June 9, 2016: SOAP #2380: Ecclesiastes 10-12; Psalm 94; Ephesians 5

Scripture: Ephesians (NIV) 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Observation:  The issue is submission. Submission is the proper attitude toward authority. Submission is for everyone. The world is so structured that every single person comes under the authority of someone else. The Only One with all authority is God!   All other authority is delegated from God.

Authority may come from knowledge. Doctors have authority in treating the injured. The key to walking in this authority is to grow in knowledge.

Authority can come from position. This authority is usually delegated from a higher authority and is given to one deemed worthy. If we cannot submit, we will never have delegated authority.

Authority can come on the basis of function. The person scrubbing the floor has the authority to put up a “Caution – Wet Floor” sign, and even the CEO rebels against that authority at his own peril.

Application:  In the body of Christ, we submit to one another. We recognize the above mentioned authorities and instead of giving those over us a hard time, we make it easy for them to exercise their authority, as we want them to do for us in the areas over which we have authority.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, help me honor and submit to the authority you have place in my life. In submission, teach me to skillfully use the authority you have given me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!