Wednesday Bible Study, December 10, 2008
Authority vs. Authorities
Introduction: Two Greek words speak of political power. One is kratos meaning the power to rule. Thus, democracy is demos (people) + kratos (rule) = rule by the people. The other word is exousia. This is translated as authority and refers to the delegated power to govern. Romans 13:1 teaches that “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities (exousia), for there is no authority (exousia) except that which God has established.”
I. Joseph obeyed authority (Luke 2:1-4)
A. Joseph was a descendant of King David (I Sam.16:1; Matt.1:6, 16)
B. Caesar Augustus issued a decree that the entire Roman world was to be registered. Therefore, each man was to go to his own town.
1. Joseph, a Jew, obeyed the Roman emperor.
2. Joseph went to Bethlehem.
3. Jesus, in fulfillment of Scripture, was born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
II. Joseph obeyed Authority (Luke 2:21-24, 39-41)
A. God’s Word required circumcision on the 8th day (Luke 2:21; Gen.17:12).
B. God’s Word required every firstborn male to be consecrated to the Lord (Luke 2:22-24; Lev.12).
1. Circumcision was on the 8th day (Lev.12:3).
2. Mary & Joseph had to wait for the “time of her purification” (Luke 2:22, Lev.12:1-4).
3. They had to present an offering:
a. a year old lamb and a young pigeon or dove (lev.12:6)
b. or, two doves or two young pigeons (Lev.12:8; Luke 2:24)
c. The Magi had not yet arrived so Mary & Joseph could not afford a lamb. If the Magi hadn’t arrived, how could they have afforded a move to Egypt?
4. The firstborn son was to be presented to the Lord (Ex.13:1-2, 11-13; Luke 2:23)
C. Joseph and Mary were fully obedient to both God’s Authority and man’s authority.
III. The Magi obeyed Authority and disobeyed authority
A. The Magi believed the supernatural star was “His Star” (Matt.2:2). This is probably from Numbers 24:14. So they followed His star.
1. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Prov.9:10).
2. These were indeed “wise men” because they were seeking God.
3. They were not just seeking God; they were planning to worship Him- hence their gifts! (Matt.2:11).
B. The Magi obeyed Authority by
1. following His star
2. worshipping Him
3. Obeying the warning not to go back to Herod (Matt.2:12)
C. The Magi disobeyed authority by not going back to Herod Matt.2:7, 8)
D. How can we know when to disobey man’s authority?
1. Jesus agreed with Paul that there was indeed delegated authority. Jesus used the word exousia in John 19:11.
a. Pilate had authority from God.
b. Pilate had to answer to God for how he used his authority.
2. Jesus also noted that Pilate was sinning. Those who handed Jesus over to Pilate were guilty of a greater sin which certainly implies that Pilate was sinning!
3. Jesus was obedient to Pilate- even unto death- but He was not silent. Jesus’ kingdom was one of truth! Jesus’ weapon was truth!
a. The state’s weapon is the sword (Rom.13:4)
b. The church’s weapon is truth! We should never be silent with the truth reminding the government officials that they are responsible to God.
4. Jesus also taught that government authority has limits (Matt.22:21).
a. “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s…” This agrees with Romans 13:7.
b. “…and to God what is God’s”. Therefore, while we submit to the authority of government that is only if it does not conflict with God’s! Remember wisdom teaches to fear God!
1. Obey God not government if you are told not to evangelize (Matt.28:19; Acts 1:8; 4:19-20; 5:28-29). Note: “We must obey God rather than men.”
2. Obey God not government if you are told to do that which is morally wrong. The Magi were to tell Herod where Jesus was. God said “Don’t do it!” The wise men followed God. That was the wise thing to do!
Conclusion: We Christians should be the best, most honest, hardest working workers and citizens in America. We should also use the power of truth to speak to those who abuse their exousia and be willing to suffer when we choose to disobey man’s law in favor of being wise and obeying God’s Word!