What is Authority?
- Authority: Right or power to order, to decide, to act, to be obeyed.
- Entity that holds that right or power.
What does the Bible say about Authority?
One of the main characteristics of God is His authority. He has always existed and nothing is or was created without His permission.
The Bible tells us that all authority has been established by God. Therefore, we must learn and exercise submission, because whoever recognizes and respects authority pleases God.
For the sake of the Lord, submit yourselves to all authority constituted among men; either to the king, as supreme authority, or to rulers, as sent by Him to punish those who do evil and honor those who do good. For it is God's will that by doing good you silence the ignorance of fools. 1 Peter 2:13-15.
What Does the Bible Teach About Spiritual Authority?
The Bible teaches that every believer has spiritual authority that comes from Jesus. That authority empowers us to make a difference in the world. The Bible also says that we should respect people who have spiritual authority in the church.
Jesus has all power and He has delegated that power to those who believe in Him. Therefore, every believer has spiritual authority, as Jesus' representative on earth. This authority gives us power:
- To preach the gospel – Acts 1:8
- To teach others to follow Jesus – Matthew 28:19-20
- To overcome fear and sin – 2 Timothy 1:7
- To do what Jesus did – John 14:12
Jesus performed miracles, He healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead, comforted the sad, and brought transformation everywhere he went. And the Bible says He has given us authority to do the same!