I first read the following statement by R.T. Brooks in the early 80.s and it was a catalyst for change in my understanding of many things - not the least my understanding of intimacy with our wonderful Triune God : “Only as I truly know Him can I make Him truly known.”
Only as an individual experiences, relates to and, subsequently, manifest the connectedness to Christ can an assessment begin as to the authority of that individual. The following are some aspects that authority may issue from:
The Authority of Knowledge (2 Tim 3:16-17, 1 Cor 8:1) It does not puff up, it equips for good works. It is the pursuit of the implementation of the whole counsel of God, not simply the personally palatable or 'managable' aspects.
The Authority of Relationship (2 Tim 1:12, 1 John 1-4) A progressive intimacy with the Holy Trinity can only usher in the principle of “I must decrease and He must increase” (John 3:30). In so doing, ensuring a life that more readily mansifests Jesus’ nature and character.
The Authority of a Consecrated Life (Gal 2:20, 1 Cor 4:7-11, 1 Pet 4:1-3, Gal 5:16-26) An imperative to the above, it is in the setting apart (not only from the world, but to the Christ) that will, again, ensure His Life is manifest, not the egoism of our carnal nature.
The Authority of Calling (2 Cor 10:7-11) This is not the defense of self-generated status. It is the defense of a life of service that clearly evidences the specific mantle one has been given.
The Authority of Leadership/Government (Heb 13:7, Act 20:28-30, Eph 4:11-17) True leadership comes from a heart to see the people of God nurtured and matured (conforming to the image of His son - Romans 8:28-29) Instruction, direction and discipline are as an integral part of real love as are tenderness, patience and grace. Yet these must all be manifest from the posture of servant-hood.
The Authority of Example (1 Cor 11:1, Phil 3:17, 4:9, 2 Tim 1:13; 3:10-12, 2 Thess 3:7-9, 1 Pet 5:2-4) “ A picture paints a thousand words”, “Your actions speak so loudly, I can’t hear what you are saying”. Showing people how to live is more powerful than telling them how to live. Our theology is often to merely 'point' people to Christ. God’s theology is to show people the Christ.
Only as an individual experiences, relates to and, subsequently, manifest the connectedness to Christ can an assessment begin as to the authority of that individual. The following are some aspects that authority may issue from:
The Authority of Knowledge (2 Tim 3:16-17, 1 Cor 8:1) It does not puff up, it equips for good works. It is the pursuit of the implementation of the whole counsel of God, not simply the personally palatable or 'managable' aspects.
The Authority of Relationship (2 Tim 1:12, 1 John 1-4) A progressive intimacy with the Holy Trinity can only usher in the principle of “I must decrease and He must increase” (John 3:30). In so doing, ensuring a life that more readily mansifests Jesus’ nature and character.
The Authority of a Consecrated Life (Gal 2:20, 1 Cor 4:7-11, 1 Pet 4:1-3, Gal 5:16-26) An imperative to the above, it is in the setting apart (not only from the world, but to the Christ) that will, again, ensure His Life is manifest, not the egoism of our carnal nature.
The Authority of Calling (2 Cor 10:7-11) This is not the defense of self-generated status. It is the defense of a life of service that clearly evidences the specific mantle one has been given.
The Authority of Leadership/Government (Heb 13:7, Act 20:28-30, Eph 4:11-17) True leadership comes from a heart to see the people of God nurtured and matured (conforming to the image of His son - Romans 8:28-29) Instruction, direction and discipline are as an integral part of real love as are tenderness, patience and grace. Yet these must all be manifest from the posture of servant-hood.
The Authority of Example (1 Cor 11:1, Phil 3:17, 4:9, 2 Tim 1:13; 3:10-12, 2 Thess 3:7-9, 1 Pet 5:2-4) “ A picture paints a thousand words”, “Your actions speak so loudly, I can’t hear what you are saying”. Showing people how to live is more powerful than telling them how to live. Our theology is often to merely 'point' people to Christ. God’s theology is to show people the Christ.
Excerpt from "Anatomy of Accountability' - S.W.Varcoe (Disciplesplanet)