We continue our series of quiet times from the Birmingham, England, church. This installment explores the theme of godly authority and submission.We continue our series of quiet times from the Birmingham, England, church. This installment explores the theme of godly authority and submission.
MATTHEW 7:29; MARK 1:22, 27; MARK 6:7. Jesus taught with authority.
The Cambridge Dictionary online defines authority as 1) the moral or legal right or ability to control; and 2)a group of people with official responsibility for a particular area of activity. http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/authority_1
PSALM 138:2, MATTHEW 28:18
ROMANS 1:5
MATTHEW 23
I think we all detest the idea of being a hypocrite. I suspect there may well be hypocrisy, which God sees in me, but which I may not yet see. (Praise him for his grace and forgiveness, so richly lavished on us!)
In verse 25, the NIV reads that Jesus said, inside, the Pharisees are full of greed and self-indulgence. The NASB reads, “full of robbery and self-indulgence.” The Greek word is HARPAGĒ, (Strongs G724), “the act of plundering, robbery, plundering spoil.” This word occurs three times in the Bible: Matthew 23:25; LUKE 11:39; HEB 10:34.
Next week: more on greed and what it has to do with surrendering or not surrendering to God’s authority!
1. LET GOD LEAD
We’re making some big changes as a congregation these days -- moving from our regular location of over a decade, calling one another to prioritise a spiritual discipleship time with others in the church at least once a week (adding, in effect, a third meeting each week to everyone’s schedule). To be prayerfully and faithfully following the will of God, I know, is what we all desire. This means the human leadership of the church is leading and asking the church to follow. It can be hard to lead; and it can be hard to follow! Seems like a good time for a review of some basic principles of authority and submission in the Bible.MATTHEW 7:29; MARK 1:22, 27; MARK 6:7. Jesus taught with authority.
The Cambridge Dictionary online defines authority as 1) the moral or legal right or ability to control; and 2)a group of people with official responsibility for a particular area of activity. http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/authority_1
PSALM 138:2, MATTHEW 28:18
ROMANS 1:5
- We’re called to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. What’s one thing God has asked me to do that I could simply and willingly obey today? Let’s go and do it!
2. GOD-ORDAINED AUTHORITY on EARTH I
EPHESIANS 5:21- 6:9; 1 PETER 2:13 – 3:7; ROMANS 13:1; HEBREWS 13:7, 17- There are some relationships mentioned in these verses in which there is authority, one person over another. (for example: Parents > children. )
- Are any of these hard for me? Which one(s) and why?
- Pray about this today
3. GOD-ORDAINED AUTHORITY on EARTH II
ROMANS 13:1; HEBREWS 13:7, 17- List all the pairs of relationships found in these verses (yesterday’s and today’s) in which God has ordained authority between people. (there should be 5)
- When is it hard for me to submit to God’s leadership through government (think: paying taxes!)? Or when is it hard to submit to leadership in God’s church? Note: I believe that leaders in the church have Biblical authority when they have Biblically ordained roles, such as Elder or Evangelist. You don’t find “Bible Discussion Leader” named as an ordained role in Scripture, therefore we shouldn’t automatically assume that role carries Biblical authority.
- When is it ok in God’s eyes NOT to obey his earthly authorities?
4. BLIND MAN or PHARISEE?
I’ve been thinking about the contrast between the blind man who submitted to Jesus’ authority in John chapter 9, and the Pharisees, who did not. My new year’s resolution – to be more happy and contented and have more fun in 2011 -- has opened my eyes to some pride in my heart that I wasn’t aware of: I’m not as surrendered to my God and submissive to my husband as I would like to think! (Ask me about this if you want to know details, I’ll gladly tell you: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..) I’ve decided to study the Pharisees and their lack of submission to Jesus’ authority to help my heart gain conviction and contentment in more complete surrender! Religious pride is something we all need to watch out for.MATTHEW 23
- Make a list as you read of the characteristics of the Pharisees. My first one was from v. 3: they do not practise what they preach.
- Are any of the attributes of the Pharisees’ religious pride and lack of surrender to Jesus pricking your conscience? Which one(s)? Write down at least one to pray about.
- How do you think you could surrender to Jesus in this area and be less like a Pharisee?
- Admit this to someone you trust later today. Practise surrender by asking them, how do you think I could work on this, to be more surrendered to Jesus?
5. GREED and ROBBERY
MATTHEW 23:25I think we all detest the idea of being a hypocrite. I suspect there may well be hypocrisy, which God sees in me, but which I may not yet see. (Praise him for his grace and forgiveness, so richly lavished on us!)
In verse 25, the NIV reads that Jesus said, inside, the Pharisees are full of greed and self-indulgence. The NASB reads, “full of robbery and self-indulgence.” The Greek word is HARPAGĒ, (Strongs G724), “the act of plundering, robbery, plundering spoil.” This word occurs three times in the Bible: Matthew 23:25; LUKE 11:39; HEB 10:34.
- Meditate upon the Hebrews passage. How far away from this attitude am I?
- Suggestion: Make a list of the “property” I have right now, that I would be very upset about, if it were to be confiscated! And then create another list of the “better and lasting possessions” that God has given and promised. Pray through this list with thanksgiving.
Next week: more on greed and what it has to do with surrendering or not surrendering to God’s authority!
