Progressive Authority

God is the supreme head of all authority and power on earth. Under God, there exists different levels of delegated spiritual authority. These different levels of authority, when joined together in descending order, reflects what is called as “progressive authority.” Progressive authority also refers to a chain of authority, which Paul talked about in his letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 11:3).

The story of the centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant also provides us a detailed example of how progressive authority operates.

“And Jesus said to him, ‘I will come and heal

him.’ The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I

am not worthy that you should come under my

roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will

be healed. For I also am a man under authority,

having soldiers under me. And I say to this one,

“Go,” and he goes; and to another, “Come,” and

he comes; and to my servant, “Do this,” and he

does it.’ When Jesus heard it, He marvelled, and

said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to

you, I have not found such great faith, not even

in Israel!’” (Matthew 8:7-10).

The centurion understood the power of authority because he is a man under authority. He was identifying his position with that of Jesus. Above him was the Tribune of the Legion, the Governor of the Province, and Caesar.

Below him was a company of soldiers and different household servants. When the centurion gives an order to those below him, he was sure it would be obeyed. His words upheld the weight of the entire Roman Empire. The centurion was telling Jesus that he knew that with the word of Jesus, his servant would be  healed because he recognized the authority of Jesus to heal. Jesus commended the centurion’s faith because of the revelation that God gave the centurion (Mt. 8:13).

Authority is Ineffective if Not Obeyed

Obedience is essential in the success of progressive authority being implemented. If there is a unit of the chain that disobeys, then there is a break in the chain of authority. Each link is upheld by the authority of the links above it. The authority of Christ is upheld always because he was always one with the Father. He was perfectly obedient to the Father’s will. Jesus told Philip that the words he spoke were not his own but by the authority of the Father (Jn. 14:10).

Jesus predicted a general climate of lawlessness in Matthew. He

is saying, many will say, “Lord, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Mt. 7:22-23). Jesus is addressing those who considered themselves Christians, but they did not live in obedience to him, and so, their authority is void. They broke the chain of command for their own sphere of influence. Instead of obeying the Lord, they went on to do the works of the flesh for their own pleasure and interests.

God is the supreme head of all authority. His ultimate omnipotence cannot be disputed or overcome. No one is able to withstand the dominion and authority of the Lord (2 Ch. 20:6). By our willing obedience, we recognize God’s authority and as an outcome, we receive the authority of the name of Jesus. All authority hinges on obedience. If we don’t obey Jesus, we lose the authority of his name.

If you want a clear picture of how authority was diminished because of disobedience, look at how Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. Because they did not obey God, God’s practical authority over them diminished, in such a way that they can no longer obey God. It gave the enemy a foothold over man.

Experience the Power of Prophecy as a gift to open your mind to receive the Mind of Christ.