Spiritual Authority

In the battle against the principalities and powers of evil, enduring faithfulness gives authority. Spiritual authority is available to every believer, but a little weakness causes a breach in that authority. Pillars in the temple of God receive authority through their unwavering steadfastness. God and the church have a need for servants who have authority.

Samson had authority before he allowed himself to be deceived by a woman. No one knew the source of his power. He kept that secret to himself. When he revealed the source of his power, he lost his authority. He allowed impurity into his most holy place. Power is hidden by going and telling no one, as Jesus exhorted. Authority and power are inseparable. They are both kept hidden in the mystery of Christ, which will not be revealed except to those who are able to instruct others.

A servant of God who has authority has two main things to take heed to. First, he must keep outward enemies away from the flock, and second, he must be a pillar and a helper for the believers.

God must have purified him to such an extent that neither flattery nor backbiting can throw him off kilter.

Servants with authority from God are often regarded as fools by their contemporaries. Nevertheless, they continue to shine a long time after the reputation of their contemporaries has died away. They form the backbone of the body where Christ Himself is the head.

The world has its lords who rule in the darkness of this present age. In contrast, Christ has pillars in His church on the earth.

Christ demonstrated His authority right to the end. Although they were able to kill His body, they were never able to resist His Spirit. Undoubtedly, they all had the feeling that they were dealing with a prince whose kingdom was not of this world. We are also exhorted not to fear those who are able to kill the body. Authority and fear cannot be united.

The devil understands that divine authority is a terrifying adversary. Therefore, as in the days of Moses (Num. 16:2), he sends his servants into God’s assembly, and they are also equipped with authority. 1 Cor. 4:15. However, since these workers lack love, all they can do is dominate the flock. The sheep will soon realize that these rulers lack a genuine father’s mind, and eventually they will be exposed.