Breakdown Of Authority

In Matthew 28:18 Jesus said to his disciples, "All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth". This power, of which Jesus spoke, was given to him by the Father because it pleased him that in Christ all fulness should dwell (Col. 1:19). Jesus was ready to ascend to the Father to sit at His right hand and rule as king of kings. He was given the authority that one in his position must possess.

Most believers will agree that Christ has "all authority". They readily admit that he is the ruler of his kingdom and as such has the right to issue orders (commands) and expect them to be obeyed. However, as we look about us, we see that agreement to this principle only amounts to lip service on the part of many. How do we know this? It can easily be proven by noticing the attitudes that are expressed by certain individuals toward the commands of Christ. Can one who truly looks upon Christ as his king rebel against his commands? We think not! Therefore, we conclude, that rebellion against the commands of Christ shows a definite lack of respect for his authority as king. It shows that he has never, or no longer, occupies that place of supremacy in our lives to which he is entitled.

We are aware that in our society there exist, by both young and old, a rebellion against authority. We see it increase each year in rebellion against laws, respect for others, failure to forgive etc. This condition stems directly from a lack of respect for Christ and his authority. If we correct one we will automatically correct the other. Each christian must be concerned about this problem, and put forth every effort to correct it. We must all ask ourselves if we are guilty of this type disrespect. To many commands are being ignored by those in position to know better. Why is it necessary to keep preaching to the same people, year after year, concerning their obligations to attend services? Why every Spring must we preach, to the same people, about their manner of dress and recreation? Why every year must we preach to parents (who should know better) about the dangers of the dance and prom? Is it that we are not aware of the the rules and regulations of Christ, or is it that we do not respect him as our king, and have no intention of allowing him to rule in our decisions? We need to answer these questions now or Christ will answer them for us in the judgment. Of course, the items mentioned above are not a complete list. We might consider our attitudes toward love, kindness, hospitality, prayer, worship, study and a host of other teachings of our king. Does he rule in how we decide on such questions, or do we do as we please? Christ said "If you love me keep my commandments" (John 14:15) and "You are my friends if you do whatever I command you (John 15:14). We all need to subject ourselves in every thing we do as a citizen of the kingdom. Christ's authority, in many instances, has broken down and become subject to our own will. The warning goes out from Christ that we will face judgment concerning how we respect him and the authority God has given him.

Under this heading we also need to consider "delegated authority". Christ, as king, has the right to delegate a certain amount of authority to subjects in the kingdom. In the case of the church he has done this by placing in the congregations elders that enforce his laws and oversee his subjects (Acts 14:15, 20:28). These men are given this authority only when that have matured enough to possess certain qualifications (I Tim. 3; Titus 1). They are to rule (guide) the kingdom subjects and watch for their souls. Because of this each member is commanded, by the king, to submit to their rule (Heb. 13:17). Accusations are not to be made against them without witnesses being present, and if they are guilty of sin they are to be publicly rebuked so others may fear (I Tim. 5:19, 20). When elders function as Christ has commanded, it is done with his authority.

It is certain that Christ has all authority. Man can only make decisions based on what has been written in the scriptures. Man has no right to change or delete any command or teaching of Christ, or add to them. His only option is to obey or disobey the command or teaching. Paul said it like this:"to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life: but unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, shall be wrath and indignation, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that worketh evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Greek; but glory and honor and peace to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek: Obey it, don't try to change it.

Jack (1/19/09)

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