Seeking Jesus First May 9, 2025

Regarding spiritual authority in the body of Christ…

“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17, NKJV)

“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12–22, NKJV)

There is authority in the body of Christ. Christ Jesus is the head of the body. He is the Chief Apostle and High Priest of our confession. The word of God (The Holy Bible) carries His authority. Holy Spirit is the power of God in the church. He is the manifested anointing of Christ. He gives us the mind of Christ. Then there are apostles, prophets, evangelists, miracles, pastors, teachers and administrators. God has granted leaders in the church to disciple and train believers. Scripture instructs us to recognize, obey and to esteem them very highly in love, for they are watching out for our souls. God holds them to a higher degree of spiritual accountability because they have the greatest potential to build up or to tear down in the church. Pray for them. Love and honor them. Bless them and do not curse them.

This is what the Bible teaches.