1. “The Key to God’s Provision and Protection-Part 1”

2. Being Under Human Authority

3. God Provides, Protects, and Blesses Through Human Authority Oftentimes we don’t want to submit to human authority. We want to be self-contained. A right relationship with authority is necessary in order to correctly hear from the Lord.

4. Look at What the Word Says About Authority Proverbs 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise. Proverbs 21:2 “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.” Proverbs 15:12 “Conceited people do not like to be corrected; they never ask advice from those who are wise.”

5. One of the benefits of being submitted to authority is that you get another perspective on your decisions and often you are drawing on more years of experience.

6. Look at What the Word Says About Authority Proverbs 18:1-2 “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment. A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart.” Proverbs 21:2 “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like rivers of water, he turns wherever He wishes.”

7. It’s An Issue of Humility and Faith The issue of humility: “Why am I so sure that I can get God’s guidance alone better than under authority and in the context of the body? The issue of faith: Do I believe that God is big enough and involved enough to turn the king’s heart if need be in order to direct my path?

8. Authority Brings Order Into Our Lives Proverbs 10:8 “The wise man is glad to receive instruction, but a self-sufficient fool falls flat on his face.” How does instruction usually come? Authority usually comes through parental, pastoral, or perhaps the boss on the job. Proverbs 26:12 “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”

9. Conceit vs. Humility Conceit will cause you to pull back from authority. Humility will cause you to seek out authority.

10. God’s Authority When you come under God-given authority, you come under a covering, under protection. Where authority is functioning properly there is peace-and the fruit of the Spirit is peace.

11. No Proper Authority Where people are not properly submitted to authority there is bickering and strife and all kinds of confusion. Proverbs 20:8 “A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters all evil with his eyes.”

12. “The king acts with authority, and no one can challenge what he does. As long as you obey his commands, you are safe…” Ecc. 8:4-5

13. What authority is to us is largely dependent upon our attitudes and behavior toward it. It can be a source of judgment or blessing and empowerment depending to a great extent on our choices.

14. Proverbs 14:35 “The king’s favor is toward a wise servant, but his wrath is against him who causes shame.”

15. Proverbs 19:21 “There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless it is the Lord’s counsel that will stand.”

16. Hebrews 13:17 “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for 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.”

17. Everywhere in scripture where you find a submissive spirit you find blessing!

18. Everywhere you find rebellion you find judgment!

19. God provides protection, guidance and blessing through human authority!