(This article goes out to Christian Leaders in Africa, Asia and the Pacific – maybe it will bless you.)
It is a new year and so I am starting a brand new Faith Builders A-Z series. I hope they will build your faith. Please feel free to use them as launching pads for further Bible study.

I know that some of you are using them in your churches. I am really happy to hear that. If you have any friends in ministry that would like to receive Faith Builders A-Z please get them to send me their email addresses.

May this year be one in which you go from faith to faith and accomplish great things in the kingdom of God.

God bless you,

Richard

Faith Builders A-Z 2010 – A-Authority

Christians need to understand God’s view of authority.A misuse of authority is when leaders “lord it over those they are leading” (1 Peter 5:2-3). Rather than being servants-leaders they take on the spirit of this world and use people for their own purposes. This self-centred approach to leadership, not only hurts people, but gives place for the devil to enter. He smells pride and gravitates towards it to see what harm he can cause.

The key to godly authority is humility. When we humble ourselves before God He lifts us up and with His authority we can resist the devil and he will flee from us (1 Peter 5:5-9).To the degree we submit to God’s authority, we are able to use authority.

Jesus submitted to His Father, even to death, and God has given all authority in heaven and earth to Him (Matthew 28:18; Philippians 2:5-11). Jesus then goes on to give us authority in His name. In His name we can cast out demons, heal the sick, raise the dead, bind the powers of darkness and loose people from bondage (Mark 16:18-20). Because it is done in His name, He receives the glory.We must understand that authority is based on submission.

To the degree we submit to, honour and respect someone, to that degree he will give us authority to act in his name.

“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)