Insights on Authority

Pastor E. Keith Hassell

Foundation Scripture: Daniel 1:8-21; Romans 13:1-6

I. The greatest struggle we face is over the issue of authority

A. Lucifer is the original rebel against God’s authority (Isaiah 14:12-15)

B. The root of rebellion is pride

II. God has placed all authorities in their positions and none are in those positions without Him

A. God has all inherent authority

B. Man has been given delegated authority

1. Parents

2. Spouse

3. Church leaders

4. Employers

5. Government leaders

C. Only God has supreme authority. Man has limited authority.

III. Human authorities are set for our good. God grants authority to men to punish evil does and praise those who do right

A. 1 Peter 2:13-17

B. 1 Peter 5:5

IV. If authority is corrupted then appeal should be made through God based upon His word

A. John 19:10-11 These authorities are under God’s direct authority

B. Appeal through God (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

C. Two things to consider in making an appeal:

1. Check our attitudes (Daniel 1:9 Tender love)

a Independent spirit (Disloyalty) Psalm 76:10

1) We never encourage loyalty to us by encouraging disloyalty in others

b Condemning spirit (Self-righteousness)

1) A condemning spirit toward authority causes them to look for and find fault in us

c Resistant spirit (Uncreative)

1) An obedient spirit will allow us to say no to evil and be respected for it whereas a resistive spirit will not allow us to be respected for a stand against evil

2) Daniel 1:8-21

d Ungrateful spirit (Pride)

1) If we extend an ungrateful attitude toward authority then they will be resistive toward helpful solutions toward appeals

e Lazy spirit (Dishonesty)

1) Authority is unsympathetic to laziness. The solution to laziness is either force or depriving.

f Bitter spirit (Selfishness)

1) A bitter attitude puts authority on the defensive causing either indifference or opposition

g Impure spirit (self-indulgence)

1) Appeals are ignored if discerned to be motivated by personal self-indulgence.

2. Clear our conscience (Daniel 9:20 No blemish)

a Correct offending attitudes

1) Have I openly displayed wrong attitudes toward authority that they know about?

b Fulfill known wishes

1) Have I done everything they have asked?

c Learn deference (Acts 16:1-5)

1) Have I yielded my own opinion and preference?

d Ask forgiveness

1) Have I apologized for any rebellion, stubbornness, resistance, and pride?

e Make restitution

1) Have I made things right with them and with God?

D. Discern the basic intentions of authority (Daniel 1:10—fear, health)

1. Ask for his goals

a What does my leader want to accomplish?

2. Learn his frame of reference

a Why does he feel the way he does?

3. Discover your blind spots

a What things might I not see correctly?

4. Discern God’s intention

a What is God doing in this situation?

E. How to appeal to authority

1. Explain your convictions without condemning

2. Have a learner’s and servant’s heart

3. Give a creative alternative

4. Emphasize his goals

5. Leave the decision to him

F. What to do when appeals are lost

1. Submit to the authority of God

2. Respectfully choose to honor God above man

3. Submit to the consequences looking to God for vindication

a Die vs. false worship (Daniel 6:12-16)

b Leave family vs. Christ (Matthew 10:32-39)

c Proclaim the gospel vs. government (Acts 4:18-20)