The image of God III: Authority, freedom, dignity and responsibility

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image ... let them rule ...  over all the earth ....” (Genesis 1:26). The rule (authority) given to mankind in paradise came with  freedom (you may eat of every tree in the garden except ......  - 2:16, 17); dignity (the Lord brought the animals to Adam to see what he would name them – 2:19); stewardship and responsibility (to tend the ground and obey – 2:15, 17). All this of course is before the fall (chapter 3). Post fall we read that Satan is the ruler of this world (John 12:31).  He  tells Jesus “all this authority was delivered” to him (Luke 4:6).  

Satan has used this authority to take unbelievers captive to do his will (2 Timothy 2:26). He promises freedom without responsibility, licence without consequences. It's a lie! The truth is “he who commits sin is the slave of sin” (John 8:34).  And Jesus promises true freedom to those who abide in His Word,  hold fast to His teachings,  and live in accordance with them (John 8:31 AMP).  The well know Canadian Psychologist and speaker Jordon Peterson tells that when he talks about the need to take responsibility,  the room goes quiet. It’s as if the need to take responsibly is a huge revelation. But freedom and responsibility, victory and obedience are linked together all though the Bible, so that this “revelation” is hardly new!   It's insanity – we kick God out of every area of life and then wonder why the world is going to hell in a hand basket. We are reaping what we have sown (Galatians 6:7). The Bible is right, what a surprise!

Authority was delivered to Satan  (Luke 4:6 again) because of sin.  It could only be taken back by perfect obedience. The principle is explained in the parable where we read “the master will make that faithful and wise stewards ruler over his household” (Luke 12:42). Jesus was the only perfect, sinless man (2 Peter 2:22; James 3:2). And it's one of the reasons the Son of God,  had to come in the flesh, so He could take back the authority that was lost at the fall. We read from Jesus that “All authority has been given unto Me in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). As the One holding all authority, He can give it to whom He will, and He tells His disciples “Look I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). Disciples are sheep who follow sacrificially, who walk according to the Spirit, and not according to the sinful nature, and who by the Spirit,  put to death the deeds of the body (John 10:4; Luke 14:27; Romans 8:4, 13).  We need to learn to tap into this commissioning, and so to do our part in bringing  the Kingdom to earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 28:20; Luke 11:2)!

Father, wake up Your church, wake me up,  to tap into the authority that at such great expense You purchased for us on the cross. You have given us mighty spiritual weapons to tear down Satan's strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). The world has yet to see what You can do with a committed church. Bring us out of fear, apathy and unbelief.  Use us Lord to bring Your Kingdom to earth as it is in heaven in Jesus Name Amen