Authority in the Church

.... In our previous posting we described Jesus as the head over all things to the church. As such He, Personally, is the Head of every man and He delegates this interpersonal authority to no other Christian leader (Matthew 28:18). This is important to know because a misunderstanding of that nature would introduce a forbidden mediator to our walk with God (see 1 Timothy 2:5).

.... "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you . . ."

(Matthew 20:25-26)

.... Nevertheless, Jesus did speak of a certain authority that church leaders would be given. Though having no authority over other persons (an interpersonal authority such as His own), they would receive an authority associated with their calling, by which to accomplish certain duties or tasks. This is something we might refer to as a 'functional' authority:

.... "[the kingdom of God] is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work ..."

(Mark 13:34)

.... For example, Christian leaders have been commanded to: "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2). Or again they have been commanded:

.... "Speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine . . . speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you."

(Titus 2:1-15)

.... Basically, here is the understanding that will emerge. True Christian leaders are called to their office, so of course they must perform their duties with authority – that by virtue of authority they may act – and by this same virtue they are entitled to receive payment for their work (1 Timothy 5:7,18). But none of this gives them an actual authority over other persons. No interpersonal authority will appear at all unless, and until, Jesus Himself is truly represented through a sound, scriptural presentation, that He may Personally emerge in this role. Therefore sound doctrine, as a sound presentation of the Lord's own counsel, is the context for authority as it emerges in each of the verses mentioned above.

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.... This brings us to the classic argument between Catholics and Protestants. Where does final authority lie, in the church or in the Bible? Neither. All authority has been given to Christ Himself in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18) and the proper perspective is that the church should be telling us what the Bible has to say about the Lord. True authority appears when Jesus Himself is made known and His own, personal leadership is manifested, while Christian leaders are simply messengers and hopefully good examples who always points us beyond themselves and back to Jesus directly (Romans 14:4). In this sense, even ‘the lad who pushes the plow,’ is speaking with authority if he is applying God’s word properly – for Jesus is the Word of God and He is truly represented when the Word is rightly applied (John 1:1).

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.... Thus the true-hearted concept of always pointing to Jesus and deferring to His own authority must always remain foremost in the heart of Christian leaders (Romans 14:4), just as the Holy Spirit Himself 'comes along side' of us to always point us back to Jesus, rather than speaking of His own authority (John 16:13-14). We will continue this discussion in our next posting.

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Daily Bible Reading: Colossians 3