The Purpose of Ordained Authority Within the Church

I believe the purpose of ordained authority within the church is established by God to create order, provide spiritual guidance, preserve sound doctrine, and promote unity with love. Without ordained authority, the body of Christ would not have direction or accountability. Paul instructed Timothy, Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2). Church leaders are given the responsibility of correcting errors and ensuring that the congregation remains grounded in biblical truth. We should, as believers, submit to and honor ordained authority, to align ourselves with God's divine structure to advance the Kingdom of God, ensuring that the church stays focused on Christ's mission found in (1 Corinthians 1:10).

I like how you explained the authority in the church and how God created it all in his order and provision. Without ordained authority the body of Christ would be like sheep having no shepherd. The example you used with Paul who instructed Timothy, in 2 Timothy 4:2 summed it up for me, it said Preach the word: be instant in season, and out of season: reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. This is true for all ordained authoritative people within the church. They must preach when its good and the people like and when a message has to be preached that is not so popular.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Hope. I agree that ordained authority provides order and structure. I love how you mentioned it also provides accountability and gives leaders an opportunity to correct us when needed. Ordained authority is very much needed.

Hope, you're correct! The church is established by God to create order. Order is first introduced in creation. Genesis 1:1-2:3 describes how God brought order, systematically creating the universe in six days and resting on the seventh. This orderly process shows God's nature as a God of order, as reflected in 1 Corinthians 14:33, For God is not a God of disorder, but of order.

Order was also shown in the construction of the Tabernacle. Those instructions highlight the necessity of order in approaching God. The Apostle Paul reiterates that principle in the New Testament, instructing the Corinthian church to conduct their gatherings in an orderly manner: 1 Corinthians 14:40 says, But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.