Churches are in need of people who preach with spiritual authority. I am not saying that we need good preaching, good techniques and professionals in the pulpit. I am talking about simple preaching that makes people want to humble themselves before God and seek a true change of life. If you want that spiritual authority, you must renounce all kinds of manipulation and preach the truth of the Word of God in love. The apostle Paul said:
"Therefore, since we have this ministry for the mercy that is given to us, do not lose heart before giving up the hidden and shameful procedures ... Do not use deceit or twist the word of God on the contrary, for the clear declaration of recommendation-truth, in the conscience of all, before God ". (2 Corinthians 4: 1-2)
Pablo was talking about his motivations. He did not want to act in bad faith, distorting the Word of God to manipulate people. On the contrary, he decided to wrest from his heart every root of sin and wrong intentions, by preaching the Gospel. I believe that this is the way to receive anointing and spiritual authority - honesty and transparency with God and with people.
I know that it is easier to identify those flaws in many leaders of today, but do we get to see sins in our own lives? If we want to be filled with the Holy Spirit and exalted by God, we must first empty ourselves of all sin and our selfish and proud nature. In Philippians 2: 5-9 it says that Jesus, even being God, emptied Himself to become a servant of men, and was obedient until His death, and death on a cross! Later, God gave him the highest position and the name that is above every name. Notice that before being exalted, there is a price that we must pay, and that is exactly what I want to talk about. If you want to have spiritual authority, that is, anointing of God in your life:
- BE AVAILABLE TO SIT AT THE "LAST BANK"
In the book of Luke chapter 14, Jesus was invited to eat at the house of a Pharisee leader and other teachers of the law went along with him. But when they arrived and settled down, those men remained disputing those who settled in the best places on the table. They wanted prominent positions, but when they perceived that (v.7) Jesus told them a very hard word:
"When someone invites you to a wedding party, do not take the place of honor, since you may have been invited more distinguished than you. If so, the person who invited the two will come and tell you." Give at the time that is invited, occupy the least important place, so that when the one who invited him comes, tell him: 'Friend, move to a place .. most important place', then you will be honored in the presence of all the guests for anyone who is he exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. "(Luke 14: 8-11)
Jesus was showing that this search for honor and recognition of people only hinders us and prevents us from receiving anything from God.
"How can you believe that if you accept praise from one another, but you do not seek the glory that comes from the one God?" (John 5:44)
"Beware of the scribes, they make a point of walking with special clothes, and like a lot of getting salutations in the squares and occupy the first seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets." (Luke 20: 46)
While we continue in vain glory, believing that the ministry is "our", that the works are "ours" and that we are better than others, we will not have spiritual authority. Is it so good when we find people who talk little about them and a lot about what God has done, is not it? Therefore exalt God and trust that He is the one who honors people at the right time.
"... You are all humble towards others, because" God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. "Humble yourselves, then, under the mighty hand of God, that I may lift up in due time, casting upon you all anxiety, for he cares for you." (1 Peter 5: 5-7)
- RECOGNIZE THE ENVY AND CELES IN YOUR HEART
We all have these two sins in our hearts. They came along with our sinful nature, but who is willing to recognize and abandon them? Envy and jealousy cause you can not rejoice in the blessings of others. We can even say nothing, but our heart closes and that prevents the growth of the Kingdom of God, because where there is envy and jealousy, there is no unity.
"Cruel is anger is destructive, but who will stand up to jealousy?" (Proverbs 27: 4)
James also said: "But if you have bitter jealousy in your heart and personal ambition and do not glorify or deny the truth." (James 3.14)
THE KING SAUL IS A CLEAR EXAMPLE OF ENVIDIOUS AND JEALOUS PERSON:
In the book of I Samuel chapter 18, we see David returning from a battle in which he killed the Philistines. Upon entering Jerusalem with King Saul, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, dancing and singing the following song: "Saul has killed thousands, but David tens of thousands of wounded." Saul became so angry and jealous of the music they did to David, he thought: "They attribute to David tens of thousands, but to me only thousands What else is missing but the kingdom?" (I Samuel 18: 8).
Then Saul was taken by a spirit of jealousy and jealousy, and we see the lethal effect he had on him: "Henceforth Saul was looking with envy on David The next day, an evil spirit of God came upon him and Saul. At the time David was playing the harp, as he used to do, Saul was holding a spear in his hand and he threw it, saying, "I will wrap David in the wall." But David turned aside twice, Saul was afraid of David. because the Lord had left him and now he was with David "(1 Samuel 18: 10-12)
That night Saul must not have slept, because he fed that bad feeling in his heart and became a bitter and angry person. I think he must have thought, "I worked very hard, I did everything as a King to serve the people and now they prefer to honor David more than me." Unfortunately, after that, Saul kept David's enemy for the rest of his life. (1 Samuel 18:29)
Even in this tragic situation, we must remember that Saul was still king. He had authority and anointing to lead Israel. God loved him and the people of Israel also. But he needed to repent, because that feeling of bitterness would destroy him little by little. However, the Bible shows that Saul's jealousy and envy only increased and that destroyed everything he had. Therefore, if you are a Christian who wants to have God's favor in your life, acknowledge your sins, ask for forgiveness and humble yourself in the presence of God. Do not worry about the rewards of men, but look for the reward that comes from God, because that is important and eternal. Meditate on these words:
Before, he gives more grace. That is why he says: God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. Hold, then, God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come to God, and he will come to you. Alimpa the hands, sinners; and, you double-minded, purify the hearts. I felt your miseries, and laments and cries; your laughter turns into tears, and your joy into sadness. Humility before the Lord, and he will exalt you. "(James 4: 6-10)