Spiritual Authority - Watchman Nee

Authority is a tremendous thing in the universe, nothing overshadows it. God’s throne is established on His authority. God’s authority represents God Himself. God alone is authority in all things; all the authorities of the earth are instituted by God. It is therefore important for us who desire to serve God to know the authority of God.

God’s authority is absolute hence we must give Him absolute submission (our heart’s attitude) and absolute obedience (our outward actions). But to His delegated authorities we can render absolute submission but only relative obedience. For their authorities are circumscribed by the measure of the life of Christ in them. Only when they themselves submit to God’s authority in the are they able to represent God. Hence there is much we have to learn about how to represent God.

Table of Contents:
Part 1: Authority and Subjection
Chapter 1: The Importance of Authority
Chapter 2: Old Testament Instances of Rebellion
Chapter 3: Old Testament Instances of Rebellion (Cont.)
Chapter 4: David’s Knowledge of Authority
Chapter 5: The Obedience of the Son
Chapter 6: How God Establishes His Kingdom
Chapter 7: Men Should Obey Delegated Authority
Chapter 8: The Authority of the Body
Chapter 9: The Manifestations of Man’s Rebellion
Chapter 10: The Manifestations of Man’s Rebellion (Cont.)
Chapter 11: The Measure of Obeying Authority
Part 2: Delegated Authority
Chapter 12: Those Whom God Apprehends as Delegated Authorities
Chapter 13: The Primary Credential for Delated Authorities: Revelation
Chapter 14: The Character of Delegated Authorities: Graciousness
Chapter 15: The Basis for Being Delegated Authorities: Resurrection
Chapter 16: The Misuse of Authority and God’s Governmental Discipline
Chapter 17: Delegated Authorities Must Be under Authority
Chapter 18: The Daily Life and Inward Motivation of Delegated Authorities
Chapter 19: Delegated Authorities Must Sanctify Themselves
Chapter 20: The Conditions for Being Delegated Authorities