1. Everyone knows at least a little bit about authority. Two modes of action: Self-governing (Independent action) Subordinate Leadership (Collective Action) No man has ever had absolute or supreme power

2. Self-made Employs about half of all private sector employees. Generated 65 percent of net new jobs over the past 17 years. Many small businesses are started by the vision and work of one person. How is Authority Achieved?

3. Not Unlimited and Absolute Constrained by laws and regulations from the government Answerable to investors Influenced by consumers

4. God’s authority is inherent and self-made. Psalms 115:3 But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. Psalms 145:13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations. Jeremiah 10:12 He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, And has stretched out the heavens at His discretion.

5. Who is man to argue against God? Romans 9:20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?“ Job 38:2-4 "Who is this who darkens counsel By words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.

6. Granted by Others Democracy Elected Officials The Most Powerful Man on Earth Authority given by our Founding Fathers Not inherent or permanent How is Authority Achieved?

7. Man has no authority except what God grants. Romans 13:1 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. John 19:11 Jesus answered, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above.

8. Man has no authority except what God grants. Genesis 3:16 To the woman He said: "I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.“

9. Man has no authority except what God grants. Ephesians 6:5-6 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,

10. Man has no authority except what God grants. 2 Corinthians 10:8 For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed--

11. Passed Down or Inherited Monarchy Often the Eldest Son of the King David, Solomon and Rehoboam The patriarch of a monarchy may come to power in many ways How is Authority Achieved?

12. The Son of God Mark 9:7 And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" John 5:26-27 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.

13. Usurped Authority Muamarr Ghadafi - Libya Took power from his uncle in a palace coup Remained in power for some forty-two years Even an illegitimate leader can endure How is Authority Achieved?

14. False prophets and teachers try to do the same against God’s legitimate authority. Numbers 16:3 They gathered together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, "You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?"

15. False prophets and teachers try to do the same against God’s legitimate authority. Matthew 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 3 John 9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.

16. False prophets and teachers try to do the same against God’s legitimate authority. Galatians 1:8-9 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

17. Presumed Authority Presumptions are often wrong Presumptions can get us into trouble We don’t have the right to assume anything spiritually How is Authority Achieved?

18. Assumptions extend outside the lines of legitimate authority Leviticus 10:1-2 Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

19. Assumptions extend outside the lines of legitimate authority Numbers 14:44-45 But they presumed to go up to the mountaintop. Nevertheless, neither the ark of the covenant of the LORD nor Moses departed from the camp. Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who dwelt in that mountain came down and attacked them, and drove them back as far as Hormah.

20. Assumptions extend outside the lines of legitimate authority 2 Samuel 6:6-7 And when they came to Nachon's threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. Then the anger of the LORD was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God.

21. Deuteronomy 4:1-2 "Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers is giving you. You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

22. Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.