I am going to talk about God’s purpose for authority. A lot of people are obsessed with power. Some have their own definition for it, and misuse it. Along with that comes various types of abuse. The problem is that people have gotten away from the true source of power.

Why do people have authority? Who do they get it from? What is the real purpose for power or authority? Self-importance? To control others? To abuse others? To take advantage of others?

The Bible has something to say about authority.

God is a God of divine order. His commandments, His laws, His design have holy purposes. We must all submit ourselves to Him and obey His word, in order for His will to be done.

• It is important to know Bible truth in order to examine ourselves to make sure we are walking in truth. This includes making sure we have the truth concerning God-given authority, the purpose for it, and how it should be used.

• We also need the truth to be able to rightly examine others in alignment with God’s word.  It is good to be able to spot wrong ideology others may have about authority and other issues.

“God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.” – Psalms 62: 11

God is supreme authority and the authorizer of it for His own holy, good, and perfect will.

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers for there is no power but of God. The powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good and thou shalt have praise of the same.

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid For he beareth not the sword in For he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” Romans 13: 1-4.

Authority is to be used righteously and used for good, not evil.

As we can see from these passages, God gives people authority for them to use it for good. People in authority are to be righteous people, enforcing the righteousness of God.

• We are not to resist the authorities that God has placed over us.

• Both those in and under authority must accept that power is God’s!

• Everyone is under authority- all are under God’s supreme authority.

Rulers will answer to God for how they rule.

So many men and women are obsessed with their ideas of what power is. Some people seem to not realize that no matter what positions they hold, they are under obligation to obey God. They will certainly bow before Him and answer to Him one day.

There are people who have perverted and distorted ideas of what power is, and how it is to be used. Notice, the Bible is discussing in Romans 13: 1-4, that righteous rulers are NOT terrors to good works.

There is the real thing- God-given power and authority, and there is also a counterfeit. Satan offers a perverted, false power, and influences people to seek this perverted power.

• An example of perverted power is when a cult leader controls, manipulates, and mistreats his (or her) followers.

• Yet, another example of a perverted idea of power is the man who believes sexuality is about power. The man who preys on and assaults women is weak and deplorable. However, he believes he is exerting power when he attacks and violates women.

• Another example would be wicked rulers (including government officials) who do not obey God. These types will not have the people’s best interests in mind. They seek to satisfy their own fleshly desires and agendas by abusing their power.

“When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” Proverbs 29: 2

In a sinless world, we wouldn’t have wicked rulers. In this fallen, sinful world, there are many wicked rulers and wicked wannabe rulers.

Even many religious people suffer from idolatry of power.

Corrupt leaders attempt to sidestep their personal responsibility and accountability to God to govern their own way. God authorizes people to operate only within the authority He has given them, and for the purposes for which He gave it.

Powermongers focus on dominance, control, and so-called superiority.

Religious and other kinds of abusers seem to believe they are so special that their sins are less of a problem than the sins of others. They may feel that they are so great, that the rules do not apply for them, and that their compliance to righteous statutes is not as necessary.

God knows the hearts of people, but based on some people’s behaviors, it seems clear to me that they pursue religious “power” and do not truly follow Jesus Christ. It is evident something is very wrong, as I observe cases of chronic and covered up abuse throughout history within households, churches, cults, and various institutions.

Cult leaders and religious abusers use God’s name for their evil agendas. Religion provides opportunities for them to exert power over others. For these types, it is not really about serving God, or following Jesus, and it is often not about serving others.

As long as people are not sinning, they are required to submit to authority. Leaders are required to rule righteously as well. A leader should take initiative in righteousness.

It is almost unheard of to hear power-hungry folks quoting from the book of Mark, chapter 10: 42-45.

“But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

I can remember times when some repeated over and over how important submission to authority is, but I didn’t hear them acknowledging certain scriptures that really explain what authority is, and how it is to be used. They also weren’t too keen on describing how important their own submission to God, and the needs of others is!

Satan also got lifted up in pride and fell. Jesus reminded the disciples of this.

Jesus gave his disciples authority with holy purpose, and on different occasions, addressed them about their attitudes concerning power and authority:

“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

And he said unto them, I  beheld satan fall as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents, and scorpions,  and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding, in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10: 17- 20.

Notice, in the passage, Jesus made reference to satan falling. Remember, satan got lifted up in pride. If we understand and accept that power is of God, and He gives authority for righteous purposes according to His own will, we will do well.

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments:  for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14.