Power and Responsibility

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1-5

Power and responsibility go hand in hand. One without the other can be devastating. Many people let it go to their heads. There is scriptural guidance. When a leader stops using scripture to guide their decisions the flesh takes over and one develops clouded vision. These problems are wherever power and authority are at your job, your marriage, your household, club, church, etc. What does God have to tell us about power?

Your Marriage:

Genesis 1:26 “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”

Man has “Power” over everything on earth. With that power comes Responsibility. How does that effect our marriage? Men, we need to be good Godly examples for our wives, every day. We are going to be held accountable to God.

Have you ever been so involved in something that you neglected your wife and family? Many times we get this “religious mentality”, Gods work is first. Yes, God's work is first but God’s work starts at home. Part of Gods work is being the leader of your house. A good husband and father spends quality time with his wife and children.

We need to go to scripture in our daily lives, to learn how to be good “leaders” and “husbands”. Just because you think it sounds right doesn't mean it is. Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

Your Job:

Are you in a supervisory role? Are you using scripture in making life changing decisions? Can you hire and fire people? Discipline subordinates? This is a huge responsibility. You must be Responsible in making your decisions.

You are given POWER and expected to be RESPONSIBLE. There are monthly reports that must be filed. There are accounts that must be organized and dealt with. Tons of legalities that, if overlooked, could start a snowball of legal problems. How do you handle this truck load of responsibility? Recognize the power of the enemy.

Power and The Enemy:

Lucifer was given a lot power in Heaven. He allowed that power to bring pride to his heart. He wanted to be like God. He tried to take over. What was the result?

Isaiah 14:12 “How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!” He was cast out of the kingdom of heaven.

Be certain of this. If you have a position of power Satan will try to attack you with a spirit of pride

Satan will use power to disrupt people in the position of authority. Power and Pride are a dangerous mix. It causes dissension, divorce, rebellion, and more. The flesh takes over and it is a victory for Satan. How then can a person in a position of power keep from being prideful?

Accountability:

They must use their “power” of leadership publicly. If a leader makes a decision in private without any one to “protect” them by questioning their motives, it is easy for them to be seduced and become a Dictator instead of a Godly leader.

A good leader surrounds themselves with Godly council. People who will keep them accountable in a Godly manner. Not a “Fleshly” manner.

Proverbs 11:14 “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.” (NIV)

“Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors [there is] safety.” (KJV)

Pastor, evangelist, supervisor, officer, husband, ect. Your best quality should be a “teachable spirit”. You should know you are human and you could make bad decisions that could effect peoples lives forever. Surround yourself with Godly men and women, not “YES” men, people who go along with everything you say and do because they don't have the guts to tell you, they don't agree.

If you are making decisions with peoples lives based on hear say or gossip, you need to repent! A good Christian and leader gathers facts, talks to all involved, seeks Godly advice, then acts in a Godly manner in handling the situation.

We need to hold our leaders accountable by protecting them. Covering them with prayer, Godly council, love, compassion, and lift them up not tear them down. Scripture has outlined the process for holding God’s children accountable.

Matthew 18:15-18 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

This is the Word of God. Not mine. This is how we are to handle one another. We are not to go behind each others backs and plot demise. We alone are not judge, jury and executioner. James 4:17 “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.” God is telling us if we don't handle it scriptural we are sinning.

In closing, many of us have suffered from a “prideful spirit”. How did you handle it? Did you act out in the flesh or did you handle it scripturally? Proverbs 9:8-9 “Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” Are you being influenced by a “spirit of pride”? Let me leave you with this last piece of scripture: 1Corinthians 11:31 “But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment.” With Power comes Responsibility and we are protected from Pride by Accountability. I would like to thank Eddie (BigUn) for the inspiration and outline of this sermon. Thank you brother you hit the nail on the head.

May God Bless everyone this week and may you all have a Merry Christmas.