Sermon Tone Analysis

Authority

The idea and concept of Authority is one that is often misunderstood.

Sometimes in our day the word Authority is mixed up with the word judge.

So when we read or think authority we can sometimes add in thoughts and fears of being judged or punished.

While a judge is generally an authority and authority may not be a judge.

Another important aspect about an authority is that just cause one is an authority in somethings does not necessarily mean they are an authority in all things.

This is easier for us to understand and we often times think in this manner without even meaning too.

For instance a carpenter might be an authority on the best way to build a piece of furniture, but he may not be an authority on the best place for a couch to go for the best design in a room.

This can be true in spiritual matters as well.

A person might be an authority on how to maintain a spiritually healthy home, but they might not be an authority on how sacrifices where carried out.

So we understand these things in a general sense but they can get lost as we live and study.

So we understand very generally what authority is and how it can have limitations, let us look at 3 things: 1st What does it mean to question authority.

2nd What happens when we question authority 3rd What authorities do we honor?

People have been questioning authority since the beginning of time.

It is in the very nature of SIN that came in to being because the Authority of Adonai was questioned by Adam and Havah.

What does it mean to question though?

How can I learn without asking questions?

Well so we use these terms and they can be confusing due to the limitations of language.

Asking a question of authority is not a bad thing when it is done in the purpose of learning.

When we are told for instance “Do not eat of the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden.”

and we say “Why can we not eat it?”

and it is with an honest heart to understand the sense of danger or trouble that comes with this command that is good it is us trying to understand a situation and it can lead to true spiritual or emotional growth.

We can even learn to appreciate that authority and their wisdom more.

When we ask the question “Why can we not eat it?”

and we really mean “Who are you to tell me I can not eat that fruit?” then we run a danger of SIN.

Adam and Havah are examples of what happens when we ask this question.

Let us look at another example.

This time of when questioning authority is not about a command but is about the authority in general.

Turn to B’midbar

Adam and Havah are examples of what happens when we ask this question.

Let us look at another example

At first it seems this rebellion is due to the selfishness of Mosheh and Aharon, however as one reads on the truth of the situation is quickly revealed.

continue reading verse 8 -11

Numbers 16:8-11

Korach was already a Levi.

He received a portion of the tithe and was part of the priesthood.

Yet he was not a Cohen and wanted that.

Makes one question would he be satisfied until he was Cohen Hagadol?

They very thing he was critical of Mosheh and Aharon for?

These examples help us understand what it means to questions Authority.

It is not so much as asking “Why is this important or what do you mean?” and is more asking “Who are you or Why should we listen to you?”

So let us look at what happens when we question authority.

The answer to this question is at the top layer really easy; there are consequences.

When we question authority inappropriately we suffer consequences.

Sometimes it is a punishment or discipline and sometimes it is simply cause and effect.

An example of the consequence is found at the end of Chapter 16.

Numbers 16:20-

So what a consequence!!

The earth swallowed up the leaders of the rebellion and their families.

Then fire consumed the other members of the rebellion.

Admittedly not every questioning of authority results in this but there can be real painful and even life ending consequences for us and those we love.

But what happens to the authority when we question them?

How did Mosheh feel or Aharon when these men confronted them and accused them of propriety?

Mosheh never asked for anything from any of the people.

What about other authorities like parents or older siblings when they are questioned.

I know I can speak of this.

When I am in a position of authority and I am questioned in an inappropriate manner I lose confidence, I question myself, I question if I am truly meant to be int he position that I have; in other words I struggle unduly and have another burden to carry.

So we have seen what happens to both the authority and the subservient when the authority is questioned inappropriately.

Let us finally look at who are the authorities in our lives.

It is a natural question for us to ask what authorities do I obey?

Let us look at

1 Peter 2:13-

This is specifically about obeying government and earthly authorities.

At the time it was written the word sovereign meant emperor and was the Roman Emperor.

So an authority in our life that we are to obey is earthly governing authorities.

So when someone says “Only God can judge me.”

They are correct and he has appointed earthly authorities to do so.

We are to honor them.

Yet there is an authority above all authorities, Yeshua has all authority.

What do we make of this?

We must honor the authorities in our lives.

Whether they be parents, spouse, teachers, police, governors, managers, etc..

They have been appointed by Elohim and to question them inappropriately is to question Elohim.

In the kingdom this will be far easier to understand.

We will have our King Yeshuah Messiac ben David.

We will know the source of all authority and all power.

Until then the matter of honoring authority is a matter of faith in the coming of that glorious day.