3.3.2 Spiritual Authority 2

3.3.2 屬靈權柄 2

Shared by: Ming

In our last session, we explored the relationship between order and authority. We addressed key questions: What is the most important lesson to learn before receiving authority? What is spiritual authority? And what distinguishes power from authority? We established that God grants spiritual authority out of His love for us—it’s not something we earn through effort. He bestows it freely, yet He retains the right to withdraw it at His will. We also examined the source of Satan’s authority and its connection to order.

This season, perhaps because I’ve been teaching on spiritual authority, I’ve experienced significant growth in this area. The Holy Spirit has led me into numerous situations that have deepened my understanding. In the Old Testament, the word "authority" appears infrequently—fewer than fifteen times: three times in the Pentateuch, twice in Isaiah and Jeremiah, and sparingly elsewhere. By contrast, the New Testament mentions it far more often. In the four Gospels and Acts alone, it appears forty-six times, and in the epistles and Revelation, it exceeds twenty occurrences.

Corruption and the Loss of Authority

When people fall into corruption, they surrender their spiritual authority. For example, in a family marked by sexual immorality, sin creates an opening for the enemy. This breach can strip the family of the authority God originally granted, allowing the enemy to impose curses on them and their descendants.

In my years of ministry, serving individuals and teams, I’ve seen how corruption affects not just the individual or family but entire groups—especially in certain communities. I once served on a worship team where the Holy Spirit revealed sexual immorality among the members. At the time, I was unfamiliar with the team, so I sought God in prayer. Eventually, He permitted me to confront the worship team leader. To my astonishment, he confessed, “Everything you’ve discerned is true. We’ve known for some time that one member has a mistress and has been with her for years. I even know his wife.” Shocked, I asked, “Why didn’t you address it? How could you let this persist in the worship team?”

The leader explained they were short-staffed and couldn’t afford to lose this key member, despite knowing about his sin. Over time, the spirit of immorality took root and spread. Another team member soon fell into the same sin. Within a few years, the entire team was overshadowed by this dark influence, and eventually, even the leader succumbed to an affair. This illustrates how corruption in one life can lead to the surrender of authority, affecting everyone connected.

When power was exercised outside the scope of spiritual authority, one cannot live as sons and daughters of God. The classic example is Lucifer. When Satan was cast down to earth, he retained power but lost his authority. He forfeited his intimate relationship with the Triune God, being driven by selfish desire. God’s plan and destiny for him decayed due to his corruption, selfish ambition, and violence.

Having lost authority and unable to stand before God’s throne, Satan devised a scheme we all recognize: to steal authority from humanity by corrupting God’s creation—the world and mankind. Satan’s only means of seizing authority is by tempting humanity to join him in corruption. As people yield to sin, they surrender their authority bit by bit. More and more fall into this trap until the world becomes utterly corrupted, leaving no room for God’s glory to shine through humankind. Satan believes he can usurp man’s authority and glory— authority and glory that originates from God—thereby replacing God Himself.

When humanity surrenders its authority, we lose our identity as God’s sons and daughters. As we discussed last session, God granted Adam and Eve authority to rule and govern the earth in the Garden of Eden. But when they fell, that authority was lost, and the earth fell under a curse of corruption. In just a few verses in Genesis, we see the exhausted, impoverished state of human life unfolds.

How Do People Surrender Authority?

Even before we’re born, breaches in the lives of our parents and ancestors cause us to lose aspects of our authority. In our own lives, unrighteous decisions further erode it. Our choices carry immense weight. Have we made decisions that cost us the authority God destined for us? The sin of Adam and Eve, the sins of our ancestors, our cultural heritage, and breaches in our parents’ lives—all these diminish our authority before we even enter the world.

After birth, when others treat us unjustly and we respond with unrighteous choices, we give the enemy further opportunities to seize our authority.

Salvation restores us to God, but it doesn’t automatically reclaim all the spiritual authority lost to the enemy. If it did, we’d live as Adam and Eve did in Eden, governing all creation in heaven and on earth—casting out demons, commanding restoration over the land, and ruling over all things. Yet many of us don’t experience this. We must reflect on our lives and past decisions. How many choices have handed our authority over to the enemy?

Examples abound among our relatives and friends. Some infants, before they can even comprehend it, are dedicated to Satan or the enemy. As they grow, the enemy gains significant authority over their lives. Once, while ministering deliverance to someone oppressed by an evil spirit, I discovered his authority had been stolen at age six. His parents had entrusted him to a nanny who exerted a dark influence over him. This shows the profound impact authority can have on a person’s life.

Prerequisites for Receiving Spiritual Authority

To receive spiritual authority from God, certain conditions must be met—it rests on a foundation. When I lay hands on the sick and witness miraculous healing, I often wonder: What makes my hand different from anyone else’s? There’s no chemical reaction or special component. Why does healing occur? I’ve pondered this question for years, especially when others say their prayers and laying on of hands produce no effect.

In the Bible, when Jesus healed the sick, the Father in heaven confirmed His every word. What compelled God to act? Why does He heal one person and not another? What conditions underlie His healing? Scriptures offer insight. Deuteronomy 28:1 says, “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will…” Likewise, 1 John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” God doesn’t cleanse or forgive unless we first confess and repent.

These verses reveal that God acts when specific conditions are fulfilled. This is the source of spiritual authority. We must understand and meet God’s conditions, trusting Him to act according to His Word in His season, His time and His way, because he is faithful, righteous and sovereign. To believers, His power accomplishes mighty wonders—like the ten plagues that delivered the Israelites from Pharaoh. Initiating those plagues was akin to triggering natural disasters. What faith did Moses possess to wield such authority?

Hebrews 8:5 unveils a mystery: “They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: ‘See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.’” On that mountain, Moses saw the heavenly tabernacle’s exact design and replicated it on earth as God commanded. Moses had a choice: obey God fully and trust Him with the outcome. Meeting God’s conditions, as revealed in Scripture, is a prerequisite for receiving authority.

Consider Judges 13, where Samson’s mother was instructed to avoid wine, strong drink, and unclean things, for her son would be a Nazirite, set apart to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Most of us might respond, “Great, thank You, Lord,” and passively await fulfillment. But Samson’s father, Manoah, took a different approach. He prayed, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I beg you to let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born” (Judges 13:8). Later, he asked, “When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule that governs the boy’s life and work?” (Judges 13:12).

Manoah, Samson’s father, approached God’s messenger with vital questions: “How should we raise Samson as parents? What are God’s conditions? What must we focus on? What steps should we take to fulfill the destiny You’ve given this child?”

This father recognized that God’s plans come with preconditions. Everything God intends requires us to discern and meet the requirements outlined in Scripture. Manoah wisely sought to understand how they could secure Samson’s destiny—what God demanded and how they could fulfill their role. This diligent pursuit is another key to spiritual authority.

When I pray for the sick, the key isn’t my faith alone but how God chooses to work through me. Honestly, I don’t fully understand how healing happens. My only choice is to believe God desires to heal through me, trust without doubt, and lay my hands on them and they are healed. This trust in His promises forms the bedrock of all spiritual authority.

The next step is obedience—meeting all the conditions and requirements God establishes. How faithfully we align our lives with His standards determines our ability to bless others.

Character and Spiritual Authority

Receiving spiritual authority also hinges on the character of our lives. In our first session, we identified repentance as a cornerstone. The second trait is obedience. James 4:6-7 says, “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

This passage teaches that pride blocks God’s help, while humility unlocks His authority. When we commit to submitting under God’s authority, the devil flees. The spiritual truth here is that casting out demons reflects spiritual authority, and the key to receiving it is humble submission to God. Pride disqualifies you from this authority, leaving you without God’s support.

Another critical element is unity with God, the sole source of ultimate authority as the Creator. You wield spiritual authority only within the domain God entrusts to you. This is why we emphasize contentment with what God has assigned and allotted.

Yet God also retains the power to distribute His authority progressively, granting it to those He chooses according to His sovereign plan.

Scope of Spiritual Authority

Another key point is that authority has a defined scope. As discussed, within the domain God entrusts to you, there’s a specific range for exercising authority. Stepping beyond that is wielding power outside God’s authorized scope.

Satan thrives on exceeding this boundary. When God struck him down, he lost his original authority but retained power. In deliverance, I’ve seen this power manifest—a frail girl once overpowered six strong men, hurling them against a wall when a demon took hold of her.

As spiritual sons and daughters, we must grasp the scope of authority. Without this understanding, we risk exercising power illegitimately. The enemy exploits this, luring us beyond God’s protection.

While worldly laws are clear and legislated, spiritual laws often elude us. We must return to Scripture to learn how God defines them. Operating outside these laws means wielding power without authority. Legitimate authority, however, keeps us under God’s covering and protection—a core spiritual principle. If God hasn’t granted you authority in a specific domain, any power you exercise there lacks His safeguard.

I’d like to share a testimony. Some churches, driven by zeal for God, visit temples to tear down idols and shrines. Over the years, I’ve served more than ten leaders engaged in such actions. One case stands out: a pastor with a foot condition reached out to me through an intermediary. This intermediary was discreet and didn’t reveal the pastor’s identity, saying only, “A pastor wants to understand something. His foot is lame, and he’s asking why God hasn’t healed him.” Had I known who he was, I’d have immediately discerned the state of his life. The request showed he recognized God’s power, so I interceded for him before God.

During that prayer, God revealed a heavenly judgment. I saw Satan approach God with a piece of paper, accusing the pastor: “On this date, he went to that temple and did this; on another occasion, he did that.” His foot condition wasn’t the only consequence—those around him, including coworkers, faced numerous problems too. I asked God, “If he’s to be healed, what must he do?” This case is extreme and not universal, but it’s worth sharing.

I recount this because it was a personal experience that taught me about the consequences of acting beyond our authority. Later, the Holy Spirit said, “The souls he gained must be returned,” an impossible demand. His lameness remained.

This example highlights a common issue: we often lack discernment and attribute every struggle to the devil’s attacks. That’s not always true. Instead, we should ask God two questions in specific situations: 1) Were we acting within legitimate authority? 2) Were we aligned with God’s timing? Zeal often drives us to act without waiting on God, assuming, “This is God’s will; the whole world will turn to Him.” But exercising power outside our given authority removes us from God’s protection, as He hasn’t granted us jurisdiction in every matter.

I’ve seen this repeatedly. One intercessor shared a sobering failure with me. They confronted a regional stronghold but were unprepared—lacking experience and unaddressed weaknesses in their personal lives. One member had a vulnerability, and during the ministry, that person suffered greatly and was lost. This really happened, underscoring the need for caution. Without care, we step beyond God’s protection.

Order and Authority

Genesis 1:2 says, “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Lucifer’s rebellion with a third of the angels plunged the world into chaos. Wherever order collapses, darkness reigns. Yet God restores order, as seen in His highly structured kingdom.

Angels possess distinct ranks and levels of authority, as illustrated by the angelic visitor in the Book of Daniel, who clashed with the prince of Persia, a regional malevolent spirit. This angel's immense power was evident in Daniel's weakened state upon its arrival. Nevertheless, the prince of Persia obstructed this angel for twenty-one days, holding it captive until Michael, a higher-ranking angel, intervened and freed it (Daniel 10). This event underscores the presence of a hierarchical structure within the heavenly realm, with God having instituted specific orders and authorities. The universe function under two governing principles: natural law and spiritual law. Authorities are designated, and all operations adhere to these established laws.

Romans 13:1 declares, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

The phrase “let everyone be subject to the governing authorities” implies a willing submission to authority, a deliberate choice to place ourselves under it. The verse further clarifies that all authority originates from God, existing only by His permission or design.

In essence, every person, regardless of status, is under some form of authority. This principle functions as a law governing human relationships. When we resist or rebel against these authorities, we disrupt the divine order God has instituted in our lives.

God originally established authority to create a framework of order. However, human rebellion and destructive behavior fracture this order, leading to chaos at various levels. In certain healing courses, this disruption is referred to as the "operation of witchcraft," symbolizing a breakdown of divine structure.

This law applies not only in the spiritual realm but also in the physical world, with the family unit being a common arena for its expression. For instance, when a husband exerts excessive control over the family, chaos often emerges. Similarly, if a wife rejects her husband’s role as the head of the household, she resists the order God has established. In God’s design, authority is not about domination but about a relationship grounded in heartfelt love—this reflects the essence of spiritual law.

In both religion and society, people can establish their own authority, but this does not necessarily carry spiritual power. A striking example is found in Acts 19 with the seven sons of Sceva, Jewish priests who held significant social status. Despite their position, they lacked true spiritual authority.

Their intent was to wield spiritual power. In Acts 19:13, they commanded evil spirits, saying, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out. “However, they had no personal relationship with Jesus, only referencing the Jesus proclaimed by Paul. In the spiritual realm, the devil keenly discerns genuine authority—recognizing who possesses it and to whom it must submit.

I once visited a church where, before I could even ascend the stairs, two sisters urgently pulled me upward. Alarmed, I asked what was happening. They explained that a demon had manifested near the pulpit, drawing a crowd of brothers and sisters—some curious, others attempting to cast it out. As I entered, I heard the demon, speaking through the possessed person, bellow, “I know Paul, I know Jesus!” Then, pointing at one individual, it roared, “Who are you? You dare touch me!” Remarkably, the possessed person physically overpowered the group trying to expel the spirit.

Some intercessors, in their impatience, launch into spiritual battles unprepared, only to face the enemy’s fierce counterattack.

Spiritual authority is undeniably real. It isn’t acquired through preaching more sermons or reading the Bible more frequently; rather, it hinges on whether your life aligns with God’s conditions. Character plays a crucial role—repentance, obedience, and receiving authority from God are what truly matter.

Obedience as a Key

When you haven’t fully submitted to God, you typically lack the legal standing in the spiritual realm to demand anything from others who also fall short of God’s principles. Spiritual battles exist on multiple levels: personal, community, and kingdom (national). However, within a specific spiritual domain, if we haven’t attained the obedience God requires, we won’t possess the authority corresponding to that domain.

Each of us has areas in our lives—domains—where we must break through, overcome obstacles, or meet the conditions God sets for obedience. Yet many fail to do so and, as a result, do not receive the authority tied to those domains.

When God calls us to a task, He equips us with everything necessary, including the authority to fulfill what He has entrusted to us. Conversely, in domains outside of His calling for us, we generally lack the corresponding authority.

This is why understanding our calling is so critical. We must discern the specific domain God has assigned to us—what He has purposed for our lives—so we can serve effectively within it and naturally wield the authority that comes with it. When the assignment originates from God, He also provides the resources and support to complete it.

The foundation of this authority lies in choosing to obey God, its ultimate source. Most Christians don’t struggle with this concept, especially when they hear God’s voice clearly. However, if obedience feels elusive, it’s worth revisiting the spiritual basics. Ask yourself: Why is it difficult to align your life with God’s Word? Often, the root issue is an inability to recognize or submit to the authority God has placed over us.

The degree of your obedience to the authority above you and your intimacy with God determines the spiritual power you possess. Submission begins with wholeheartedly yielding to God’s leading.

Obedience operates on two levels. First, there’s submission to God Himself. When God speaks, those who truly love Him find it relatively easy to obey. The second, more challenging level is submitting to the authorities God has placed over us. We cannot obey God in isolation without also honoring the human authorities He has appointed.

If this topic stirs discomfort in you, it may signal an area needing attention. Ask God to illuminate and heal it. Do we often stumble here in our own lives?

An even greater test of obedience arises when we must submit to authorities in whom we see no reflection of God—those who don’t know Him, or who are eccentric or perverse. For deeper insight, consider reading Watchman Nee’s Authority and Submission, which explores how to rightly submit to authority.

Scripture teaches that we’re not accountable for the behavior of those in authority, but we are responsible for our own. We must look beyond their flaws, recognizing that God has permitted their position. When we honor such authorities, God steps in to support us.

For instance, a woman’s husband, a wealthy businessman, decided to invest all their money into a venture. “We have millions in our account,” he told her, “And I’m putting it into this business.” She saw red flags and pleaded with him to reconsider, but he dismissed her, asserting, “I’m the head of the household; this is my decision.” Frustrated, she turned to God in complaint. God simply said, “Obey.” Though stifled, she surrendered. Predictably, the business failed, and she cried out to God, “Lord, I knew it wouldn’t succeed, and You still let him do it!” God remained silent. Months later, her husband repented. It emerged he’d been unfaithful, a fact she hadn’t known. When the business collapsed, his mistress left, and the wife regained her husband. God’s will transcended human plans.

Our first encounter with authority is our parents. Ephesians 6:2-3 states, “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Harmony with parents unlocks blessing. Dishonoring or rebelling against them breeds bitterness, complaints, and even physical ailments. If this foundational relationship is fractured, submitting to other authorities becomes harder.

God places many authorities over us, and recognizing them as His representatives—tasked with protecting, providing, managing, and disciplining us—benefits us greatly. Of course, some authorities are perverse or seem unqualified. We’ll address how to navigate such cases later.

Jesus modeled this perfectly. Though greater than John the Baptist, He submitted to John’s authority before launching His ministry. John protested, “This shouldn’t be so,” but Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”  (Matthew 3:15). He first submitted to God’s authority, and only then did God initiate His ministry. After that, Jesus began His personal work.

His great authority and power stemmed from honoring the authorities God placed in His life. At twelve, He taught in the synagogue, yet when His parents, not understanding, sought to bring Him back to Nazareth, He obeyed without hesitation. Later, the Bible notes that God’s favor toward Him continued to grow. This illustrates how Jesus submitted to the authority God established over Him.

If we fail to grasp these principles, we risk losing spiritual authority. When someone resists God’s will or order, they immediately stray from Him, forfeiting authority in the spiritual realm. This loss can manifest as an inability to subdue demons or wield legitimate spiritual power.

Those with authority bear great responsibility. Teaching on this isn’t simple, as authority correlates with accountability. Leaders are entrusted by God to shepherd others, carrying a heavier burden. Typically, God establishes the founder of an organization as its original authority, much like the Father sent Jesus. God imparts a vision to them, and this authority is tasked with proclaiming it, passing it down, and remaining accountable to God. Those with original authority appoint others to carry out the responsibilities entrusted by God. Once appointed, those under you recognize your authorization, enabling you to operate within that domain. Whether authority is received directly from God or delegated, stewardship is a duty you must embrace. Overstepping that authority removes you from God’s protection.

When we seek to exalt ourselves or pursue our own desires, we fall under illegitimate and unreasonable authority. This makes us resistors of the authority above us—a biblical principle. Such resistance doesn’t affect only us; it disrupts everyone under our care. Evil spirits bring chaos to the group, highlighting why a leader’s role is critical and why accountability to God is essential. A leader’s decisions and actions profoundly impact those they lead.

Consider Satan: when he was struck down, all under him fell too. This principle plays out in reality. Submitting to illegitimate authority doesn’t just harm you—it strikes those you oversee as well. The Bible illustrates this: Miriam alone suffered leprosy, but when Korah was judged, his family and followers were struck down too. This reflects God’s spiritual law, which applies universally, regardless of who you are.

Q&A Session

Question 1: How do we recognize the authority God has given?

Answer: You’ll recognize it. In the Bible, authority operates on multiple levels. At the personal level, it’s evident in the people and domains around you—your family, workplace, and personal life. You can discern what rights or influence you hold. If you haven’t overcome challenges in certain areas, you’ll struggle to live a life pleasing to God in those domains. Another level is the community or church: What authority do you wield there? Have you embraced what God has assigned to you in that sphere? Finally, there’s the kingdom or national level, where authority extends to broader realms.

Question 2: When weakness appears in our lives, should we stop serving?

Answer: If a weakness is evident, you must address it immediately. Everyone has weaknesses—some hidden, others obvious. When it’s visible, you can’t ignore it; the enemy will spot it quickly and exploit it if left unresolved.

For instance, consider someone reeling from divorce, perhaps already divorced, who hasn’t fully repented or healed. They’re typically unfit to serve others with marital struggles. Lacking spiritual authority in that unhealed area, they risk counseling from their own misconceptions, potentially misleading others. This is common. I once observed a divorced sister, who hadn’t confronted her own issues, ministering to another sister facing divorce. She declared divorce wrong and shared her story, but her words reflected neither God’s will nor victory.

Question 3: How do we know our calling?

Answer: You must seek God personally. Start by discerning what He has assigned to you at this stage of life. Many receive prophetic words about their future, but those promises aren’t guaranteed—they require action. Conditions must be met, and you can’t simply pray at home and wait.

Take this example: A mother shared that her son, before age twenty, was prophesied to transform Taiwan. We advised her to ensure he stays on God’s path and loves Him. She was devout, praying fervently for this calling, but her son didn’t cooperate. Now, at twenty-two, he’s still at home. The prophecy wasn’t false; its fulfillment hinges on response and action. The key is recognizing what portion God has entrusted to you now and living according to His laws within that domain.

Question 4: When our leader is struck, how do we avoid being affected?

Answer: Typically, discipline targets the individual leader, not the group. Only in rare cases, when specific spiritual laws are breached, does it affect everyone collectively. Understanding these biblical principles is crucial—without it, we’re unprepared when it happens. If it does, those under the leader should repent. God doesn’t strike arbitrarily; if we seek Him sincerely, He’ll reveal the issue. He also warns followers to make wise choices and align with His will.

Question 5: How do we submit to imperfect authority?

Answer: We must look past their flaws, recognizing that God has permitted their authority. By honoring them, we invite God’s help. Watchman Nee, in Authority and Submission, distinguishes submission from obedience. We can’t obey commands that blatantly defy God’s principles. For instance, if a leader says, “Let’s all take the mark of the beast,” I’d refuse—despite their position—because it directly contradicts Scripture.

Question 6: If the authority above us is sexually immoral, do we still submit?

Answer: You should submit only to decisions that align with God’s will. If God has a different calling for you, He’ll guide you out—He always seeks to protect His people. However, if prayer reveals God’s instruction to stay, you must remain. In such cases, learn to navigate perverse or ungodly authority, applying biblical principles to practical challenges.

Question 7: If a small group leader has a legal husband and a de facto marriage, doesn’t that cause overall loss?

Answer: Yes. A church leader maintaining both a legal husband and a de facto marriage, without repenting and resolving this sin first, commits a serious breach. Unaddressed sin inevitably brings consequences. Seek God’s guidance to exhort them and address this breach.

Question 8: If my spouse doesn’t know God and has breach in her life, can I still serve?

Answer: Serving is God’s calling. If He has called you, your spouse’s lack of faith or personal breach doesn’t negate your ability to serve.

Question 9: If I distrust my leader, repent to God, but he doesn’t know, do I ask his forgiveness?

Answer: Pray and seek God’s guidance on how to proceed in this situation.