Servants expect to receive commands and try to obey them. There is no place for personal desires. Friends are invited into the "master's business" in a way that deploys the natural desires of their hearts. Instead of telling friends what to do, God is "inviting" them to ask for the "whatever" of their heart. Our prayer changes from talking to listening. To our amazement we hear the Father asking us the Solomon question, "What's your dream, how can I help you?" 

 “I am a friend of God” is wishful singing for spiritual babies.  Jesus’ proclamation, I call you friends, was following three years of discipleship, learning obedience while willingly being called servants.  Friendship with God comes with the fruit of maturity.  The promises for friends are withheld from babes.

 Through maturation, many disciples are experiencing the liberating Spirit of sonship, adoption as sons of our Father.  We are neither slave to sin nor to the systems of the world (including religious systems).  We are “free indeed” to know and carry out God’s purpose and our destiny with authority.  We can see what the Father is doing, and do likewise.

 The basis for spiritual authority and structure must be founded in the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

 I.  SUBMISSION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

 For as many as are led by the Holy Spirit of God, these are sons of God. - Romans 8:14.

 All of creation earnestly expects the revealing of the sons of God, who will bring the long-awaited deliverance from corruption.  The glory of the Father, seen in the sons who bear His image, will fulfill the law of the Spirit and bring life and peace.

The Anointed One, living in many sons, will fulfill the mystery hoped for ~ bearing the fruit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  There will be no end to the increase of His government and peace, as we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. 

 The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this ~ not by might, not by power, but by His Spirit.  The Spirit of Him who raised Christ from the dead will give life to those who are in submission to Him.

 II.  SUBJECTION TO GOVERNING AUTHORITIES

 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. - Romans 13:1.

 Liberation from the law of sin and death is not a license for lawlessness.  Christians are a nation’s best citizens.  And that means more than waving flags.  Spirit-led sons of God will literally become the salt of the earth and the light of the world in practical ways, making a difference where we live.

 Our submission to Christ will manifest a chaste conduct accompanied by fear, with gentle and quiet spirits which are precious in the sight of God.  Sons will overcome evil with good as we go extra miles, even giving our shirts, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God.  The by-laws of the kingdom as expressed in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount will be lived out under heaven’s power and authority.

This simple (but profound) obedience of faith will take us all the way to the point of violating the will and nature of God.  Only at that point will disobedience to civil authority be in order.  Even there, we must maintain the proper attitude of humility and submission that is expected and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

III.  SUBMITTED OBEDIENCE TO LEADERS

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive. - Hebrews 13:17.

God places us under guardians and stewards who, in turn, give account to Him for our souls.  They are commissioned to willingly rule over us in ways that equip us for the work of the ministry, so that we may walk in a manner worthy of our calling. 

God prepared good works for us to walk in.  But, the works were prepared for mature believers.  Baby Christians must first learn how to walk in obedience.  (If we cannot obey man whom we can see, how will we obey God whom we cannot see?)  We are first to become disciples, submitted to leaders, so that we might learn to walk in His higher ways of thinking and doing. 

Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing.  That’s what sons do!  There must be a lot of dying to the old life and the old ways of thinking and doing (stinking thinking and wrong doing).  It is through willing obedience to the discipling of those appointed over us that we be transformed by the renewing of our minds, until we (together) have the mind of Christ.

Our old and carnal ways, the ways of the flesh, cannot please God.  Left to our own devices, we will never please God ~ never be able to pray as Jesus prayed, “I glorified You on the earth; I completed the work that You gave Me to do.”

IV.  SUBMISSION TO THE BODY

Submitting to one another in the fear of God. - Ephesians 5:21

God’s plan for individuals is found within the context of His body, the church.  Even those whose primary purpose is to be walked out in the marketplace are to be equipped and undergirded through placement in the body.

God has set the members, each one of us, in the body just as He pleased.  We are members of one another, and need one another, for proper spiritual nutrition and participation.  Whenever we come together, each one is to bring something to share with others.  It is in the assembling of ourselves together that we consider and exhort one another, stirring up love and good works.

We are to grow into the spiritual power necessary to rule our own lives.  (We often need one another to get free and stay free.)  Individuals should not take on spiritual forces of darkness in realms beyond our own authority.  It will be the body of Christ, under God-given and apostolically appointed elders, who will bind principalities and powers, pull down strongholds, and bring kingdom rule to our cities and regions.

V.  THE NEED FOR ACCOUNTABILITY

I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. - Matthews 8:9.

Jesus marveled at the faith of the Centurion, who got it!  So many just don’t get it ~ yet.  Some have “come out,” but have not yet “come in.”  They are floating around ~ members without a body.  Some resist authority because of unresolved conflicts or unhealed wounds.  Others just don’t get it ~ yet.

Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of people have left the institutional church.  to become part of new venues.  At the same time, many traditional fellowships are being transformed from within. The word of God is alive and powerful, and all Scripture is profitable, regardless of the venue in which it is received. 

God will complete His purpose through citywide and regional expressions of His church.  Stay connected until you know without doubting that God is transplanting you. Don’t leave your roots exposed to the elements.   It is better to be part of the body where reformation may not yet be recognized, than to be a Lone Ranger with no accountability.

Being accountable does not require all of the familiar “trappings” that we have known as “church.”  God’s governmental structure is based upon relationships.  It is important to have the “Amen!” of the Spirit within you regarding your placement. Life begets structure.  Structure does not beget life.

Authority is released within our lives as we place ourselves in specific and definable accountability to those whom God has positioned over us!  We are without authority until we are under authority. 

Some need to learn to trust again.  It usually takes what wounded us to heal us.  That is, if a leader wounded us, it will take another leader to help us get to our fullest level of health in the area of accountability. There are trustworthy servant-leaders who may be known by their fruit.

Others need to repent, turn from their rugged individualism, independence, rebellion or anarchy, which are progressive levels of the same issue, keeping people from flowing in body life together.

Accountability is essential to our participation in the unfolding purposes of God.  Both mutual accountability among peers, and accountability to those who have been given the rule over us in Christ, are necessary.

The Holy Spirit of God establishes righteous accountability in Christ.  Although we serve according to the example of Jesus Christ, we are not merely servants.  It is accountability that facilitates our being raised into full sonship authority and into full participation in the reformation of the church.

Our Father is standing by, awaiting our proper alignment, so that He may ask us the Solomon question, "What's your dream, how can I help you?"  Rightly ordered, He will give us the desire of our hearts.

Part 2 [back to top]

By tracing authority to its highest source, you will eventually see God. - Nee

There is no authority except from God. - Romans 13:1.

A father notices that his five-year-old son is standing up in the back seat of the car, and instructs him, “Son, sit down and buckle your seat belt!”  The son ignores his dad, who more emphatically says, “Son, sit down and buckle your seat belt, right now!”  Again, he is ignored.  “If you don’t sit down and buckle your seat belt now, I will stop the car, we will both get out of the car, and you will be sorry!”

The boy sits down, and the father hears him mumbling, “I’m sitting down on the outside, but I’m still standing up on the inside!”

Many in the Western world lack the inner character of a healthy respect for authority. Many wait until obedience is forced, either by direct command or by circumstances, before acting.  I remember one of my sons-in-law training his children, “Slow obedience is no obedience.”

Submissiveness (an inward attitude) is more foundational to the Christian life and witness than obedience (an outward action).  Our inward attitude will ~ sooner or later ~ drive our outward actions. Behavior modification (in the world and in the church) is no substitute for conversion and the renewing of our minds.

I.  AUTHORITY REPRESENTS GOD

It will be good to consider Paul’s teaching in Romans 13 by beginning the context at Chapter 12, Verse 9:

(1) Let love be without hypocrisy.  (2) Abhor what is evil.  (3) Cling to what is good. (4) Be kindly affectionate to one another (5) with brotherly love, (6) in honor giving preference to one another; (7) not lagging in diligence, (8) fervent in spirit, (9) serving the Lord; (10) rejoicing in hope, (11) patient in tribulation, (12) continuing steadfastly in prayer; (13) distributing to the needs of the saints, (14) given to hospitality. 

(15) Bless those who persecute you; (16) bless and do not curse.  (17) Rejoice with those who rejoice, and (18) weep with those who weep.  (19) Be of the same mind toward one another.  (20) Do not set your mind on high things, but (21) associate with the humble.  (22) Do not be wise in your own opinion.

(23) Repay no one evil for evil.  (24) Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  If it is possible, (25) as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  (26) Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather (27) give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, “ says the Lord.

(28) Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; (29) if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”  (30) Do not be overcome by evil, (31) but overcome evil with good.

There are thirty-one specifics regarding conduct in the above passage. These should be connected to the verses that follow:

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. - Romans 13:1-2.

Chapter 12 began with a vital link to knowing and doing what pleases God:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

II.  SUBJECTION DEMONSTRATES THE WAY OF GOD’S AUTHORITY

Let no one deceive you, the flesh cannot please God.  It is not even able to do so!  This is not a concept that can be understood by natural man, nor a command that can be obeyed by carnal man. 

This is the demonstration of a new creation, formed from heaven’s Seed.  This is the unprecedented and supernatural life of a new species in the earth.  This is for those Christian revolutionaries who are reaching for God’s highest. 

How do we reach for God’s highest?

Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.  Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.

 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” - Isaiah 55:6-9.

Authentic Christianity is nothing less than this!  Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Paul explained, I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain. 

 O foolish Galatians!  Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?  This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?  Are you so foolish?  Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? - Galatians 2:20 - 3:3.

 Christ in us ~ portraying the higher thoughts and ways of God, demonstrating the way of the Spirit in true humility in the face of authority.  The Spirit of God is still honoring the Father by honoring those who are given authority in the earth.

Understanding this, we will no longer vilify people in places of authority.  In doing so, we are vilifying God!  On the other hand, when we give honor to whom honor is due, we give honor to God.

III.  AUTHORITY IS THE PRINCIPLE OF GOD’S GOVERNMENT

Watchman Nee wrote: “Although the world is now full of sins, authority is still the principle of God’s government in relation to the world.  Wives are to be subject to their husbands, servants are to be subject to their masters, employees to their employers, students to their teachers, citizens to various governmental and administrative officials, subordinates to their chiefs – the latter classes in all these relationships are authorities that have been set up by God.  These authorities are not only appointed by God, they also represent God.

“Do not imagine that we may be in subjection to God while at the same time we are disobedient to our parents or are rebellious against husbands or masters or school principals or whoever else is in authority.”

For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. - Romans 13:1.

Jesus lived His life on earth completely under authority.  When He was young, He was in subjection to His parents.  After His baptism, the Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness.  After emerging into ministry, He only did what He saw His Father doing.  (That’s what sons do!)

Even in the face of unrighteous judgment and imminent death, Jesus did not revile His captors, but submitted to the prevailing governmental authorities of His day. 

We have not seen a more submissive man in history than Jesus Christ.

IV.  THE CLEAR WORD OF SCRIPTURE

Therefore, submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.  For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men – as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 

 Honor all people.  Love the brotherhood.  Fear God.  Honor the king. - I Peter 2:13-17.

The obvious question is, “What if those in authority are unfair, ill-advised, could cause undue suffering?  Peter continues:

 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.  For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. - Vss. 18-19.

This is the faithful and overcoming lifestyle that comes from the Seed ~ the Seed of Christ in you, the hope of glory!  This kind of conscience toward God only comes by the renewing of the mind and the embracing of God’s higher thoughts and ways. 

This conscientious conduct is evidence of a new creation, a new species in the earth, demonstrating the kingdom of heaven by the power of the Source of all authority, God Himself.

1.  The reformation process of the church will eventually produce God’s image and likeness in His mature man of many members. 

2.  The body of Christ will do the will of the Father His way in the earth (as it is in heaven). 

3.  The desires of hearts will be calibrated to Father’s heart.  And, He will ask the Solomon questions, “What is your dream?  How can I help you?”

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. Therefore submit yourselves. - I Peter 2:11-13a.

Part 3 [back to top]

Everyone and everything is looking for servant-leaders with God’s DNA!         

The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. - Romans 8:19 NIV.

In Part 1, the point was made that we must be under authority before we can be in authority.  Part 2 proposed that all authority comes from God and represents God.  Part 3 explains how God’s authority works in the church which is His body.

Much of the church is yet under Gentile authority.  Temporal authority, while established by God to govern human situations, falls short of the will of God for the church.  Human institutions, no matter how rightly motivated, cannot provide heaven’s government.  Our attempts to organize and structure an acceptable wineskin for the church will always fall short of the divine ideal.

Many saints who do not struggle with accountability anywhere else are struggling in the church.  They are fitting into the world’s systems, but not into the religious systems.  Hearts given to the Lord Jesus Christ are frustrated in their search for placement and purpose in the body of Christ.

The next profound step in reformation will require fresh revelation about spiritual authority.  This revelation will necessarily revolutionize our entire concept of the church.  While there has been significant restoration, not much has happened in the reforming of the church since Martin Luther’s initiating revelation.

The contrast is now becoming clear: That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  We need new insight into how God’s authority works in the church. We are to be accountable to authority in every human realm.  However, the church is neither birthed nor nurtured under humanly devised authority. 

I.  HOW SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY WORKS

God’s thoughts and ways are higher than man’s thoughts and ways.  We are called upon to seek Him while He may be found, repenting of our instinctive human concepts of authority, and embracing what is revealed to us by the Spirit of God. 

The following quote from David VanCronkite expresses the contrast between what Jesus modeled and what we see today.

“The Kingdom is relational, not organizational. It is a supernatural expression of His essence. The Church must have a religious structural organization today because it refuses to be relational and disregards the supernatural. It needs a religious form to let men know if they are meeting the expectations. Kingdom needs no man to affirm, only man to love and encourage, giving the same grace and mercy to one another that is received from God.”

We must go all the way back to Jesus’ earth walk for an authentic model of kingdom life which is to govern the church.  We are being raised up to manifest His life and authority ~ a supernatural expression of His essence ~ in the earth.

Humility.  God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. So much of what we have seen and experienced in what we have called “church” has reeked of the boastful pride of life.  We are watching leaders succumb to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the boastful pride of life.

Purity.  We are not to be driven by passions, possessions or position.  Our only ambition should be to serve the purpose of our Father, by doing what we see Him doing.  Jesus did nothing of His own initiative.  He is our model for true spiritual authority.

Jesus did not drive people; He led them ~ those who chose to follow Him.  He explained how the shepherd functions:

Love.  He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and they follow him, for they know his voice.  Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of a stranger. - John 10:3-5.

The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.  I know My Sheep, and am known by My own.  My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. - John 10:11, 14, 27.

Relationships.  The government of God is carried out through relationships.  Spiritual authority is rightly working when believers are accountable where they have been placed. A proof of God’s placement is the ability to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church, through leaders. 

Following one of Jesus’ teachings in the synagogue in Capernaum, many of His disciples responded, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?”  As He explained the contrast of two realms to Nicodemus in Chapter 3, Jesus said,

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing.  The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. - John 6:63

Knowing from the beginning those who would not believe and would betray Him, He reveals a principle that also applies to the setting of order in His body:

Appointments.  “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”  From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.  Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”  But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.” - Verses 65-68.

We will find our storehouse, the words of eternal life, flowing through the relationships that God has appointed for us.  Truth will be spoken in love, with humility, from pure hearts of servant leaders who will lay down their lives for the sheep.

We will grow up in all aspects into the Head - Christ - under the protection and with the provision of good shepherds.  We will discover our vocations and destiny in the safe environment, which they provide.  We will be prepared for and released into our life’s work by ministry gifts that are flowing in God’s anointing.

II.  PRESENT-DAY WINESKINS CAN BE SCAFFOLDING

Because Christ is in us (the hope of glory) we can be salt and light in any situation.  Kingdom authority happens by influence.  We should not be too hasty to remove ourselves from present situations which are less than perfect.  There is no perfect situation among today’s options.

While some will eventually close, other local church expressions are being transformed from within. Don’t be distracted by form; rather look for substance.  God looks upon the heart.  Learn to eat the meat and spit out the bones.  Extend the same mercy and grace that you need extended to you!  The Spirit of God will not lead you to be critical or judgmental. He will lead you to pray.

I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that you may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. - I Timothy 2:1-4.

III.  A VISION FOR PILGRIMS

Blessed is the man whose heart is set on pilgrimage. - Psalm 84:5.

While some are pioneers and others are settlers, we are all to be pilgrims.  We pilgrims understand that, as sojourners, we are seeking a city whose builder and maker is God.  Therefore, we abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having our conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that they may glorify God in the day of visitation.        

Settlers may be content within the confines of their present church situation.  Pioneers may be looking for more.  Both are encouraged to have a vision that motivates us to seek the heart of God.  Both settlers and pioneers are to have hearts set on pilgrimage.

The bride, the Lamb’s wife, the great city, the holy Jerusalem, will descend out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. - Revelation 21:9-11

The glory of God, the government of God, descends out of heaven.  The authority of God originates from Him and points to Him.

We can discover who we are in Him. We can look upon one another after the Spirit.  We can see Christ in one another, the hope of glory, and recognize the authority of God in our lives with one another.  We can!

SUMMARY

1.  Accountability will play a vital part in the unfolding of God’s eternal purpose through His reformed Church.  The accountability of God’s people is necessary for God’s order to be manifested and His will to be carried out on the earth as it is in heaven. Each member of the body is to be accountable to the other members, as God orders them.

2.  All authority in heaven and on earth originates with God.  Boundaries and spheres measure authority, and those allotted authority are to operate within those limits.  The Scripture outlines abuses that, in extreme cases, justify disobedience.  Even in such cases, submissive attitudes are to be maintained in a spirit of humility and meekness.

3.  While we are subject to Gentile authority within human structures, we are never to exercise such authority.  We are to manifest God’s higher thoughts and ways in our conduct, both in submission to and in the exercise of authority.  Gentile authority has no place in the church that Jesus is building.  The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  The church is both the agent and manifestation of His kingdom.

Part 4 [back to top]

Reformation of the church will require a brand new architectural design!

According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid a foundation. - I Corinthians 3:10.

God set Jeremiah over the nations and kingdoms, to root out and pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant (Jeremiah I:10).  This is a prophetic look at what needs to happen today. 

I.  PROPHETS IN TANDEM WITH APOSTLES

Both prophets and apostles are to be involved in fulfilling this Jeremiah commission.  But, not alone and isolated from one another.  The household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, needs these two grace gifts to labor together.

The simultaneous exercise of (1) the prophetic grace to root out and pull down, to destroy and to throw down, and (2) the apostolic grace to plant and build up, will lead to an unprecedented response from believers.  There is a spiritually instinctive desire within the hearts of those who are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit for authentic foundational leadership.

Most prophets and apostles are still operating independently.  So the Jeremiah commission goes unfulfilled to date.  Many prophets are following a variety of “rabbit trails,” and some apostles are still trying to fit into old wineskins.

Much that is to be rooted out, pulled down, destroyed and thrown down remains.  And much that is to be built and planted has not happened.  There must be a radical mutual accountability among prophets and apostles before a radical reformation of the church will take place.

Yoked together in Jesus and accountable, apostles govern and prophets guide.  Because they are together, apostles are free to focus upon the master plan, and prophets are free to focus upon both the logos and the rhema of God.  Then, the teachers can begin to ground the church, building on a right foundation, under proper government and guidance, rather than focusing upon their own perspectives.

God establishes His order, appointing first apostles, second prophets, third teachers.  Without this order, we wrongly seek the “after that” list ~ miracles, gifts, healings, etc. God can give it all to us, as He wills, as we maintain His priorities, seeking first His government (kingdom).

II.  MINISTERS WITH RIGHT HEARTS

If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. - I Timothy 3:1.

First, I notice that the b in bishop is not capitalized (in contrast to today’s practice).  While bishops must be positioned, it is the work that they desire, not the position.

Bishops, overseers, elders, are positioned by apostolic appointment, to serve as overseers and examples to the flock:

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. - I Peter 5:2-3.

The emphasis is upon serving.  Those who rule well are deserving of double honor, but should not demand or necessarily expect that double honor.  We should be extremely wary of those who demand five-star hotels, limo service, and huge honorariums.  Perhaps they still love the world and the things of the world. 

Peter also identified himself as an elder.  Surely, the standards to which elders are called apply also to apostles!  Paul protected his testimony, I was a burden to no one ~  in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. Beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, perils, weariness, toil, sleeplessness, hunger and thirst, fastings, cold and nakedness. 

Above all of these, he was daily burdened by his deep concern for all the churches.  He had a true apostolic heart ~ the heart of Jesus ~ who made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men, humbled Himself.

III.  MINISTERS WITH RIGHT PRIORITIES

The husband of one wife, one who rules his own household well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?). - I Timothy 3:2, 4-5.

Three key opportunities for proving one’s ability to serve in God’s governmental service: (1) wife, (2) household and (3) children.  God is concerned about His wife, His household, and His children.  He does not want them in the care of unproven, prematurely appointed leaders. 

(1) How can a man who cannot take care of his wife take care of the church ~ Jesus’ wife?  While fidelity, protection and provision are essential, wives are also to be loved!  It does not take long to discern whether or not a woman is loved by her husband.  The woman is the glory of the man.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such things, but that she should be holy and without blemish.  So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. - Ephesians 5:25-28. 

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. - I Peter 3:7.

(2) How can a man who cannot take care of his household take care of the church of God?  The household of God is a people, not a place.  Nevertheless, servant-leadership among the people requires being fiscally responsible.  We are not talking about a pop prosperity message.  We are talking about great grace upon the saints, so there is no one among us who lacks.

For all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. - Acts 4:34-35.

Not long afterward it was brought to the apostles’ attention that the needs of some widows were not being met.  They immediately administrated the fulfilling of those needs.  Their proven status as guardians (protectors) and stewards (providers) was apparent in the household of God.

(3) How can a man who cannot take care of his own children take care of God’s children?  And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).  It is the exhortation of fathers that results in the motivation of children.  Fathers’ comfort gives the security, and their charge imparts vision and destiny (See I Thessalonians 2:11-12).

Undisciplined, unruly, or unloved children are indications that a man is not yet ready to rule in the household of God.  Though the father may live in the home, these signs of neglect are indications of wrong priorities.

Our proper care of our homes, families and finances is a foundational qualification for righteous ruling in the house of God.  There is a mutual accountability among family members, as well as accountability for the stewardship of any material possessions.

IV.  MINISTERS WITH RIGHT UNDERSTANDING

We must understand that (1) we are ministers of the grace of God, (2) we are oracles of the word of God, (3) we are messengers, not managers, and (4) we have specific spheres of God-given responsibility, with corresponding authority.

(1) Paul said, By grace I am what I am.  To each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  Apostleship, as with all gifts, is an extension of God’s grace to His creation. 

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.  But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things that are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. - I Corinthians 1:26-29

We have become partakers and dispensers of His glory because of His graceful choice.  We live and serve by His unmerited favor and power.  We are graced with the Spirit of sonship that we might be joint heirs with Christ.  Remember: God is opposed to the proud and gives grace to the humble.

(2) We are to speak as oracles.  The word is not ours, but His.  It needs none of our embellishments.  God does not need our help.  His word is alive, powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword.  It stands on its own, and will not return unto Him void.  It will accomplish His purpose in sending it forth.

We should not unnecessarily raise our voice, or shout at people.  We should avoid being driven by religious spirits to change our voice quality or demeanor.  We are simply oracles of God.  The Author does the work through the Spirit as we, in faith, share what we have been given to share.

We are to speak the truth in love.  God is love.  Anything less than love is not fit to bear the truth to others.  Love makes the word acceptable, palatable, overriding all prejudice and previous pain.  Love cuts through the obstacles of the flesh and pierces the heart.

(3) Not all are apostles or prophets or teachers.  Not all are elders (overseers).  There are gifts of helps and administrations.  There are managers.  It is honorable ~ equally valuable ~ to be called by God to the ministries of helps, administrations, management.

Jesus dictated through John individual letters to the messengers of the seven churches in Asia.  I am now writing to messengers, not managers.  So many who have been graced as messengers have allowed themselves to be unduly burdened as managers.  Please note how the Lord’s first twelve messengers preserved their rightful role:

Seek out from among you seven men . . . whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. - Acts 6:3-4.

Organization is necessary in the body of Christ.  Unnecessary organizational encumbrances will be eliminated as the church is reformed. Developing a right understanding of these things will set us on course for kingdom fruitfulness.

(4) Knowing our spheres of responsibility and corresponding authority helps us to be properly yoked with Jesus, whose yoke is easy and burden is light.  Rest for our souls is the fruit of being rightly ordered.

Sons do what they see their Father doing.  No less.  No more.  Maturity releases us from pleasing men, from our own selfish ambitions, and frees us to walk in peace.

Realizing that the poor will always be with us, we learn to not be motivated by need.  Rather, we become motivated by obedience.  So many concerns are wiped away when we know who we are, where we are placed, and what we are to do.

Only this kind of mature understanding qualifies us to lead as servants in this greatest time in history for the reformation of the church.

Bottom line, we are accountable to God.  That accountability is worked out on practical levels through our accountability to one another.  

As we come to realize our identities, our places in the body, and our spheres of responsibility (with corresponding authority), we will see exponential increase in our influence and effectiveness in the kingdom.

Part 5 [back to top]

The release of apostolic grace will authorize the church to do Christ’s bidding.

Even the demons are subject to us in Your name.  “Behold, I give you authority.” - Luke 10:17-20.

The authority that we are under comes from God; the authority that we have comes from God.  There are spheres, boundaries and limitations on all God-given authority.  We are accountable to that authority.  Even when spheres, boundaries and limitations are exceeded and/or violated, we are still accountable for our responses.  All that we think, say or do ~ in every circumstance ~ is to glorify the King.

Authentic spiritual authority flows from the throne of God into the earth realm through those who have been raised up together, and made to sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.  Christ Jesus rules, and we are in Him.

God has set man over the works of His hands, and put all things in subjection under his feet.  He left nothing that is not put under him.  But now we do not yet see all things put under him.  But we see Jesus.  (From Hebrews 2:5-13.) We are running with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.  (From Hebrews 12:1-2.)

We are holding to the prophetic promise spoken through Isaiah 9:7: Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

We are being gathered from among the nations in order to be given the nations!  We are positioned for the inheritance through our adoption as sons. Creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.  His original commission to the first man will be fulfilled by the last Man, through the sons:

Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over every living thing that moves on the earth. - Genesis 1:28.

Jesus Christ commissioned the apostles: All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:18-20).  He promised:

I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.  A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me.  

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me, and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him. - John 14:18-21.

I.  APOSTOLIC  AUTHORITY 

Jesus is the Way to the Father, and all believers have bold access into the Holy of holies through His blood.  Each of us has been given individual authority that frees us from the past and enables us for the future.

That future is to be found, uncovered, discovered and embraced, within the body of Christ.  We have been given the right to become children of God, through faith in His name.  We must obey and submit to guardians and stewards who will bring us to maturity, and to our places of mutual accountability within the family of God.

God has appointed these in the church, first apostles. Responsibility and the corresponding authority for governing the church is given first to the apostles, and subsequently to elders in cities and regions through the hands of apostles. 

Does apostolic authority continue after elders (overseers; shepherds) are appointed?  Let’s look at a few examples of continuing apostolic oversight.

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also.  Paul continues with detailed directives throughout the next several verses.  It is clear from this passage that the church in Corinth was to (1) wrap themselves around Paul, (2) accommodate his schedule, and (3) help him on his way.  (From I Corinthians 16.)

Apostolic servant-leadership is couched in love, but very decisive, specific and clear on issues of order, authority and accountability.  The Corinthian Christians were still babes, and needed this kind of clarity.  Boundaries are essential for the security of both natural and spiritual children. 

Paul was also specific about how they were to receive and treat Timothy.  And, he urged them to submit to everyone who works and labors with them.

Another example is recorded in Acts 20, where Paul summoned the elders from Ephesus to meet him in Miletus.  It was no small task for them to do so.  Yet, there was no question.  They did so.  Their inconvenience served Paul’s convenience.

II.  DIFFERENT WAYS OF ADMINISTRATING GOD’S AUTHORITY

Paul’s epistle to Philemon, demonstrates how Paul expressed his authority to one who was mature.  Philemon was Paul’s beloved friend and fellow laborer.  (You will remember that Jesus called the apostles friends only after three years of posturing themselves as servants.)

The language of this letter makes it clear that Philemon was a peer in ministry.  Paul does exercise his apostolic authority ~ but in a different way.  He appeals to him on behalf of Onesimus.  Paul summarizes his appeal with:

Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. - Philemon 21.

Maturity, peer status, and friendship, do not diminish God’s apostolic order and authority.  Ways of relating change as people grow in the Lord, much as they do with our children.

God’s governmental mantle is to be honored and obeyed so long as one remains within that sphere of authority.  We know that Paul’s sons ~ Timothy, Titus and others ~ grew to be spiritually mature.  We have no evidence that they ever left Paul’s fatherly oversight and sphere, even though they were sent to other cities and regions.

Paul entrusted spheres of responsibility with corresponding authority to these sons.  He did not interfere with the daily operation of their ministries.  He trusted the Holy Spirit to guide and empower them.  He knew their character.  They were trustworthy.

But, God is not establishing many individual kingdoms.  Fathers, sons, grandsons (male and female) all make up one family and one kingdom.  The flow of authoritative counsel continued to flow from Paul to those whom the Lord had given him.  The same is true of today’s apostles.

I believe that God’s apostolic order is briefly revealed in Chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation.  Jesus dictated seven letters to John, who was an apostolic father to the seven churches in Asia.  These seven individual evaluations and directives were addressed to the messengers of these individual cities/regions. These apostles were in John’s sphere, and accountable to him.

III.  ELDERS APPOINTED IN EVERY CITY

We will see kingdom order increase as our understanding of and adherence to this kind of accountability increases.  Spiritual order will gradually replace human order.  Denominational designations will be overshadowed by citywide and regional identities ~ the church in Corinth, Rome, etc.

The softening and purifying of hearts toward God, and the increasing revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, will cause men and women to reconsider their ways in favor of God’s higher thoughts and ways. God will make evident those whom He is placing in governmental roles.  Apostles will emerge with citywide and regional jurisdictions. Ruling elders will be set in place under apostolic oversight in each geo-political sphere.

We began this series by highlighting the essential value of accountability in the process of reforming (re-forming) the church.  We pointed out that God is the highest source of authority and order. We then reminded the reader that all of creation is waiting for the revealing of the sons of God. 

Those who are born of the Spirit have God’s DNA, and are the true church.  This church will be reformed according to His architectural design.  Apostles are the architects, master builders, who are graced to raise up and release people into a new governmental order.

In conclusion, we must understand that:

1.  Cohesive relationships among apostles and elders (including fivefold ministries) will facilitate God’s one master plan for all people in all places. 

2.  The restoration of functional apostles is key to the reformation of the church. 

3.  Apostles hold the blueprint for the church, and the keys to the kingdom. 

4.  Apostolic grace authorizes believers to understand and fulfill their mission.

God loves His bride, and is committed to complete what He has begun.  I pray that no one will try to make this happen!  History is filled with accounts of those who tried to make something happen.  We don’t need another “Ishmael.”                                                                                                                      

 Remember “how spiritual authority works” (Part 3). Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.  Be filled with and led by the Spirit.  Don’t run ahead.  Don’t lag behind.

ACCOUNTABILITY’S ROLE IN REFORMATION
5 Part Teaching Series - Read [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5] [back to top]