are out front hacking away at the dense undergrowth, cutting down the bamboo and clearing a path through the leaves and branches. The other members of the platoon then walk down the cleared pathways not just because they have to but because they can. Those who have gone before are enabling those following to most effectively fulfill their allotted tasks.

In like manner, those who exercise spiritual authority are forging paths through the spiritual jungles of this world on behalf of others. The pathways thus forged are of an infinite variety and are created in many different ways. But they have the common purpose of contributing to the creation of spiritual environments in which God’s children can grow in grace, develop their God-given gifts and, by so doing, most effectively fulfill the calling that God has placed upon their lives.

In this way those that go before are acting as servants to their fellow members of the Body of Christ.

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[Corban]

SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY​

Jesus laid the foundation for the exercise of God’s authority in the church, when he said:
You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:25‑28, NIV)

The Lord was here defining two different types of authority.

• The first we could call “worldly authority” by which human societies are governed.
• The other is “spiritual authority” which is God’s authority as exercised within the Body of Christ.

These two types of authority are fundamentally different.

Those who exercise worldly authority have the power to tell others what they must and/or can't do or say, and to punish, in some way or other, those who would challenge that authority.

Spiritual authority, however, is not something that is to be exercised over God’s children. Rather it is exercised on behalf of God’s children. Its purpose is to control and overcome the dark forces which exist in the spiritual environment (the “air”) in which we live (Ephesians 2:1‑2) and which seek to hinder the fulfillment of God's purpose in our lives.

In other words, worldly authority is about coercion while spiritual authority is about enablement.

Imagine for a moment a platoon of soldiers advancing through a dense tropical jungle. Two of them have taken the lead and are out front hacking away at the dense undergrowth, cutting down the bamboo and clearing a path through the leaves and branches. The other members of the platoon then walk down the cleared pathways not just because they have to but because they can. Those who have gone before are enabling those following to most effectively fulfill their allotted tasks.

In like manner, those who exercise spiritual authority are forging paths through the spiritual jungles of this world on behalf of others. The pathways thus forged are of an infinite variety and are created in many different ways. But they have the common purpose of contributing to the creation of spiritual environments in which God’s children can grow in grace, develop their God-given gifts and, by so doing, most effectively fulfill the calling that God has placed upon their lives.

In this way those that go before are acting as servants to their fellow members of the Body of Christ.

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I have issue with neither your theory nor your analogy. I would simply like to add to it. First, we must define "spiritual". When something is "spiritual" is is one of two things;

1. It has, as its nature and substance, spirit. God is a Spirit and so are His angels (Jn.4:24, Ps.104:4, Heb.1:7). Their substance and nature is spirit, making them "spiritual".
2. It has, as its ORIGIN, the Holy Spirit. In 1st Corinthians 12 we a number of "talents", or "capabilities" which are called "spiritual gifts". To teach is not spirit in substance. But it was give by - it had its ORIGIN in - it precedes from, the Holy Spirit.

It is at once clear then that "spiritual authority" - although this phrase is never found in the Bible - is an authority given by and enforced by the Holy Spirit. probably, one of the best examples of this is found in Numbers where Korah, a noble Levite, takes on Moses. We pick up in Numbers 16:3-4;

3 "And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?
4 And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face"

Now, the facts favored Korah. He was a Levite. He was a "man of renown", and Moses had a Gentile wife, which although he took BEFORE the giving of the Law, was now a problem. Added to this, who was this Moses who appeared out of the desert and took command of the Exodus? Moses knows all of this, but he does not fall on his face in guilt. Moses knew what "authority" was. In Romans 13:1; we learn what Moses knew. "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."

Mose knew that, (i) if God had given HIM (Moses) the authority, nothing could move it. Moses, as a man, need do NOTHING. The dispute would fall to him anyway because "authority" it was OF God, or (ii) if God was finished with his leadership, and was about to replace him, Moses knew that he would just fade into obscurity. There was nothing to defend if the All-mighty has decided on a change of Leader.

If you are an Elder in an Assembly, and some ambitious ones want to take your Eldership - fall on your face before the Lord in private. If God wants to replace you, it is best you go quietly, lest you fall into a pit or a lion gets you. If God wants to uphold you, you don't have to do a thing. Your adversary will be the one to experience a pit. A man by himself can do nothing unless it is given by God (Jn.5:19). Your authority can come from three sources - all from God:

1. You have natural authority. This is given to you by God from the womb
2. You are given authority by one higher than you. Both are from God
3. You are given authority directly from God

Perhaps we can close with Paul and Barnabas. Barnabas was a leading figure in the Church. He was around, and serving the Lord, long before Paul came onto the scene. But God 's choice was Paul. A seeming small issue of whether or not Mark was up to missionary journeys was decisive. "For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you" (1st Corinthians 11:19 - NKJV). God allowed this dispute between two great Christians - and we never hear of Barnabas' ministry again in the Bible after Acts 15:39. Paul is the man of God's choice - and you can do nothing about it. THAT ... is SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY - authority given by the Holy Spirit.

 

[WalkerAllan]

It is at once clear then that "spiritual authority" - although this phrase is never found in the Bible - is an authority given by and enforced by the Holy Spirit.

The Distribution of Authority​

Yes. Spiritual authority is distributed among the members of the Body of Christ along with the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11; 12:27-31; Romans 12:3-8). Consequently, spiritual gifts incorporate the authority to take control of those spiritual forces of evil which oppose the purpose of God in the world and particularly in the lives of his children.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 4:10‑11, NIV)

It is by the employment of the authority assigned to these gifts that Christians are empowered to make their contribution to the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan, working with him as he builds up the Body of Christ until it attains to the “whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-13).

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:16, NIV)

Spiritual gifts are bestowed upon every member of the Body of Christ, “from the least of them to the greatest” (Hebrews 8:11).
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:7, NIV)

The exercise of spiritual gifts is not restricted to special people or pre-determined occasions. These gifts are distributed among all Christians to minister to the needs of others in the many and varied situations of life. Some will be highly visible, while many will be virtually unseen to all but those directly involved. The impact they will have upon the lives of God’s children will, in some instances, be seemingly small while in others it may be quite dramatic. But all are essential ingredients in God’s plan as he conforms his redeemed into the image of his Son (Romans 8:29-30).

Regardless of what our calling may be, it is by the spiritual authority that accompanies the exercise of these gifts that enables God’s children to be actively involved in “building up” those with whom they associate. For example:

The exercise of the gift of “encouragement” (Romans 12:8) enables them to communicate, by the power of the Spirit, the strength and hope that is needed by those who are feeling the heat of the battle.

Those who are endowed with the gift of "giving" (Romans 12:8) carry with them the authority and power, through what they do, to control and defeat the feelings of fear and panic that attack so many when financial and other difficulties loom over the horizon.

Those who prophesy (Romans 12:6) bring instruction and encouragement to God’s children (1 Corinthians 14:31) in ways that are beyond their natural ability.

The gift of teaching (Romans 12:7) carries with it the authority to dispel the confusion, darkness and unbelief that permeate the very atmosphere in which we live (Ephesians 2:1‑3).

Those entrusted with this gift also have the power and the responsibility to counter the waves of false teaching which are constantly breaking against the walls of the church (2 Peter 2:1‑3; Jude 12‑13).

The gift of leadership (Romans 12:8) carries with it the authority to create spiritual environments which enable groups of God's children to move forward together as one to fulfill the purpose of God in their lives.

And so the list goes on. As his people exercise the gifts with which God has entrusted them, be they great or small, they do so with the spiritual authority that accompanies those gifts.

It is important to note that we should not see these gifts as belonging to the individual. They are given to the Body of Christ. God’s children are merely the custodians of the gifts with the sobering responsibility of exercising them to the greatest benefit of the Body. Those who administer the authority associated with these gifts become servants, not masters, of God's people (Luke 17:7‑10).


I am often reminded of a man who spent most of his life in a church located, from memory, in the north of England. While being a respected member of the church, he was quiet and reserved and never held what might be termed a “prominent” position in the congregation. However, when he died the church was packed to overflowing with mourners. This came as quite a surprise to many there, but as the day wore on the true story of his life started to emerge.

Although not a wealthy man, he spent his life seeking out those who were experiencing financial difficulties, discreetly approaching them and offering them financial assistance on three conditions. Firstly they were never to pay it back. Secondly they were not to tell anyone what he had done and thirdly they were to do the same for someone else when they had the ability and the opportunity to do so. In this way he had, over many years, helped hundreds of people through times of financial stress.

This brother in Christ was exercising (in his unique way) the spiritual gift of “giving” (Romans 12:8). It was a burden that God had placed upon his heart to which he yielded himself and which he had allowed to develop over his lifetime. As a consequence, it provided him with the authority and the ability to confront and overcome the spiritual forces of fear and despair which were challenging the faith of those to whom he ministered.

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[Corban]

The Distribution of Authority​

Yes. Spiritual authority is distributed among the members of the Body of Christ along with the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11; 12:27-31; Romans 12:3-8). Consequently, spiritual gifts incorporate the authority to take control of those spiritual forces of evil which oppose the purpose of God in the world and particularly in the lives of his children.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 4:10‑11, NIV)

It is by the employment of the authority assigned to these gifts that Christians are empowered to make their contribution to the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan, working with him as he builds up the Body of Christ until it attains to the “whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-13).

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:16, NIV)

Spiritual gifts are bestowed upon every member of the Body of Christ, “from the least of them to the greatest” (Hebrews 8:11).
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:7, NIV)

The exercise of spiritual gifts is not restricted to special people or pre-determined occasions. These gifts are distributed among all Christians to minister to the needs of others in the many and varied situations of life. Some will be highly visible, while many will be virtually unseen to all but those directly involved. The impact they will have upon the lives of God’s children will, in some instances, be seemingly small while in others it may be quite dramatic. But all are essential ingredients in God’s plan as he conforms his redeemed into the image of his Son (Romans 8:29-30).

Regardless of what our calling may be, it is by the spiritual authority that accompanies the exercise of these gifts that enables God’s children to be actively involved in “building up” those with whom they associate. For example:

The exercise of the gift of “encouragement” (Romans 12:8) enables them to communicate, by the power of the Spirit, the strength and hope that is needed by those who are feeling the heat of the battle.

Those who are endowed with the gift of "giving" (Romans 12:8) carry with them the authority and power, through what they do, to control and defeat the feelings of fear and panic that attack so many when financial and other difficulties loom over the horizon.

Those who prophesy (Romans 12:6) bring instruction and encouragement to God’s children (1 Corinthians 14:31) in ways that are beyond their natural ability.

The gift of teaching (Romans 12:7) carries with it the authority to dispel the confusion, darkness and unbelief that permeate the very atmosphere in which we live (Ephesians 2:1‑3).

Those entrusted with this gift also have the power and the responsibility to counter the waves of false teaching which are constantly breaking against the walls of the church (2 Peter 2:1‑3; Jude 12‑13).

The gift of leadership (Romans 12:8) carries with it the authority to create spiritual environments which enable groups of God's children to move forward together as one to fulfill the purpose of God in their lives.

And so the list goes on. As his people exercise the gifts with which God has entrusted them, be they great or small, they do so with the spiritual authority that accompanies those gifts.

It is important to note that we should not see these gifts as belonging to the individual. They are given to the Body of Christ. God’s children are merely the custodians of the gifts with the sobering responsibility of exercising them to the greatest benefit of the Body. Those who administer the authority associated with these gifts become servants, not masters, of God's people (Luke 17:7‑10).


I am often reminded of a man who spent most of his life in a church located, from memory, in the north of England. While being a respected member of the church, he was quiet and reserved and never held what might be termed a “prominent” position in the congregation. However, when he died the church was packed to overflowing with mourners. This came as quite a surprise to many there, but as the day wore on the true story of his life started to emerge.

Although not a wealthy man, he spent his life seeking out those who were experiencing financial difficulties, discreetly approaching them and offering them financial assistance on three conditions. Firstly they were never to pay it back. Secondly they were not to tell anyone what he had done and thirdly they were to do the same for someone else when they had the ability and the opportunity to do so. In this way he had, over many years, helped hundreds of people through times of financial stress.

This brother in Christ was exercising (in his unique way) the spiritual gift of “giving” (Romans 12:8). It was a burden that God had placed upon his heart to which he yielded himself and which he had allowed to develop over his lifetime. As a consequence, it provided him with the authority and the ability to confront and overcome the spiritual forces of fear and despair which were challenging the faith of those to whom he ministered.

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I think we can agree on all your points. I like the way you back everything with scripture. I wish we could see more of this on this Forum.

 

[WalkerAllan]

Recognising Spiritual Gifts
​

What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. (1 Corinthians 2:12, NIV)​

The ability to recognise spiritual gifts is ultimately borne of our own relationship with God. However, there are some guidelines which can point us in the right direction and give us some confidence to begin this exciting journey.

• The burden and understanding of these gifts comes from deep within us. It is never something that is imposed from outside or gained by education or learning.
• They are something that we love doing and that we do well. After we have gained a little experience there is no nervous strain associated with exercising the gift.
• Exercising a gift of the Spirit lifts us above ourselves so that we do or say things that we cannot do at other times. We find ourselves acting beyond our own ability, our own wisdom, our own strength and even our own courage and we are made acutely aware of this. As a result, it is clear to see that it is the Holy Spirit who has produced all of this.
• When we exercise these gifts, we do so with an authority that is beyond us and that is often recognised by others.
• When we exercise a spiritual gift doubt and fear evaporate. We have a boldness that comes from God himself.
• When exercising a gift of the Spirit the desire for self‑aggrandisement also evaporates. (Unfortunately, it can return afterwards if we are not careful).
• The exercise of the gift is always under our control. We can stop at any time and, indeed, are directed to do so in particular circumstances. (1 Corinthians 14:30-33)
• What we say or do is always in accordance with Scripture and the sound doctrine contained therein (1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 2:1).
• What we produce is always subject to the judgement (not necessarily in a negative sense) of others in the Body of Christ. For example, those present should "weigh carefully" the content of any prophecy that is delivered to the body (1 Corinthians 14:29). None of us has an exclusive mandate to sense the moving of the Holy Spirit.
• When exercising a spiritual gift, everything we do is in harmony with those around us who are moved by the same Spirit. The Holy Spirit works in the different members of the Body of Christ in a perfectly harmonious manner (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40).
• The result is always “the strengthening of the church” (1 Corinthians 14:26).
• Our Lord Jesus himself is always at the centre of all we say and do.

And perhaps a few "don'ts":

• We should not copy what others do. We can learn the fundamentals from others. We can be inspired by others. We can be encouraged by others. But in the final analysis what we produce comes from a deep urge and conviction within our own being. It has been planted there by God himself in each and every one of us.
• What we do may resemble what others have done but it is always different. It is not that we try to be different. It is just that what we do is a product of our own personality and our own innermost relationship with God.
• We should never equate the possession and exercise of spiritual gifts with spiritual maturity or exemplary character. Samson is the classic example of one who performed feats of mighty strength when the Spirit of God came upon him but whose character left much to be desired.
• Neither does the possession of spiritual gifts set us above others. Quite the contrary, they make us the servant (slave) of others. Spiritual gifts are a means to an end, they are not the end itself.

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[oldethennew]

finding or even knowing anyone who is actually talking the talk, and walking the walk is what so many today desire
in their spiritual journeys, BUT, one begins to wonder where one may 'find' such a called and devoted servant of God???

1COR. 11:1.
Be you followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
11TH. 3:9.
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. -

an 'ounce of example' is WORTH a 'pound of preaching'...