Our church is moving through a study Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians.  This past week we looked into chapter 10 where Paul defends his own Apostolic authority and refutes the false authority of others who are disrupting the church.  This bring us a great question, how can we recognize biblical authority?

Carl F.H. Hentry, has a great intro the problem of authority that is worth a look.

The problem of authority is one of the most deeply distressing concerns of contemporary civilization. Anyone who thinks that this problem specially or exclusively embarrasses Bible believers has not listened to the wild winds of defiance now sweeping over much of modern life. Respect for authority is being challenged on almost every front and in almost every form.

In many ways this questioning of authority is a good thing. The Bible stresses that all derived authority must answer to the living God for its use, misuse and abuse. In our time totalitarian pretenders and spurious authorities have wielded devastating power to the psychic wounding of many people. The story of thousands of persons acting under Nazi orders to exterminate six million Jews is but one case in point. As Stanley Milgram reminds us, even reputable professional people willing to obey the orders of superiors despite questions of conscience lend themselves to brutality (Obedience to Authority). The further fact that those in power bend authority for self-serving and immoral ends, and often under the pretext of serving others and advancing good causes, can only rouse skepticism over the legitimacy of any and all authority. The Bible throughout sternly condemns oppressive and exploitive miscarriages of power; Jesus pointedly contrasts those who use power to “lord it over” others (Matt. 20:24–28) with those who serve God truly.

How to justify any human authority becomes an increasingly acute problem. Not only religious authority, but political, parental, and academic authority as well come under debate.

Carl Ferdinand Howard Henry, God, Revelation, and Authority (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 1999), 4:7.

Henry’s comments bring us to the point of Paul’s letter and his discussion of authority. In the end of 2 Cor 9, Paul gives a loving encouragement that the Corinthians should be faithful to their commitments and continue giving to the Church in Macedonia with all generosity… then comes a big change. Maybe it was some bad pizza during a break in the dictation of his letter, but Paul begins chapter 10 (and goes through chapter 12) with some strong words against false leaders among the church.

Paul was in a battle for the hearts and minds of the Corinthian saints. They were being misled and deceived by “strong” leaders who were eloquent speakers, but their Gospel was defective. Paul was being painted as an inferior apostle, in part because he was not a great speaker and because he did not have a strong charismatic presence. Paul was criticized as a physically ill-person who could not heal himself, and therefore how could he be a true Apostle. Paul spoke strong words in his letters, but in person he was not so bold to confront people. Paul’s detractors spun these facts to try and tear down Paul as a man of God.

Paul’s response attempted to refine the Corinthian’s thinking so they could clearly see the wisdom of God thorugh Paul and learn to discern right authority from wrong authority.  Here are the six elements to biblical authority I see in Paul’s writing of 2 Cor 10.

1. Right authority is not exclusive.

7 Look at the obvious fact. Those who say they belong to Christ must recognize that we belong to Christ as much as they do.

Paul never claimed to be “THE” only Apostle and those who are claiming to have exclusive authority over the church are liars.  Those pastors today who claim only they can hear the voice of God and only they alone can lead the local congregation do not speak with the authority of God.

2. Right authority builds up

8 I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesn’t tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority.

If authority is from God, it will build up other leaders, not tear them down.  Biblical authority does not fear “competition” from other in the church, it encourages others to use their giftings and lead.

3. False Authority is built on “personal” accomplishment

12 Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!

False authority is built on a resume of accomplishments.  The leader who holds out their worldly successes as a reason to trust their authority, they are not from God.

4. Right authority builds on “people” accomplishment.

13 We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you.

Notice the huge contrast Paul makes.  False leaders build authority on “personal” accomplishments, biblical leaders build authority on “people” accomplishments.  A false leader will point to how big their church is, how many degrees they have earned, and how many buildings they have built as their source of authority.  A good leader will point to the lives of those they have encouraged, strengthened, and healed as the demonstration of their calling and authority.

5. Right authority rejoices in the success of others.

15 Nor do we boast and claim credit for the work someone else has done. Instead, we hope that your faith will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended. 16 Then we will be able to go and preach the Good News in other places far beyond you, where no one else is working. Then there will be no question of our boasting about work done in someone else’s territory. 17 As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”

This is real simple, a good leader does not take the credit for the work of others.  A good leader rejoices in the success of others and builds up strong teams that can do great things.  Good leadership does not fear the authority and ministry of others.

6. Right authority comes from God

18 When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.

People cannot be their own reference in claiming leadership or authority.  Ultimately, according to Paul, right authority comes from a calling from God who establishes leaders for his mission.

• Previous Entry: Weekly Tweets for 2009-08-02
• Next Entry: Vermont Wont Taste the Cake!