Be Under Authority (Act Like Men: Part 3) - Zac Poonen - March 18, 2011
http://rlcfchurch.org RLCF Men's Leadership Conference 2011 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that true spiritual life requires complete submission to a higher authority, mirroring Christ's obedience to the Father. The speaker emphasizes that obedience must come by faith, not by reason or understanding, citing Jesus' life as the ultimate example. This submission is necessary for spiritual maturity and proper conduct in all areas of life.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Understanding the chain of authorityThe scripture outlines a clear hierarchy of authority where God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of man, and man is the head of woman, grounded in divine order rather than inequality.
The one-line autobiography of JesusJesus came to Earth not to do His own will, but completely submitted to the will of His Father in everything He did.
The obedience of faith versus reasonA spiritual person obeys God by faith regardless of human reason, just as Jesus submitted to His imperfect earthly parents for thirty years.
Recognizing a man under authorityThe Roman centurion recognized in Jesus the bearing and dignity of a man who lived and operated under divine authority.Matthew 8:9
The first sin in the universeThe original sin was not murder or theft, but Lucifer's rebellion against the authority of God, which introduced a corrupt rebellious nature into humanity.
The two competing spiritsThere are only two basic operating spirits in the world: the spirit of rebellion originating from Satan and the spirit of submission modeled by Jesus Christ.
Teaching children submission to authorityParents must lovingly break a child's rebellious will while preserving their spirit by teaching them early obedience.
Subjection to governing authoritiesBelievers are instructed in Romans to submit to governing authorities as part of the progressive pathway of the gospel that leads to victory over Satan.Romans 13:1
Obedience to spiritual leadershipScripture teaches that believers should submit to church leaders who watch over their souls and will give an account to God.Hebrews 13:17
The nature of divine authorityUnlike demonic possession or secular dictatorship that forces people, divine authority operates like Jesus washing feet, marked by love, freedom, and self-control.
The necessity of being broken before receiving authorityGod must break and humble a leader through trials and submission before entrusting them with spiritual responsibility and authority.
