This document discusses the Christian perspective on authority. It begins by examining examples of being "under cover" or protection, then applies this to being under God's authority. It addresses questions about submitting to authorities, even unfair ones, and whether we can resist telling us to sin. The document argues that partial obedience is not true obedience, and that disobedience places one under a curse of "witchcraft." It stresses honoring delegated authorities, as they are appointed by God, and addressing leaders with respect even if they are evil, as God can work through any situation.

1. BRO. JOHN PAUL O SANTOS, J.D., Ph.D.
AG Member, Labilab, Itogon, Benguet
JOHN BEVERE

2. – applies to a vast number of situations
- child under a parents care
- a city under police/military protection
- an animal hidden under a cave or thicket,
subterranean refuge
- inside a home during thunders/rains
- PROTECTION and FREEDOM
UNDER COVER

3. How does UNDER COVER apply in the Christian world?
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide
under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my
refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust”
(Ps 91:1-2)

4. A U T H O R I T Y
 Men often time reject or fear it
 We lost sight the great protection and benefits it provides
 We don’t see it in God’s perspective
 I’m just not going to submit to authority unless I first agree
with it.

5. Questions:
1. But what is God’s position on all this?
2. Are we to submit to authorities even if they are unfair?
3. What if they are corrupt?
4. What if they tell us to sin?
5. Where can the line be drawn?
6. Why should we have to submit
7. Are there any benefits?
8. Couldn’t we all just be led by the Spirit of God?

6.  most of it , is not blatant, but subtle.
 most experience in church.. subtle encounter
As the lecture unfolds, we may be confronted with TRUTH,
and respond as attitude of ;
Cain - Angry and defensive (Gen. 4)
David - Pain and repentance raise us to another level of godly
character (2 Sam 12).
Note: Often the painful words, not the smooth ones, ultimately
bring the greatness of freedom and protection.
REBELLION

7. It is hard to understand kingdom principles with a democratic
mind-set
Democratic mind-set vs God’s Kingdom
- Delegated Authority…
- Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no
authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by
God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God,
and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
(Rom 13: 1-2)
- Those who resist the authority of God, whether directly or indirectly, will find
themselves kicking against the goad in God’s hands.
ITS HARD TO KICK AGAINST THE GOADS (Acts 9:5)

8. Before a man can subject himself to God’s delegated authority
he must first meet God’s inherent authority. Our entire
relationship with God is regulated by whether or not we have
met authority. If we have , then we shall encounter authority
everywhere , and being thus restrained by God we can begin to
used by Him. (Watchman Nee, 1972)
Submission to God’s Direct Authority…

9. Lawlessness (1 John 3:4)
“Anomia” - The condition of being without law”
- Ignorance of it or violating it
- Not to submit to the authority or law of God
- “Rejection of the law, or will, of God and the substitution of the will of self.”
- Revisit Luke 14:16-17
- Man – Father
- Servant – Jesus Christ
S I N

10. Adam and Eve Case Analysis:
The desire to please a partner than to the will of God is a sin.
- Adam chose her over the authority of God
Attention:
The man with 2 – sons
Tax and Collector - Matt 21:28
Polite Excuses (Luke 14:24)
LAND OXEN NEWLY WED

11. Leaders were proud/confident in themselves because not ensnared of “gross sins”
Let us enumerate few GROSS / BIG SINS.
The Days of Lawlessness
Matt 24:12-13 speaks of “COLDNESS OF FAITH”.
Warning: Church People
Matt 7:21-23
Acts 19:13-17

12. Deception is the warning for the last days
Eccl. 12:13
Matt 25:13
The Expectant godly Christians
1 Cor 8:3
Matt 1:25
John 14:24
The Shock and Agony of Deception

13. Deception spread on the “last days”
(2 Tim 3:1)
(Matt 24:4)
Attention:
Disobedience
“Hears without listening” (James 1:22)
“Did not receive the love of the truth (2 Thes 2:10)
( Ezek 33:30-31)
(2 Tim 3:1-4)
Reflection:
Many people in the church deliver good preaching/teaching they
their own lives is REALITY.

14. Power of lawlessness is already at work (2 Thess 2:7)
God warns us (2 Cor 2-11)
Satan
 Master of deception (Rev. 12:3-4)
 Father of deception (John 8:44)
 Strong in the latter days (Matt 24:24)
 Prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:2)
 “Your minds may be corrupted (2 Cor 11:3)
 Ignorance is the breeding ground of deception (Isa 5:13)
 To include the elect as preys
THE SECRET POWER OF LAWLESSNESS

15. Adam and Eve case (Gen 3:1-3)
Adam – revealed knowledge
Eve – communicated
MONEY:
Communicated – Money is the root of all evil.
Revealed: “the love of it” (1 Tim 6:10)
Attention:
Woman with perfume (Alabaster oil)
Jesus has a treasurer and a bag with money.
REVELATION VS COMMUNICATED
KNOWLEDGE

16. Faith obedience are inseparable because of obedience is evidence of true faith…
The Sons of Adam and Eve:
Cain and Abel (Hebrew 11:4)
Abel was obedient to God
Cain – with reasoning, pride produce anger (disobedience)
LAW OF GRAVITY VS LAW OF LIFT
LAW OF SPIRIT OF LIFE = “The Law of Faith” (Rom 3:27)
True faith is described as having corresponding works of obedience (James 2:19-23)
NOTE: SIN is mustered through OBEDIENCE.
THE CONSEQENCES OF DISOBEDIENCE

17. God graciously attempts to open our eyes to areas of
disobedience, but as with Cain, we will not see truth until we
first humble ourselves.
THE CONSEQENCES OF DISOBEDIENCE

18. “Partial obedience is not obedience at all in the eyes of God”
Partial Obedience of Saul
Saul attack Amalek as commanded by God through Prophet Samuel
(1 Sam 1-13)
99% Saul obeyed the command, 1% not killing Amalek as a living trophy
The Veil of Deception
Result of Justifying actions instead of Repentance
1. Repetitive Disobedience
2. Veil of Deception coves our hearts
Right and wrong is now drawn from a living Word of God – breath by the Holy
Spirit. (2 Cor 3:6)
The three step proces
1. Conviction
2. Send a prophetic messenger
3. judgment
THE CONSEQENCES OF DISOBEDIENCE

19. Samuel relates REBELLION to witchcraft
WC is a demonic realm
Goal – to control situation, people, circumstances , practice
with awareness or unawareness.
We Should Practice Slavery Through Disobedience
Jesus seeks the will of the Father (John 5:30)
REBELLION AND WITCHCRAFT

20. The light of God’s Word exposes deception and discerns the thoughts and
intentions of the hearts of men
Rebellion is witchcraft
A curse denied
Balaam said;
There is no witchcraft that works against God’s people, nor any divination against
His church!
Num 23:23
The Curse Reversed
“How can I curse whom God has not cursed?”
The Israelites rebelled and violated His authority.
“Lord covering was lifted, now the enemy has legal access”
BEWITHCED

21. Rebellion or disobedience places a person under witchcraft
Whenever we disobey what God has clearly revealed to us, we
bring ourselves under the influence of a witchcraft curse.
Because rebellion is witchcraft.
BEWITHCED

22. If we learn to obey God, we will have no trouble recognizing God’s authority on
another.
Respect to Delegated Authority
“Let every soul be subject to the government authorities. For there is no
authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those
who resist will bring judgment on themselves” (Rom 13:1-2)
- Respect to authority of God , is respect to its delegated authority
- - God appointed all authorities
- See authorities beyond personality and honor position
- God’s authority is upon them
- Are evil Authorities appointed by God?
- E.g. : Hitler or Stalin and Pharaoh
D

23. If we learn to obey God, we will have no trouble recognizing God’s authority on
another.
Respect to Delegated Authority
“Let every soul be subject to the government authorities. For there is no
authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those
who resist will bring judgment on themselves” (Rom 13:1-2)
- Respect to authority of God , is respect to its delegated authority
- - God appointed all authorities
- See authorities beyond personality and honor position
- God’s authority is upon them
- Are evil Authorities appointed by God?
- E.g. : Hitler or Stalin and Pharaoh
- “I have raised you up” (Ex 9”16),
- God told to Pharaoh to Moses

24. Authorities that exist are appointed by God?
Answer: YES
Abraham father of faith! (Rom 4:11-12)
“Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in country not their own,
and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years”
Gen 15:13 NIV
Purpose of Pharaoh
“But indeed for this purpose, I have raised you up, that I may show My power in
you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth” (Ex 9:16)
THE WHOLE EARTH CAME TO KNOW
- Rahab the harlot (Jericho) , the event is for knowledge of His greatness and
Redemption of the harlot households.

25. What shall we do to our evil /bad leaders?
“Fear God, honor the king” 1Peter 2:1 NIV)
Peter was referring to King Agripa I , who killed James brother of John.
“Voice of God not of man! Judgment come, through the sword of the Lord”
(Acts 12:22-23)

26. Honor the King
We must learn to honor – to revere, respect to retreat with difference and
submission, and perform relative duties to – those who are in authority.
“they may still accuse you of doing wrong.”
For the Lord’s sake , yield to the people who have authority in this world; the king,
who is the highest authority, and the leader who are sent by him” (1 Peer 2:13-14
NCV).
“Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people”, (Acts 23:5 NIV)
THE FEAR OF THE LORD BREEDS HONOR
“Fear God . Honor the King
The Heart to Honor Authority (Rom 13:3-7)
God called those in authority “SERVANTS’

27. King directly represent civil authority.
Family (Eph 6:2)
Wife and husband (Eph 6:11)
Bondservants and Master (1 Tim 6:11)
Church leaders (1 Tim 5:17)
“Anyone who does wrong will be paid for his wrong, and there is no favouritism
(1 Col 3:23 -25 NIV)
DOUBLE HONOUR
Many times God will send us what we need in a package we don’t want.
AN INSULT TURNED TO A BLESSING
God used a fleshly, insensitive priest to release the words to bring forth the
conception of a promise
SIMILAR TO ALL AREAS OF AUTHORITY

28. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever, I send receives Me”
(John 13:20)
Note: As believers, we should honour civil leaders, teachers, and others who are
appointed, like parents, husbands.
Give double honour to those who serve in the ministry, especially labor in
teaching and ministering the Word of God.
THOSE WHOM LEADERS APPOINT

29. We can obey and not necessarily submissive
Note: Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out of
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.
Hebrew 13:17
- Obedient but not submissive ( not willing)
- Obedience is coupled with willing attitude.
SUBMISSIVE ATTITUDE BUT NOT OBEDIENT
“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority.”
(Heb 13:17)
- Revisit the Parable of a Man with 2 Sons
Attention: Submission deals with attitude, obedience deals with fulfilment
of what we are told.
OBEDIENCE AND SUBMISSION

30. We cease to obey when authorities command that contradicts to God’s
commandment
Note: Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, they stood up against the decree of the
King (Nebucchadnezzar), however with respect.
OBEDIENCE - deals with our responsive ACTIONS towards authority
SUBMISSION - deals with our attitude toward authority
God looks at our outward actions and at the hidden attitude of our hearts.
PERVERTING THE COMMAND
- David left Saul upon thrown with javelin by King Saul
- God bless those who will not obey commands to sin.
Examples:
1. Midwives disobeyed the command of Pharaoh to kill baby boys born with
Hebrew women. God was pleased with the midwives.
(Ex 1:17,21)
OBEDIENCE AND SUBMISSION

31. 2. Ananias , the high Priest and Paul confrontation. The latter maintained
submissive attitude.
Acts 23:4-5
3. Daniel submitted attitude but never waivered, even in the face of injustice
Remember: Obedience sometimes give not always a pleasant OUTCOME
Attention:
NO GRAY AREAS
We are to disobey authority only when there is a clear violation of the
Divine Word.
WHAT IF .. Authority tells me…
“What we are after is a revelation of authority, which is a revelation of God
Himself, for He and His authority are inseparable.”
OBEDIENCE AND SUBMISSION

32. Moses Leadership Crisis
We were better off without you!
Israelites viewed Moses leadership ineffective
Moses said; To those who were fed-up with the God appointed –leader.
‘The LORD hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what
are we? Your complain are not against us but against the LORD’
Exodus 16:8
Who put Moses in the position?
“For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required and to
whom much has been committed of him they will ask more”
Luke 12:48
COMPLAINING ATTITUDE/REASONING ATTITUDE

33. … church teachers, God will judge with greater strictness
James 3:1 NLT
The Leader’s Heart is in God’s Hands
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD like the river flow He turns it
whenever He wishes.”
Proverbs 12:21
WHAT IF WE KNOW IT IS A BAD DECISION BY YOUR/OUR LEADER?
1. Petition ( Esther and Mordacai with King Xerxes and Haman)
Esther 7:3-4 NLT
2. Inform (David and Saul )
3. Intercede (David and Abigail for his husband)
OBEDIENCE AND SUBMISSION EXCEMPTION
When authorities tell us to do something that directly contradicts the
commands of God.
COMPLAINING ATTITUDE/REASONING ATTITUDE

34. To be broken does not mean to be weakened. It has to do with submission o
authority .
John Biber
For you do not desire sacrifice , or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt
offering. The sacrifices of God are broken spirit, A broken and contrite heart –
These O God , You will not despise
(Psalm 51:16)
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And save such as have a
contrite spirit
Psalm 34:18
What about the HARSH leaders?
“Servants… be submissive o your masters with fear, not only to the good and
gentle, but also to the harsh.”
1 Peter 2:13;18
UNFAIR TREATMENT

35. Never on vengeance – Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord
Romans 12:19
… it is God who justifies
Romans 8:33
DAVID’S ENCOUNTER WITH UNREASONABLE AUTHORITY
- God not the devil that placed David under the unreasonable and eventually
cruel leader named Saul.
- Retrospective Analysis
- Despite Saul’s determination to kill David, when God delivered Saul to him ,
David said;
- “Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hands against the LORD’s
anointed, and be guiltless.?”
- 1 Samuel 26:9
UNFAIR TREATMENT

36. ‘Those who honour authority walk in great authority , and respect follows
them’
RIGHT BUT WRONG
Ham youngest son of Noah, reported naked form, went outside, and told
his 2 brother “He told only on the family”
Ham mocked or discredited his father , insubordination dwells in his heart.
Shem and Japeth honoured their father and they were blessed.
SELF-INFLICTED JUDGMENT
Judgment comes to those who resist authority. Touch authority, touch God
How to maintain sweet spirit ?
… Pray for those who abuse you
Matt 5:44
SELF INFLICTED JUDGMENT

37. MIRIAM – Sister of Moses (Prophetess) Exodus 15:20
AARON - Older brother of Moses (high priest)
Moses spoke’s person or prophet
Status: Both were spiritually gifted
Issue: Moses Married a Cushite (African)
Rule: God desire Israelite to marry among themselves
(Deut)
Attention: Spiritual gifts cause them to elevate themselves
over their leader.
GIFTED VERSUS AUTHORITY

38. LEARNING SUBMISSION FROM JUDGMENT‘
‘Now Moses was more humble than any other person on
earth. So immediately the LORD called to Moses, Aaron, and
Miriam said, “Go out to the tabernacle, all three of you!” And
the three of them went out.
Num 12:3-4 NLT
..’should you not afraid to criticize him?”
Num 12: NLT
Note: Resisting authority
 Can bring judgment to ourselves
 Lifting of God’s presence coupled with some calamity

39. LEARNING SUBMISSION FROM JUDGMENT
Judgment for resistance to Spiritual Authority is more often
than NOT an opportunity to learn and grow
John Biver
SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY IS APPOINTED
Did You Know?
 Westerners is a kingdom principle nations
 Birth right as “king”
 Democratic society – Elects its rulers /leaders
GOD KINGDOM – Leaders are appointed by God.

40. SELF-APPOINTMENT : DECEPTIVE AND DANGEROUS
Why do you exalt yourselves?
Revisit Numbers 16:3, 3 men in congregation , Korah, Dathan
and Abiram , to include 250 leaders of the congregation. They
are against Moses and Aaron.
Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?
Acts 7:23-27
Attention:
“People were fighting HIM not Moses”

41. SEVERE JUDGMENT
Therefore you and all your company are gathered together
against the LORD
Numbers 10:9-11
“You take too much upon yourselves, you sons of Levi”
Numbers 16:7
Korah, Dathan and Abiram tents were swallowed by the
earth due to a strong earthquake
250 leaders were consumed by fire while they burning
incense as offerings
Numbers 16:24-35

42. SEVERE JUDGMENT
Therefore you and all your company are gathered together
against the LORD
Numbers 10:9-11
“You take too much upon yourselves, you sons of Levi”
Numbers 16:7
Korah, Dathan and Abiram tents were swallowed by the
earth due to a strong earthquake
250 leaders were consumed by fire while they burning
incense as offerings
Numbers 16:24-35

43. ODDS AND ENDS
When we are truly saved and seeking the will of God, we will
recognize legitimate authority in the church.
DIFFERENT AREAS OF AUTHORITIES
 Family
 Marriage
 Social Authority

44. ODDS AND ENDS
DIFFERENT AREAS OF AUTHORITIES
 Family
Children , obey your parents in all things, of this is well
pleasing to the Lord
Col 3:20
For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ the
head of the church… Therefore, just the church is subject to
Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything
Eph 5:23-24
“He who curses his father or his mother shall surely be
put to death”
Ex 21:15

45. ODDS AND ENDS
DIFFERENT AREAS OF AUTHORITIES
 MARRIAGE
Wives are to submit to their husbands “ in everything”
Eph 5:24
“Wives, in the same way be submissive to your
husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the
word, they may be won over without words by the
behaviour of their wives”
1 Peter 3:1 NIC

46. ODDS AND ENDS
DIFFERENT AREAS OF AUTHORITIES
 SOCIAL AUTHORITY
Servants to be submissive to their masters…
Titus 2:9-10
“Be submissive to every human institution and
authority for the sake of the Lord”
1 Peter 2:13