Quote:
Originally Posted by keith4him
Jurisdiction is a legal term, but authority is faith/spiritual term, people follow those that are gifted because they want to receive from that gift.
People followed Jesus because he spoke with authority and demonstrated it with signs following.
Authority and power gives your credibility and creedance where words or office alone won't do. I would direct your attention to
I Cor. 4:19-20
19 But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. 20For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. |
a couple of things...
1. I truly believe jurisdiction is an inescapable parameter whenever authority is evoked. I can rebuke another brother all day long but he will not be subject to my command because my authority is being exercised in an area that I have NO jurisdiction.
If I come in the name of Jesus (by the authority of Jesus) against the tempter, he will flee, because the jursidiction of my authority by the name of Jesus includes treading on serpents.
2. Amen...to the principle that people follow guides that DEMONSTRATE authority with signs following.
This was the message Jesus sent back to John facing death in Herod's prision. My understanding of the scriptures charge ME WITH making observation of GIFTING-SERVANT-GUIDES that God has provided. I should focus on the Spiritual areas that they seem to demonstrate authority....it certainly blessed Phillip's witness of Jesus among the Samaritans;
..."For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed [with them]: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed"
3. Concerning your invitation to I Co 4:19-20 (what translation was that?)
AMEN. Paul understood the simple test of knowing if a servant was operating in the authority of his master by looking for what "power" was demonstrated.
I hope we would agree that the authority that should be demonstrated is over principalities and powers and not flesh and blood.
If we apply this admonition/test that Paul speaks of, what would you suggest we expect to see in anyone who would claim to be a guide? Was it present in those who were your servant/ministers pointing you toward the Christ?