Authority Troubles

There are a lot of ways to get into trouble.

For example, if you have to defend your authority, you are in a bad spot. And also, if you don’t use your authority, you will soon be in a bad spot, if not already.

This truth applies in every sphere of life that involves authority, which are most of the spheres. It certainly applies in the Big Three: Family, State, and Church.

We are talking about the church and church officers today. Elders in particular have accountability for responsibility. We answer to the Lord for how we attend to His flock, purchased by Christ’s blood (Acts 20:28). We answer to the Lord for how we divide and preach the Word, including when others don’t want to hear it (2 Timothy 4:1-2).

And elders in particular have authority. Paul told Titus:

Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. (Titus 2:15)

A passive elder is a guilty elder. For that matter, women are not to have such authority.

I do not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. (1 Timothy 2:12)

Should elders have integrity, honesty and consistency? Should elders have humility, not thinking of themselves more highly than they ought (Romans 12:3)? Of course.

And should you follow the leaders when they do?

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. (Hebrews 13:17)

Let us all stay out of trouble.