Delegated Authority
By: Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 06/25/2023
Foundation Scripture:Hebrews 13:7 KJV
1. Delegated Authority.
a. God, the Supreme Authority over Heaven and earth, established delegated authority.
b. Hebrews 13:7 KJV –– Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
c. The word, rule, in the Greek language does not mean to lord it over anybody—but rather, “to give shepherd-like leadership.”
d. (And “conversation” means, “manner of living.”)
e. Our example of leadership is Jesus.
f. Jesus, the Head of the Church, has delegated certain authorities and responsibilities to the fivefold ministry gifts.
g. Apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher.
h. Ephesians 4:7 KJV — But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
i. Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV — And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
2. Authority and Responsibility.
a. Hebrews 13:17 KJV — Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
b. The anointing gives you authority, according to your calling and gifting.
c. Authority proceeds out of responsibility.
d. Authority and responsibility are equal and go hand in hand.
e. If you have been given authority, it means you have responsibility.
f. If you have been given responsibility, then you should have authority.
g. Authority never exceeds your responsibility.
h. And when responsibility ends, your authority ends.
i. You would not spank your neighbor’s children, because that is not your responsibility.
j. If it is not your responsibility, then you do not have authority in that area.
k. If you are a schoolteacher, then you have a responsibility to teach, train, and care for your students.
l. You could not properly do your job, if you were not also given the authority to correct them.
3. Ambassadors.
a. 2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV — Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
b. God has delegated authority to the body of Christ—we are His ambassadors.
c. We have been given the authority to preach the Gospel to every creature.
d. Mark 16:15-16 KJV — And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
e. How do we know that this authority has been given to us?
f. It has been given to us by a Sovereign God and by the Truth of His Word.
g. He has given us the Great Commission (co-mission) to go into all the world.
h. Jesus—the Head of the Church—all authority is given to Him.
i. And He gives that authority to us—His people—by and through:
- His Name.
- His Word.
- His Blood.
4. The Church.
a. Mark 16:17-18 KJV — And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
b. The Church—the Body of Christ—has been given the authority to use the name of Jesus, and to do His works in the earth.
c. To preach the Gospel, and to cast out devils, speak with new tongues, and heal the sick.
d. If the Church does not act on this responsibility, they will never exercise their authority.
e. The Word of God is the standard.
f. We have the Holy Spirit to back us up.
g. And the protection of obedience.
h. Everyone should be part of the Church family, and to be accountable to one another and to those in authority.
i. Romans 13:1 KJV — 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.