Authority

Authority does not dictate worth, but it does play a crucial role in achieving a defined purpose.

Authority by nature impliesrequires *submissionobedience*.

Obedience comes from love.

• John 14:15

We love and submit to God by also submitting to one another.

• Ephesians 5:21

When you do not submit to a particular authority you are saying that you do not agree with the objective that is presented.

The next step is to rebel against or oppose that objective and present an alternative objective.

Rebellion is always in opposition to submission!

Rebellion and offence usually go hand in hand.

Offended people generally recruit others to support their view (bringing division) or they malign the person(s) that offended them.

If God is the highest authority and His commands must be obeyed, how do we deal with believers, and other people attending the church, that rebel against God's instructions?

• What would happen if the Police catch a criminal but that person is never prosecuted and sentenced?
• Man rapes your wife/daughter;
• People kidnap your child for child trafficking;
• Drunk driver kills your husband/child.
• What would happen if it becomes a crime for parents to discipline their children (God's way)?
• What would happen if the church loses its authority to encourage/"enforce" God's purposes?
• Matthew 18:15-17; Rom 16:17; 2 Thes 3:6, 14.

Leaving the church and joining another or even starting their own has become an easier response for individuals facing reprimands or feeling offended by another member.

The Answer:

• Decide to be different and encourage others to do the same.
• 2 Tim 3: 1-2b, 5; 2 Tim 4:1-3