1 Spiritual Authority, Rebellion and the Christian Authority is the right to command and enforce obedience to ensure order,

love, peace and harmony in an institution or organization (the church). Rebellion is defined as refusal to accept authority or code of standards or laid down standards of an organization or institution (the church). It is also defined as an act or show of defiance and resistance to authority. It is unwillingness to be ruled by any other source other than one self. God places high value on authority because he established it. All authority comes from God. He is the absolute source of all authority in the universe. Romans 13: 1- 2 Let everyone be subject to the Governing authorities that exit, for there is no authority except that from God, and the authorities that exits are established by God. Whoever rebels or resist authority, resist or rebels the ordinance of God; and those who rebel bring judgment unto themselves. Authority in the Church; why we should submit ourselves to them ( Heb13: 17, Ephesians 5:23, 1Cor14:33) 1.It is a command (Obey you leaders and submit to their authority) 2.They keep watch over us as men who must give account of us(watchmen of our souls) 3.Obey them so as not to make their work difficult but rather joyful 4.Bring order in the Church What therefore constitutes Rebellion in the church? 1.Refusal to submit to leadership 2.Saying things that are untrue about person in authority/leadership 3.Speaking and seeking evil about person in authority/leadership Proverb 17:11 4.Disobedient to our parents Eph6:1 5.Disobedient to our seniors 6.Refusal to be lead by the spirit of God Romans 8:14 7.Rejecting the word of God 1Sam15:23 Remember that rebellion is the spirit of the devil Eph 2:2 Rebellion is just like the sin of witchcraft Samuel 15:23 Attitude to Authority 1. Our attitude toward Christ as our Lord, is directly related to our attitude toward authority. Christ cannot be Lord over a person who is rebellious to authority. Whoever resist authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment onto themselves. Romans 13:2 2. Acknowledge Christ as the source of all our authority Matthew 28:18 3. Pray for leadership at all times 1Tim 2:1-2, Ezra 6:10 Christians must submit to the Governing authorities within the boundaries of God law The only circumstance that disobedience to authority is justifiable by scripture, is if it in conflicts with the laws of God. We should cooperate with all authority except in those situations where laws depart from the basic moral and righteous principles of Gods Word. Act 4: 19

Criteria for Spiritual Leadership All believers should be committed to Spirit-filled, Bible believing, Christ-centered Church. They should be accountable to the Pastor and Spiritual leaders. Leadership must have a moral and Godly lifestyle Matt. 7:15-16, 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and also uphold, defend, and not compromise the word of God (2 Tim. 3:16).