The church is the mystical body of Christ on earth, but at the same time, it is the kingdom or present rule of God in the lives and over his children in their preparation for the kingdom of heaven which is the inheritance- incorruptible, reserved in heaven for them. Spiritual or ministerial gift does not in any way placed or positioned anyone with any gift to lord it over others, but that all should have mutual respect and honor for one other – let each esteem other better than themselves (Philippians 2:3), submitting yourself one to another in the fear of God – you are all brethren: none should be taken for, or seen as a demi-god among his brethren for whatever reason or gift; Christ is all and in all.
The possession and exercise (s) of spiritual gift (s) is individual’s responsibility in the kingdom’s call to be fruitful, productive and spiritually responsible in the body of Christ for the growth of all in the church. Is there any part or member of our body little or big which is not important to the growth of the rest, or any part more superior to the rest?
The only superior part of the body is found in the superiority and preeminence of Christ who is the head of the body – church. It is required that each and everyone in the church, notwithstanding the spiritual authority they received, should be clothed with humility, – should never be puffed up against another for the gift given by God to edify one another.
Spiritual authority is inseparable from certain spiritual gifts: for example, the gift of prophecy is unique, for greater is he that prophesy than he that speaks in an unknown tongue (1 Cor.14:5), for the gift of man makes room for him. Prov.18:16.
The authority or spiritual platform given to the prophetic gift or prophetic sayer lies in its greater benefit and blessing to edify others which should never cause pride by anyone gifted to prophesy – for as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teaches, on teaching; or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:4-8. Note: every gift is an assignment and with assignment comes responsibility, power and authority for execution and future accountability of stewardship to God and Christ – will you be faithful servant? Mt 25:23.
The principles and her moral culture of the church is different to the principles, worldly and immoral culture of the world: hence, the world’s ways and practices should not to be found in the church: both are not governed by the same principles and precepts (Esther3:8-10), unless we want to nullify the effects of the cross to introduce or bring worldliness into the church to defile the body of Christ, but anyone who do such thing shall not inherit the kingdom of God – not having put the difference between the clean and unclean, between what is holy and unholy.
The kingdom of God is not in word, but power. 1 Corinthians 4:20. Christ authority over the kingdom and powers of darkness is the believer’s authority over the kingdom and powers of darkness, as it is written, you are complete in him – Christ, which is the head of all principalities and powers. Colossians 2:10.
Believer’s authority is rooted and grounded in the word of God. This is the source of his power supply through the operation of the indwelling spirit of God. The spirit of God is the active power of God to quicken or actualizing the word, and making it irreversible and indisputable by contrary forces of darkness. It is also called the ‘power of the world to come’, meaning that the same power which is presently at work in us – deposited in us as the foretaste and guarantee of our salvation shall continue to be at work in us until the resurrection of the just – the dead in Christ to re-produce in us a new spiritual body like the glorious resurrected body of Christ. Hebrews 6:5. It is also known as ‘the power of his resurrection’ – the power which God wrought in Christ Jesus, when he raised him up from the dead, far above all principalities and powers and dominion. Eph.1:20.
Though we are one body of Christ, and members in particular, some of greater dignity, others of less, some of different gifts and attainments, some more eminent, others less so, yet they all constitute but one universal church.
Spiritual authority has levels and boundary in the church according to the responsibility of stewardship, position of relationship with God, and spiritual maturity of the Fathers in the Lord which does not in any way gives room for one to be proud or boast against another than to serve one another by love. We are equal before the Lord, but our calling and responsibility before him gives us different position of higher platform to operate – though men are men, but some men are more anointed and closer to God with power and authority than others (a) by the reason of divine choice which is not of man: (b) also by their increasing consecration before him. Numbers 16.
Unlike the evil and oppressive elder Diotrephes from the early church who misused his spiritual position and authority (3 John 1:9-11), prophet Samuel was a leader of a great spiritual power and authority of God before the Israelis who served faithfully in all humility and honesty unto death (1 Samuel 12:3-5), thus we see that the true greatness and power with God or the power of God in a man’s life is primarily in his lowly selfless service to others – whosoever will be great among you, let him be the servant of all. Luke 22:24-27. John 13:12-17.
Genuine, not fake spiritual authority is exercised or executed within the bonds, frame and scope of the scriptures. Godly and divine (not ungodly and diabolical) spiritual authority is founded on the established authority of the word of God: much more, built on individual’s healthy relationship with him – we cannot be despising the word of God to retain his honor (authority is an honor and sign of a God’s presence to confirm the word and works of his emissary), just as Moses despised the word of God and was stripped of the honor and power to bring the people to the Promised Land.
You should be very careful of the falsified or counterfeited powers and authority of the ungodly men in the church today, who, though are speaking, living and walking contrary to, or partially in the truth, yet, they are demonstrating some kinds of spiritual power and authority. Note: true spiritual power and authority from God and with him will make unapologetic public declaration of sin against God, so that men should repent or perish (Micah 3:8), even as John the Baptist told the Jewish people who came to be baptized of him saying, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, we have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Luke 3:7-9.
Spiritual authority is divided into three separate divisions, namely, (a) the individual – believer’s authority in Christ Jesus over Satan, demons and over powers of darkness: (b) local congregation elders and deacons leaderships authority to maintain orderliness and discipline in the church: (c) ministerial authority.
Individual’s believer’s authority in Christ Jesus.
God has not given the new birth to any weak and beggarly element of children in Christ Jesus (but children who know their God and will boldly lead captivity captive, and say to the prisoners, go forth; to them that are in darkness, show yourselves. Isaiah 49:8-9): though Christ was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God. Are we not born of the spirit of God, and are kept by his power through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time? 1 Peter 1:5.
Beloved, you cannot separate power from authority, though Christ has given you power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19-20), but only those who are under God’s authority (living by the word, tooted and grounded in it) can truly exercise enduring power and authority over the serpents and scorpions – submit yourself therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7.
Do you remember the city or part of neighborhoods called Goshen in the land of Egypt? As a believer, you dwelling place or location of residence in the world is a spiritual Goshen which you must take and have spiritual authority to protect your entire household and environment by constant application of the blood of the Lamb. Exodus 19:1-6.
Are you indeed a believer who is born again, baptized by water immersion, been buried into Christ death, and received the spirit baptism? John 3:1-7. Acts 19:1-7. Have you read that which was spoken by the Lord that he that whosoever believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:16-18. Has someone told you that this scripture text is limited to the time of the early church? It’s a blatant lie – not true. Do you think that Christ says in vain that you are a child of miracle, signs and wonders? Behold, I and the children whom the Lord has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwells in mount Zion. Isaiah 8:18.
You do greatly err, not knowing the scripture neither the power of God! If you should ignore, neglect and won’t exercise your authority over unclean spirits and over other things as expected, how will you stir up the gift that is in you? 2 Timothy 1:6.
Apart from the ministerial authority, the spiritual power and authority of a believer is found in all of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit: it is the same and only Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and powers, deciding which each one of us should have. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.
Whosoever believes and is baptized includes you as an individual, saved and washed by the blood of the Lamb. It has nothing to do with your pastor’s faith and permission to cast out demons in your neighborhood or to lay your hands on the sick for prayer of healing at the hospitals or anywhere to demonstrate the power of the kingdom within you. This have nothing to do with the church protocol to seek for an elder or pastor’s permission before exercising your Christ given – scripturally grounded and proven spiritual authority. The gifts of the Spirit and its manifestations has not ceased and will not cease until the church is no more on earth if you believe that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever according to the scriptures.
As a believer, you have the authority to condemn every tongue that shall rise up against you in judgment, and to decree, bind, loose, plant and uproot… Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; to execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute upon them the judgment written: this honor have all his saints. Praise you the Lord. Psalms 149:5-9.
Leaders, elders, deacons and other church workers authority. Titus 1:5-9.
There are different departments in the church, so the leader of each department is to work with the authority delegated by the minister in charge and his entourage or the church committee. Any authority under this category is meant to ease the under-shepherd’s work as a division of labor, not given to disaffect the proper running and functioning of the entire community or the congregation. To disobey the authority of any of the church workers for proper organization and smooth ministerial running of things is to disobey the entire church and God’s authority. Proverbs 17:11.
The leaders and deacons or any other workers should be of honest report, a mature believer and Spirit filled helper in the church. They are the servants or messengers of the church (2 Corinthians 8:23) whose goal is to ensure the full realization of the mission or fulfillment of the ministry they are called to serve under. They should not work outside the frame work of their different responsibilities as directed by the pastor as they continue to receive instructions from the leadership of the church who has bestowed such honor unto them in readiness to give accountability or report of their different departments to the minister in charge. They should not be allowed to become a thorn in the flesh against the leadership who has appointed them, nor to be objectionable to the vision given by God to the leadership to create their own vision from the vision they are called to work with, else they become rebellious and betrayal of trust. Such should be warned, suspended or be removed from their post of departmental leadership or authority after several warnings against spiritual insubordination. Proverbs 24:21-22. Titus 2:10-11.
Some of these leaders and elders are trusted church counselors and judges who are assigned to help other believers with minor spiritual problems, but the bigger issue can be referred from them to the pastor – overseer. 1 Corinthians 6:1-5. Yes, any believer can pray for the sick outside the church during his personal evangelism, prison or hospital visitation, but the elders are to pray for the sick in the church – this is their perimeter and authority. James 5:14. The elders are responsible to make reconciliation between brethren who found it difficult to resolve their problems between themselves in brotherly love, but if the offender is adamant and unrelenting – not giving way to kindness and compassion, they have authority and power to excommunicate such a person from the church. Matthew 18:15-20.
Ministerial authority. 2 Corinthians 10:8.
True ministry and ministers of the gospel are given the task of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus to bring the saints unto perfection in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 4:11-13. This is not an easy task, but the Lord’s grace and presence makes the burden easy for them to bear as they labour tirelessly and faithfully in the word. Their power and spiritual authority is to build and to plant: but at the same time, they can uproot and destroy, hence apostle Paul made this bold declaration that for though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed. 2 Corinthians 10:8.
Galatians chapter 1 verses 1…there are men who have put themselves into the ministry for whatever reason, but these are not men of God because they are not annointed to function in that office they thrust themselves into. There are also men, who are called by other men for whatever reason into the ministry, these are not the real men of God because they are not also annointed to function in the office they are given by others to occupy. But there is the third group of men, not called by men, neither are they self -made ministers of the gospel, but are called and annointed by God, given as special gifts to the church (2 Corinthians 1:28), and are made for the office they are called to occupy in the body of Christ. While everyone else seems to be worrying about his own plans, and not those of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:21), these men are only after the perfection in all the will of God in the body of Christ for his children – for we seek not yours, but you. 2 Corinthians 12:14. Colossians 4:12.
These third group of men has nothning to lose but their own soul if they should hold back the truth from the sheep (Acts 20:26): thereofore they speak, not for man’s applause, acceptance, commendation, monetary or filthy lucre’s gain, but as they are put in trust with the gospel, so they speak, exhort and rebuke with all authority (Titus 2:15) given by God and before him who tries their hearts. 1 Thessalonins 2:4.
Give glory to God, praise and bless the name of the Lord if you found yourself under the ministry of these faithful and fearless men of God. You cannot stop them from the truth than to receive them that you may be fellowhelpers to the truth (3 John 1:8), for we can do nothing aginst the truth, but for the truth. 2 Corinthians 13:8.
If by envy or evil heart, you falsely or wrongly challenge their authority, you are in the opposition against God. If you fall on them, you will be broken into pieces, and if they should fall on you, you will be grinded into powder. Nothing will stop these men except God when they might have finished and fulfilled their course according to God’s eternal counsel. Whatever honour you give them is given to God, but if you strive to resist them because of their sound doctrine and unsophisticated approach (2 Timothy 4:3-4), know that you are kicking against the prick – striving against Christ. These faithful apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers and evangelist are not easy to come by, they are one out of a million among the false men, servants or ministers of God in the world today.
These men judges sin in the church. 1 Cor. 5:3. Without respect of person, they openly rebuke anyone who,persists in his sin in the church, so that others might fear.1 Tim. 5:20. They teaches and preaches to you as servants ready to give accountability of what they preaches and how they lived their lives to influence you positively (2 Thessalonians 2:10) for future reference and report to God on how you have responded in submission or rebellion (Hebrews 13:7-8) to their message in order to save themselves and to save you. 1 Timothy 4:16.
You can only pray that God should lead or bring you to the pasture or grazing land of these men of God. If anyone by itching ears and unwillingness to bear or hear the truth should depart or go away from the ministry of any of these faithful men of God, such a believer shall remain in the congregation of the dead and will not make heaven. Proverbs 21:16.
The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left undisciplined bring shame to its mother. Prov. 29:15. These men are not sweet or vain talkers of fair speeches to deceive the hearts of the simple. They speak, so that the spirit of God can do his work of cleansing by water by the word in the heart of the hearers. They don’t walk around with rod like Moses of old, but they do have a spiritual rod, – the symbol of power, leadership and authority from God: not only to guide the flock, but also to chastices in love for correction. And though they display the tenderness of a father, but they also assert spiritual authority – what will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? Asked Apostle Paul. 1 Corinthians 4:21.