The Church Organism or Organization?? Continuation part 4, Authority & Submission

Arguably all that proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord believe that His Word is the final authority in all things. Discussion becomes even more necessary as we see that in many members of the body of Christ the church, Jesus Himself as Head is NOT the authority through demonstration. Therefore it’s imperative that we do as His Word tells us. “Be diligent or study to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” In light of this command we continue to examine organism or organization.

 

First let me give you the definition of the word authority from Strongs: (in the sense of ability); privilege, that is, (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence: - authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength. I think for the most part we understand the just of it. However, I’ve underlined words that we failed to consider as part of God’s definition of authority, freedom and liberty. Based upon this insight we determine that if submitting to God’s authority there will be freedom and liberty. For His Word says, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

In His Word we see Jesus functioning as teacher when questioned by the chief priests and elders saying, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” The authority that Jesus has is obvious. He did not have to tell anyone to submit to His authority. In fact Jesus did not answer them. As in today, those that are functioning as He wills have no need to tell anyone to submit to their authority. For true authority comes from God. Those that He gives His authority to desire to do His will. Those that recognize true authority submit themselves and reap the benefit without being commanded.  

Consider the organization of men calling it the church. The most dangerous and crucial issue for you reconize is any man or woman that speaks as the authority of God without the truth of God’s Word. Jesus is our example! Men should not attempt to force you to submit to them by threats, shame, dissociation or mishandling of God’s Word. For we know the Words of God and with eager hearts we submit to Him. He said “My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me.” “Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” Within man’s organization you are told he is the final authority. You are told to submit to his authority and those he determines. Each one of his appointees backs up the other in support . Again they mimic the organism of His body the church where every joint supplies. However, when not acting upon truth Paul withstood Peter to his face! Which is an example of true authority because when Paul spoke the truth Peter submitted to God’s Word. Jesus is the final authority.

You are told and it is implied that if you challenge or refute the authority of man that says He speaks for God, you will be damned, marked as not in submission, deemed as outside of the provision and blessings of God. Why are you following the voice of strangers? The voice of our God is written in His Word. Why are you joined to an organization instead of being members of the organism of the body of Christ the church?

Man makes up terms and rules and likens them to God’s Word. For example the word and rules that govern concerning “covering.”  Where does God speak of a covering that protects you? Where did this lie originate? Doctrine of demons or doctrines of men? Regardless, it is not of God and therefore this authority of man can not produce the liberty and freedom of God’s Word. This authority of man regarding covering binds and destroys God’s people. People are afraid to leave man’s organization they call the church believing they won’t be covered. If Jesus is the head of the church and you are truly a member of His body the church, how can changing location of gathering separate you from Christ?

 

Another example of man’s organization regarding authority is how man uses his own personal knowledge of your actions to berate you. Remember God’s authority involves freedom and liberty, therefore even as we are chastened and corrected by God we are made free not fearful! "Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"

 

Consider the mother of the Zebedee’s John and James. She asked Jesus that her sons be given the status of sitting on the left and the right hand of Jesus in His kingdom. The other disciples were greatly displeased. Yet Jesus said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet is shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” His Word says that with us authority would not be exercised over us, we are not to be lorded over!

God’s Word tells us “Likewise you younger people submit yourselves to your elders, yes all of you be submissive to one another and be clothed with humility.” Also, “wives submit to your own husbands.” Notice it says your own, not someone else's. Even here the act of submission is willingly not of compulsion.

True authority is from God. He makes us free as we submit to His Word. Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” You are responsible and accountable for whatever you allow. His Word says, “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.”