Chase the Lion | Living Under Authority | Pastor Jamie Kemp

In conclusion of the "Chase the Lion" series, we are introduced to one more of David’s Mighty Men, Abishai.  He was a leader of leaders who understood living under authority.   

Hebrews 13:17 - Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say.  Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God.

Living under spiritual authority brings spiritual protection and spiritual blessing.  Spiritual authority is the divine order by which God governs and blesses His people.

1 Peter 2:13-17 NIV - Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority:  whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, (14) or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.  (15) For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.  (16) Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; lives as God’s slaves.  (17) Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

Unfortunately, some leaders use spiritual abuse disguised as spiritual authority.  They demand others to be dependent on their leadership.  On the other end of the spectrum, there are some who want to be independent of any kind of spiritual leadership in their lives.  Sadly, this is usually the result of a past hurt or abuse.  Neither one of these perspectives of spiritual leadership is Biblical.

Jesus comes and flips everything upside down by saying leaders should serve those who follow them.

Mark 10:42-45 NLT - So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.  (43) But among you it will be different.  Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, (44) and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.  (45) For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Godly leaders are a gift to us from God.  So we can discern godly leadership that is freeing, prioritizing our best interests, and aim to produce something in us.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Who are the Spiritual Leaders in your life?
2. Have you ever had a moment when someone in authority asked you to wait or change your plans?  How did that experience shape your faith or perspective on leadership?
3. What is your natural tendency:  to resist authority or to depend on it too much?  Why do you think that is?
4. How do you personally define healthy spiritual leadership?  What are signs that it’s unhealthy or abusive?
5. Have you ever seen or experienced any sort of spiritual abuse?  How common is it?
6. What “lion” are you chasing - or whose lion are you called to help chase right now?  How can you support that vision while still growing into your own calling?