Submission to Authority

When you examine your leaders can you truly say that they are in submission to apostolic order. Submission to apostolic order is not simply being in agreement with the doctrines taught by the apostles, it also includes a submission to the instructions given by the apostles. Additionally, it includes being in submission to the leaders set in the Body.

Here are some questions to consider:

• Are they in submission to the platforms of ministry established by the apostles?
• Do they stay abreast of the present truth found in live teachings and study guides?
• Do they believe in the need for discipleship and that confrontation is a catalyst for spiritual development?
• Are they in submission to other leaders set in place in the Body, or is there partiality in who they choose to submit to?
• Do they sometimes incorporate their personal preferences in a way that alters an original instruction?
• Are they fulfilling their ordained role according to the responsibilities set by the apostles?
• Do they obey spiritual protocol when dealing with individuals in the Church, or do they do things their own way?

Submission to spiritual authority ensures accountability and fosters a spirit of humility. This humility is the very thing that guards against spirits of over authoritativeness and manipulation. Their submission to their leaders is a reflection of their submission to God, as the scripture states, Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17).

Galatians 5:17

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Many leaders when they fall into the trap of pride now refuse to submit to leadership because of the image their knowledge of the word has given them. They become lifted up in pride and are now unwilling to submit to others. When a person is above correction or entreats it with stubbornness or an unteachable spirit, they no longer are working in the unity of the Spirit. This carnal disposition will now war against the move of the Holy Spirit in the Church. This is why it is dangerous to have such a spirit lead in the churches of God.

1 Peter 5:5

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Galatians 5:12

I would they were even cut off which trouble you.