Spiritual authority?

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Waiting on him

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First and for most what must be understood is that Christ alone is the spiritual authority.
1 Timothy 2:14 KJV
[14] And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
Eve in this teaching is representative of all man.
Adam is representative of Christ, only leaving the garden because he wished to enter into Eve

Has He entered in to you?
If so He is the head the covering.
Tecarta Bible
 

Pearl

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I believe all born again believers have been given spiritual authority for we are part of a Royal Priesthood and a Holy Nation.
 

Enoch111

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First and for most what must be understood is that Christ alone is the spiritual authority.
While Christ is indeed the Head of the Church, and all power and authority belongs to Him, He has ordained that His authority be DELEGATED to the properly qualified and gifted elders in the churches, who would be genuine shepherds of their flocks. Therefore we need to have a proper biblical understanding of this.

Remember them which have the rule* over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation [manner of life]... 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. (Heb 13:7,17)

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
*STRONGS NT 2233: ἡγέομαι (hégeomai)
b. to be a leader; to rule, command; to have authority over: in the N. T. so only in the present participle ἡγούμενος, a prince, of regal power (Ezekiel 43:7 for מֶלֶך; Sir. 17:17), Matthew 2:6; a (royal) governor, viceroy, Acts 7:10; chief, Luke 22:26(opposed to ὁ διακονῶν); leading as respects influence, controlling in counsel, ἐν τισί, among any,Acts 15:22; with the genitive of the person over whom one rules, so of the overseers or leaders of Christian churches: Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24


Who was Paul referring to other than the elders? That is why the term episkopos (overseer) is applied to the elders, NOT to bishops who are above elders (as this doctrine was changed very early in Christian history). Elders are both pastors and bishops (overseers) but have been delegated their authority. Therefore they are commanded to NOT lord it over God's heritage, neither serve because of greed (the love of money).

1 PETER 5
1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 [1] Feed the flock of God which is among you, [2] taking the oversight thereof, [3] not by constraint, but willingly; [4] not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3
[5] Neither as being lords over God's heritage, [6] but being ensamples [examples] to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
 
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Enoch111

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I believe all born again believers have been given spiritual authority for we are part of a Royal Priesthood and a Holy Nation.
Since all believers cannot be elders, we need to be clear as to what authority is being discussed. The spiritual authority of believers is over evil spirits. But there are other forms of authority for Christians. The husband is the authority in the home, and elders are spiritual leaders with delegated authority within the churches.
 

Pearl

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Since all believers cannot be elders, we need to be clear as to what authority is being discussed. The spiritual authority of believers is over evil spirits. But there are other forms of authority for Christians. The husband is the authority in the home, and elders are spiritual leaders with delegated authority within the churches.
As you say there are different forms of authority but in some form or other all we all carry the authority of Christ within us because he is within us.
 

Enoch111

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As you say there are different forms of authority but in some form or other all we all carry the authority of Christ within us because he is within us.
What I am saying is that everything should be in its proper place. Unless we maintain a proper balance and harmonize all Scripture, we simply end up with spiritual confusion.
 

Enoch111

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Why wouldn't it also apply to women?
Here's why: Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. (1 Cor 14:34).

Since this was in the context of speaking in tongues within the assembly, it is clear that this does NOT apply to women: Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. (1 Cor 14:39).

God never contradicts Himself. If on one hand He forbids women to speak within the assembly, He cannot possibly say that they are not forbidden to speak in tongues (in the exact same context).
 

justbyfaith

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Nevertheless, you have to consider the reason why women were not allowed to speak in church. It is that they were not allowed to teach for that they are more easily deceived and therefore what they speak is more likely to be off-base (1 Timothy 2:11-15).

But if they are praying in tongues in service, it is no different than a man praying in tongues in service; for it is the Holy Spirit who is doing the speaking through the tongues.

To me, this puts men and women on an even playing field when it comes to tongues. If you prohibit women from speaking in tongues, there is no reason why you should not also forbid men to do the same.

Either way you are forbidding people to speak in tongues; which is prohibited by holy scripture.
 

Pearl

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What I am saying is that everything should be in its proper place. Unless we maintain a proper balance and harmonize all Scripture, we simply end up with spiritual confusion.
I don't disagree.
 
B

Butterfly

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1 Timothy 2:11-15 also speaks on this subject.



Priscilla had a covering of her husband's authority when they taught Apollos.

I would gather from this that it is alrright for a woman to teach if she has a covering over her of a male pastor/teacher who can and will correct anything spoken by her that might be off-base.

In 1 Timothy 2:11-15, Paul does not allow a woman to teach or usurp authority over a man; and the reason he seems to give for this is the difference between men and women; that men are more analytical and therefore less easily deceived by the devil.
That would make an interesting discussion all by itself - so men are not decieved as much as women , that has given me a laugh this morning, and they look at everything analytically, and not emotionally - could you relay that to some of the men on this forum !!
Rita
 

justbyfaith

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That would make an interesting discussion all by itself - so men are not decieved as much as women , that has given me a laugh this morning, and they look at everything analytically, and not emotionally - could you relay that to some of the men on this forum !!
Rita
It appears that you are looking at this subject emotionally, Rita. ;)
 
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Giuliano

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That would make an interesting discussion all by itself - so men are not decieved as much as women , that has given me a laugh this morning, and they look at everything analytically, and not emotionally - could you relay that to some of the men on this forum !!
Rita
Ha. My guess is some of the men on this forum, if they have wives, do not love them. If they don't love their wives, don't be surprised if they don't other people . . . . If men did love their wives maybe their minds would work better. Men can deceive themselves!

I read some things men write and say, "I hope he's not married!" If he treats his wife the way he treats people here, I feel sorry for her.
 
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Giuliano

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Lol , yes I am - but also analytically as I know that men and women can be equally deceived by the enemy, he just might use different tactics with men !!
I don't know many women who get carried away with the idea that they are the boss and know everything, so you'd better listen to them or else. I think that kind of "toxic masculinity" led to some problems in Christianity.

When Paul said bishops should have one wife, I think it was good advice. Look and see how a man treats his own family before giving him that kind of spiritual authority.

Tit 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

If he can't bring up his own children right and if his wife is miserable in earthly terms, why think he could guide people right in spiritual matters?

Does a shepherd have to be beating his sheep and bossing them around all the time, or do the sheep trust him because they know he loves them and wants what's best for them?