BY WHAT AUTHORITY ARE YOU DOING THESE THINGS? (3)
What is Authority?
If we are to be pleasing to God, we need authority in all that we do. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord.” In a previous article we noted that the only way to fulfill the prayer of Jesus (John 17:20-21) for true unity is for all to submit to the same standard of authority. We noted that the proper standard to consider is the New Testament because it is a source that all who believe in Jesus as the Son of God accept. When we go beyond that standard, divisions are almost certain (other than the ecumenical spirit which says it doesn’t matter what we believe, and in that there is not the unity Jesus prayed for). Even when we stay within the pages of the New Testament divisions sometimes occur because of ignorance or misinterpretations. But these too can be overcome with a proper attitude and an understanding of what authority is and how to establish authority.
What is authority? Webster defines the word as, “1. Legal or rightful power, a right to command or to act, power exercised buy a person in virtue of his office or trust; dominion; jurisdiction; authorization” (Webster, © 1913). The use of the word in the Bible including in Matthew 21:23 is a word that means “permission” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). It is derived from a word meaning “it is lawful” and implies one has the right to do something. It has many different shades of meaning including 1) the power of one whose rules must be obeyed, 2) delegated power to enforce law, 3) a standard (law) that must be followed, or 4) the right to act in a certain way. It is this latter meaning that we want to give attention to.
In all that we do we must ensure that it is done in a way that is pleasing to God. The Bible is filled with examples of those who failed to follow God’s instructions. Consider the very first sin committed. Genesis 3 gives the account of Adam and Eve. They were placed in the Garden of Eden by God with very few restrictions. But there was one thing they were told they could not do – eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. As Satan approached Eve it was that one command that he focused on. We are all familiar with what happened. Eve ate of the fruit of that tree and then gave some to Adam. The result was the curse recorded in this chapter (3:14-19). Not only was the serpent (Satan) cursed, but Eve was told that sorrow would be increased as children were brought forth and she would be in submission to her husband. Because Adam disobeyed he was told his labor would be more difficult and full of trouble. In addition to this, they both began to die physically and were driven out of the garden. Doesn’t that seem like a pretty severe consequence for just eating a piece of fruit? In man’s mind that might be true, but to God it was disobedience which was so serious it demanded the blood of His own Son to atone it (and every other sin committed since then). God expects us to follow His instructions in all that we do.
Leviticus 10:1-2 records the deaths of Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron and priests of Israel in the wilderness, because they offered “profane fire before the Lord.” We are told “fire went out from the Lord and devoured them”. The reason they died is because they failed to fully follow God’s instructions. God had given His priests instructions that their fire was to come directly from a specified source and to be done a specific way. While Nadab and Abihu offered fire, it was not the authorized fire OR it was not done in an authorized way. The result was tragic and came with this warning, “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified.” In mans eyes their deviation from their duty might seem minor, but to God every detail was important. We must never forget that as we strive to please Him.
So many today believe that as long as they have a “pure heart” the way they do something or what they do doesn’t matter. In essence they are saying they don’t need authority. But the New Testament declares differently. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.’” (Matthew 7:21) How sad it will be on the day of judgment when they stand before God and are told, “Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness (iniquity)” because what they did, even in His name, was not according to His commands (7:22-23). After this He spoke of the wise and foolish builders (7:24-27) in which the wise builder is one who “hears these saying of Mine (Jesus) and does them…” and the foolish builder is he who “hears these sayings of Mine and does not do them…”.
The New Testament epistles were written to churches instructing them in what to do and how to do it. These letters were not merely uninspired suggestions, but instructions that were to be specifically followed. And some of these instructions are very specific within themselves. 2 Thessalonians 3:14 says, “If anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.”
As we conclude this article we note that we need a standard of authority in all that we do in life. We understand this in the business world and in dealing with the laws of the land. What would happen if we disregarded the instructions of our boss or the company we work for? What happens when we disobey the laws of the land and there happens to be a law enforcement officer nearby? Quickly we learn the importance of authority in all that we do. Let us also apply that in our service to God. IF we will follow the patterns set forth within the pages of God’s word we can KNOW with certainty that God is pleased. IF we follow anything else, we are gambling with our eternity. I’m not willing to do that! Are you?
In all that we do, we can show you why we do it according to God’s word. We invite you to come check us out. And bring your Bible (Acts 17:11)