8 February 2012
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Luke 10:19
Generally the concept of power and authority dominates the mind of people and it is the most coveted aspect.
- Some crave for power-
- Some are deprived of that power and plans through 'back- door method' to acquire it.
- Some envy others in power-(may plan evil things)
- Some misuse the power and authority given to them.
- Some with power, were suppressed and over ruled by others.
- Others use their power for their personal benefits.
Such similar cases are common in this world. Among them as a child of God (with supreme power and authority)
Where we stand?and
what for we are using that power?
Hence it is necessary to check the relationship between these two words ‘authority’ and ‘power,’
- ‘authority,- means to have the right to rule or govern- those commands must be submitted to and obeyed.
- ‘power’- means to have an inherent strength, power, or ability to bring about a desired purpose.
The distinction between the two words is not made clear in the Bible.
Christ has not given us power to overcome the power of Satan. Instead, He has entrusted us with the authority to use His name. God has a ruling that the authority attached to the name of Jesus is the greatest in the whole world.
“Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”Phil 2:9-11.
Our authority is associated with our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. when we step out of our abiding relationship with Jesus Christ, then we lose our authority and power.
Jesus said, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me......without Me you can do nothing.”John 15:4-5.
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.
The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves….
….Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority?
Then do what is right and you will be commended.
For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good.
But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason.
They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. Romans 13:1-5
Do not misuse the authority.
You are accountable to God.
Don’t even think about the misappropriation of authority at any cost.
God Bless
