What Authority?

There may be an exchange of information between friends or from an instructor to students where ideas are presented that may be enlightening or thought provoking. There is a change, though, when the tone and content of a participant rises above mutual exchange and becomes more commanding and declarative. It’s the kind of alteration that prompts the question, “Who made them the boss?” For someone to begin using language that demands compliance there is an assumption that they must have received their authority from somewhere.

This is what happened to Jesus in Matthew 7 when His teaching prompted this very question. He had just been talking about the necessity of acting on the words He spoke, that doing so was like building a house that would withstand any storm. This was content quite different from what they were used to hearing from the scribes and religious leaders. It wasn’t just interpretation of scriptures based upon a studied perspective, but was teaching that eternal life depended upon. To teach like this obviously required the reception of authority to do so from a legitimately higher source. They wanted to know where His authority to speak like this and do such amazing miracles came from. When asked again in the 21st chapter, Jesus sidestepped answering this question, but went on to imply that it was from the same authority given to many prior messengers, from the Father God. Then, in the 28th chapter He sent the disciples out after claiming to have been given all power in heaven and earth, implying this time that abiding in Him must include reception of His same power. When they spoke and when they acted it would be under the same authority He had been given.

While there are many today that are asserting themselves with an air of authority, attempting to impose their own unauthorized preferences, what we’ve been given in Christ is the basis for speech and actions authorized by the very Creator of everything. In order to actually operate in this higher authority, though, there will need to be abiding in its Source. Jesus said that when we abide in Him and His words abide in us, our words will reflect what we’ve been given in Him. To live, move and have our being in Him is to go beyond the limitations of mere thoughts of man to declarations authorized by heaven that demand compliance. We will then reflect the life and nature of Jesus, prompting that same question, “Who made them the boss?”

Notes

Authority:

The power to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge.
One that is invested with this power, especially a government or body of government officials.
Power assigned to another; authorization.

Applied Authority – observable in speech and actions

Matthew 21:23 (KJV) 23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

When aware of authority – will speak/act as if

Matthew 7:28-29 (NKJV) 28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Voice of authority -

Matthew 8:8-9 (NKJV) 8 The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it."

Requirements:

Care/Passion
Understanding/Devotion

Abiding changes conversation

John 15:7 (NKJV) 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

When abiding in Christ and His words abiding in You – receive His authority

Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Superior authority

Luke 10:19 (AMPC) 19 Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

From faithfulness to what is already given – progressive authority

Luke 19:17 (KJV) 17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

Overview:

Communication changes when the tone becomes authoritative, demanding compliance.
Authority has a look and a sound that inspires the question, “Where did it come from?”
Care/Passion and Understanding/Devotion come with the reception of authority.
The one who abides in Christ and has His words abiding within is given transformed communication – authority.
Triumph over evil requires applied authority that is greater than it.
Faithfulness to every level of authority enables the reception of more.
The progression of authority correlates to the progression of relationship with the Father.

Prayer:

I praise You, Lord, for Your power and authority that has brought all creation into alignment with Your will. As I am drawn into the glory of Your power help me to be faithful to its provision in me. Fill me with the revelation and understanding of this authority and lead me to its greater demonstration for Your glory over the works of darkness.

Declarations

In Christ I have been provided with a source of power and authority that far exceeds any other in its truth, wisdom and Spirit.
As I am drawn with passion into the presence of this authority’s Source, I am enabled to understand and care for its demonstrated purpose.
Each time I am faithful to an understood authority from His Word, I am given greater authority.
As I grow in this transformation, I am losing any passivity to the works of darkness, and taking my responsibility to apply superior authority in my person, family, and community.