LOCAL CHURCH MINISTRY CLASS 3
MIN
201 - LEN BALLENGER
GOVERNMENT AND ORDER
[Hebrews 13:17]
17
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for
they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so
with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
Everything in God’s universe is based on order
EX: Alignment of planets and stars… Atoms and Molecules… The way birds fly and fish swim…
The observation of every people group on planet earth shows a need and tendency toward government
- We are designed by God to govern and to be governed
- Even the nature of the Godhead itself shows government
I. Importance of Authority
A. Authority and Order -- The Ordinance of God [Romans 13:1-7]
B. Jesus: The Lord’s Prayer [Matthew 6:9-13]
C.
NOTE: Understanding authority only comes by revelation
II. Authority and Rebellion
A. Authority in contrast with Rebellion
1. Control Issues (legal vs. illegal control)
2. Order Issues (real vs. false)
B. Rebellion Defined [I Samuel 15:23]
1. Witchcraft and rebellion both based on control
2. Witchcraft and rebellion both based on power
C. Authority and Rebellion towards God and Man
III. Old Testament Examples of Rebellion
A. The First Rebellion
1. Isaiah 14:12-15 – “I will…” a violating of God’s authority
2. Ezekiel 28:13-17 Trespassing on God’s holiness
B. Original Sin [Genesis 3:1-6 and Romans 5:19]
NOTE: By one man SIN entered the human race!
C. The Rebellion of Ham [Genesis 9:20-27]
NOTE: God’s response to lack of Respect and Honor when Authority figures fail
D. The Rebellion of Nadab and Abihu [Leviticus 10:1-2]
1. Nadab and Abihu were leaders – They were even some who were taken to the mountain to see God. (Ex. 24:9-11)
2. Strange Fire: to serve without order or obedience to authority!!
IV. Obedience
A. Obedience better than sacrifice – [I Samuel 15:22-23]
1. Saul removed from his call
2. EX: What is Good vs. What is God
B. Obedience of Christ – [Phil. 2:5-11]
V. The
A. First through the Family (under God) -- Finally through the church (under God)
B.
1. The Lord is the center of the Kingdom
2. God requires Government – from him from those he DELEGATES.
VI. Delegated Authority
A. Delegated Authority are only representatives of higher Authority
- Government is an institution of God to create
order (
B.
Authority and Law may be delegated by God or by
men (I Pet.
C. Family Authorities
1. Husbands
2. Fathers
3. Parents (Father and Mother)
D. Natural Authorities
4. Kings
5. Presidents
6. Governors
7. Law-Makers
8. Officers
9. Judges
10. Executives
E. Spiritual Authorities
11. Godhead (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
12. Priests (Administers of the Presence of God -- Representatives)
13. Overseers (Elders, Pastors, Five-fold ministers)
14. Deacons (Administrators of the church)
15. Delegated positions (support ministry)
CONCLUSION:
Revelation is the Key to Understanding Government [Numbers 12]
1. The Lord Hears: Aaron and Miriam speaking against Moses
2. Moses intercedes
3. Mercy is given after seven days
NOTE: Government is essential to God!