Spiritual Authority

Spiritual Authority

In the battle against the evil hosts of wickedness and principalities, enduring faithfulness gives authority. Spiritual authority is available to every believer, but a little weakness causes a breach in that authority. Pillars in the temple of God receive authority through their unyielding firmness. God and the church have need for workers with this kind of authority.

Samson had authority before he allowed himself to be deceived by a woman. No one knew the source of his power; he kept that secret to himself. When he revealed the source of his power, he lost his authority; he allowed impurity into his most holy place. We find a hidden source of power when we go and tell no one, as Jesus exhorts us. Authority and power are inseparable. They are both hidden in the mystery of Christ, which will only be revealed to those who are able to teach others.

A worker for God who has authority must labor on two fronts. He must keep outward enemies away from the flock, and he must support and help the believers. He must be purified to such an extent that neither flattery nor backbiting can throw him off balance.

Workers with authority from God are often regarded as fools by their contemporaries. Nevertheless, they continue to shine a long time after the counterfeits of their generation have been silenced. They form the backbone of the body where Christ Himself is the Head.

The world has its lords who rule in this present darkness. In contrast, Christ has pillars in His church on the earth.

Christ demonstrated His authority right to the end. It is true that they were able to kill His body, but they were never able to overcome His spirit. Undoubtedly they all had the feeling that they were dealing with a prince whose kingdom was not of this earth. We are also exhorted not to fear those who are able to kill our body. Authority and fear can never be united.

The devil also understands spiritual authority very well. To him it is a terrifying enemy. That is why, just as in the days of Numbers 16:2, he sends his workers into the church of God, and they, too, have authority. 1 Cor. 4:15. Because his workers lack love, all they can do is dominate and oppress the flock. The sheep will soon realize that these rulers lack the mind of a father, and eventually, they will be exposed.