What I believe is the purpose of ordained authority within the church.

What I believe is the purpose of ordained authority within the church is to learn first, obedience. Obedience is key to following Christ. All throughout the bible, God commanded His people to obey, and oftentimes His people had a problem with doing it. When we obey those that have authority in the church, we obey God. Even when you have to obey those that are harsh and unkind, God will see and bless you. The bible says in 1 Peter 2:18 for servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. When you obey harsh rulers as unto the Lord, you are honoring Him and therefore will be taken care of by the Lord. David honored Saul, even though he tried to kill him and God blessed David and eventually moved Saul out of the way. Scriptures says in 2 Chronicles 20:15 says, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

The second purpose of ordained authority within the church is to learn how to honor. Honor simply means to respect. The bible says in 1Thessalonians 5:12-13, Brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. We have to respect the fact that God chose to put them in position. When we show respect, oftentimes we will receive honor and respect back.

Yes, Paula I agree obedience is key to following Christ. We must master being a faithful follower as well. Honor and respect for those who labor over us in the Lord are very important. I read the scriptures you used they are great biblical examples. We must obey God and be humble followers as well. 1 Peter 2:18 for servants, be subject to your masters with all fear: not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. This scripture really summed it up for me. Good leaders and not so good leaders its best to obey God in it all. in due season he will do the separation.

Paula, the analogy you stated, When we obey those that have authority in the church, we obey God. If we do not obey the authorities in the church, we are resisting what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment (John 19:11). God does bless us for obeying, and we should not obey just for the blessing but because God says to do it! Why, one might ask, because as you responded, there is honor in obeying, honor that God deserves! In the Book of Titus, he was to remind the church of the standards for the body of Christ. Titus 3:1 reads, Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work. My prayer, after reading your response, is to continually honor and obey those who are in leadership in the Body of Christ. Thank you for the challenge and encouragement you shared when it comes to obeying authority!

Paula I agree that honor and obedience is key in the church. I think people do get obedience mix up because they may not like the person but to obey unto the Lord. Some people find it difficult to honor a person but they may not understand that the person may be appointed by God. The word calls us to submit our will to God and allow Him to have His way. In Romans 13:1 says to 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.