The authority of the believer. It was and still is God true and perfect intent that man rule. That we function in authority as kingdom beings. There is much ado about kingdom authority now days. We long to hear men speak as Jesus spake. Matt. 7:29 says, “For He taught them as one having authority.” and John 7:46 “Never a man spake as this man.” Many times when we speak it comes off sounding like a good idea rather than a word from the Lord because of personal failure in our own lives. In Spanish vocabulary they say “the answer is in the question.” Well the answer is in the text. When you gain His image, authority becomes natural. There is no substitute for authority. We know it when we hear it. We also recognize the lack of it.

Jesus said “we speak that which we know,” when asked about the new birth. Jn. 3:11. Functioning in authority can be evasive to the believer. That’s because there are guidelines for having it and functioning in it. Many claim to have authority which never bears visible fruition. Jesus said, “wisdom is justified of her children.” Matt. 11:19. In other words “the proof is in the pudding.” There is evidence of authority, not just our claim of it.

True authority seems to be a composite of things. There are no doubt many ingredients. Lets just look at four. First there is obedience. Obedience seems to be a foundational fixture. It seems to be to be the getting on point for all things mature. Obedience to not only what He has said, but also to what He is saying. John 2:5 says, “Whatever He says Do it.” Peter says He gives the Spirit to them “that obey Him.” Acts 5:32. Authority without a doubt comes through obedience. “Be ye doers of the word.” Was James’ command. There are at least three qualifying acts when it comes to doing His will.

The first is doing WHAT He says. Remember John 2:5. Doing what you want in His name will never produce the same results as doing His will. Working for Him is no substitute for doing his will, and there is no power in it.

Number 2; WHERE becomes key when it comes to true authority. Laboring in someone else’s vineyard will always lead to disappointment ad frustration. SoS. 1:6, says “They made me caretaker of the vineyards, but I have not taken care of my own vineyard.” There is natural authority when you get plugged into Where you’re supposed to be. Doing what your supposed to be doing, where your supposed to do it. We’ve seen on the mission field that a man will start a church just so he will have a place to preach or even worse, he sees it as a source of income. What a horrible trap for a minister to fall into. Just because you have ability does not make the will of God. You will never have more authority than where your supposed to be.

Number 3; HOW you go about business is relevant to authority. Doing what He says the way He said to do it. Sometimes we come off sounding like King Saul when he said “I have performed the commandment of the Lord!” I Sam. 15:13. There is a way to go about doing the will of God. Remember when Joash humored the prophet by smiting the ground three times. II Kings 13:18. God doesn’t need to be humored, He wants to be obeyed. Jesus said “By your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” Matt. 7:2. He was speaking of the way we judge others, but he revealed a truth of conduct. If you sow sparingly you will reap sparingly. Gal. 6:7. The negative is always applied in this passage but it is simply a principle that is neither negative or positive. It is simply a truth. If we are half hearted about doing God’s will, then what claim do we have in saying we have done it.

A second key ingredient is faithfulness. Jesus said “Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.” Faithfulness is key to authority. Consider what standard of faithfulness you conduct your life. If a married man is faithful to his wife 98% of the time is he considered faithful. If you are faithful to the Lord 98% of the time are you considered faithful. Possibly by man’s standards, yes, but by God’s are you? The proof is in the pudding. The lack of authority in one’s life tells a different story.

Third is purity. Keeping oneself “unspotted from this world.” James 1:27. It is impossible to function in authority with a defiled conscience. I Tim. 1:19. There is natural authority flowing in the life of the believer whose conscience is clean. “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”

David said “I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness.” Psa. 17:15. When we bear His likeness there is natural authority. It is well said that the Holy Spirit is come to create His image in us. Rom. 8:29.

Fourth is humility. It is simply dangerous to pursue or gain authority without it. Humility is our covering it is our cloak. It is what allows your life to be hid with Christ in God. To be made “of no reputation.” Phil. 2:7. The Greek word used here is kenoo. It is equally translated “to be emptied.” It implies to abase oneself. To relinquish oneself of inward vain pursuits. Remember He who spoke to storm saying “Peace be still,” also washed His disciples feet. Humility protects you from authority itself.