LESSON 1.A
“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. 2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” (Romans 13:1-2)
1. At the heart of every sin and coming short of the glory of God 5 a battle of the will and spiritual authority. A battle whereby we submit either to God’s will and authority or to our own will and authority.
2. Sin is nothing more then not doing what God told us to do. God tells us not to lie, cheat, or steal, but we do. The sin is not the action, but not being obedient to His word. The source and root of all sin is disobedience (rebellion).
3. But, IF God could ever get us over our selfishness (our self life) in satisfying our fleshly desires and our pre-occupation with sin He could really use us.
4. Obedience to God is the source and root of God’s spiritual authority. The acts of God issues from God and His throne, and His throne is established on His word (what He speaks) and His authority. All things are created by God; through God’s authority, even the physical laws for the universe, and His word.
“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” (Isaiah 45:7)
5. For God’s authority represents God Himself whereas His power stands only for His acts. Thus, sin against His power is more easily forgiven than sin against His authority, because the latter is a sin against God himself.
6. God alone is the authority in all things; all the authorities of the earth are instituted by God. Authority is a tremendous thing in the universe, but also a very misunderstood thing. It is therefore imperative for us who desire to serve God, to know the authority of God.
7. To offend God’s authority is a rebellion far more serious than that of offending God’s holiness. Since it is a matter of conduct, sinning is more easily forgiven than rebellion, the latter being a matter of principle.
8. Satan’s intent of setting his throne above the throne of God was the thing which violated God’s authority; it was the principle of self-exaltation. Satan’s fall was the product of his rebellion against God’s spiritual authority. Rebellion is one thing God ALWAYS condemns.
9. We preach the gospel in order to bring men into God’s authority (into the kingdom of God) not into the church or so that we will all go to Heaven, but how can we bring men into God’s authority if we ourselves have not met His authority?
