Summary:

When we find the power of God is not working in our lives, it could be that our authority in God has been short-circuited due to rebellion and disobedience. We must understand how to relate properly to spiritual authority. If we don’t, we will find ourselves wondering why things are not working.

  1. Satan loves to make what brings us into bondage appear desirable, while portraying what is liberating as bondage.

    1. Man is a tri-part being. He is a spirit, who possesses a soul, and lives in a physical body.

      1. The soul consists of the mind, will, and emotions.

      2. Faith is established in the mind first, which is why Satan tries to control our minds.

    2. If he can get us to think and believe things that do not line up with the Word, he can reign in our lives.

      1. His aim is to ultimately destroy us. He is using television, movies, radio, and other forms of entertainment to attack our minds.

      2. His strategy is to deceive us.

  2. “Do not be misled, my beloved brethren” (James 1:16, AMP).

    1. We must keep ourselves from being deceived. Ignorance is a breeding ground for deception (Isaiah 5:13).

      1. We guard ourselves against the attacks of Satan by reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God constantly.

      2. Feelings change easily, which is why we must not allow our feelings to govern our decisions.

      3. We must not allow popular opinion to govern our decisions either.

      4. We must not be conformed to the world, which involves a way of thinking that does not line up with the Word of God (Romans 12:2).

      5. There should be a change in us once we become Christians.

  3. Democracy is fine for the nations of the world, but it is not suitable for the kingdom of God.

    1. Within the kingdom of God, He is king.

      1. There is no voting system involved in God’s kingdom.

    2. God’s kingdom has rank, order, and authority—it is not subject to popular opinion or voting.

      1. Problems arise when we try to bring democracy into His kingdom.

      2. We are ineffective in the kingdom of God when we view it with a democracy-based mind-set.

  4. When we submit to God, we experience great benefits and freedom. However, there is bondage and destruction in rebellion (Job 36:11-12).

    1. People who are submissive submit their will to higher authority.

    2. God places people in positions of authority (Romans 13:1, 2, AMP, Proverbs 21:1).

      1. God appoints all existing rulers.

      2. To rebel against those authorities is to rebel against God Himself (Exodus 16:8).

      3. Those who rebel against God’s established authority are judged; however, God does not expect us to obey a ruler when he or she requires us to sin. We should respectfully decline any offer to sin or do wrong.

  5. God’s attitude toward authority:

    1. God honors and respects earthly authority figures (Numbers 30:1-5).

    2. Where there is no true submission to God’s authority, the door is opened to rebellion (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

    3. As Christians, we must recognize and understand what God is saying through our leaders.

      1. We should realize it is not all about us as individuals but about God’s entire plan and purpose (Matthew 16:24).

Scripture References:

  • James 1:16, AMP

  • Isaiah 5:13

  • Romans 12:2

  • Job 36:11, 12

  • Romans 13:1-2, AMP

  • Proverbs 21:1

  • Exodus 16:8

  • Numbers 30:1-5

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:10

  • Matthew 16:24

Pastor Robert Bagonza

Senior Pastor Redeemed Church

www.mrolec.org