What Is Authority? 

What Is Authority?
Text: Jude 24–25

Introduction:
Read Jude 24–25. These verses affirm that God has always possessed dominion and authority over all creation. He is the only wise God, deserving glory, majesty, and power forever. But what does it truly mean for God to have authority? This lesson examines the meaning of biblical authority and how it applies to our faith and obedience.

The Meaning of Authority
The Bible uses several Greek words to describe authority, each adding depth to our understanding of God’s right to rule and command.

Exousia — The Power to Exercise Dominion
Vine’s Dictionary defines exousia as “the liberty of doing as one pleases,” which developed into “the right or power to exercise authority.” This word is used in Jude 25 to describe God’s dominion.
God’s authority covers all realms of life:

• God’s Supreme Power: He alone has the power to cast into hell (Luke 12:5). He rules over times and seasons (Acts 1:7) and, as the Potter, has power over the clay (Romans 9:20–21).

• Secular Rulers: Even earthly governments derive their power from God (Romans 13:1–3). Those who resist authority resist the ordinance of God.

• Believers: To those who receive Christ, He gives the right to become children of God (John 1:12). Obedient believers have the right to the tree of life (Revelation 22:14).

• Christ: Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). He has authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:10–11), to execute judgment (John 5:27), and to give eternal life (John 17:2).

Epitagē — The Power to Command
Vine defines epitagē as “an injunction” or “command.” Titus was instructed, “Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority” (Titus 2:15). God Himself commands obedience to the faith (Romans 16:25–26). His commands are not suggestions—they are divine orders requiring compliance.

Dunastēs — The Potentate, the High Ruler
Related to dunamis (“power”), dunastēs means “potentate” or “sovereign ruler.” God is described as “the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). He alone holds the highest position of authority in heaven and earth.

Onoma — Acting in the Name of Christ
Vine defines onoma as “in recognition of the authority of.” Colossians 3:17 declares, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Everything we say or do must be governed by His authority. Acting “in His name” means acting by His command, not our preference.

The Practical Meaning of Authority
Because Christ has all authority, He alone determines the conditions of salvation and acceptable worship. To act without His authority is to rebel against His rule. Every practice of faith must be measured by His word. Whether we speak of baptism, the Lord’s Supper, singing in worship, or the work of the church, we must have divine approval—a “thus saith the Lord.”

What Is Authority? Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: Jude 24–25 – God’s dominion and authority from eternity.

• I. Exousia — The Right to Rule

  • God’s supreme power (Luke 12:5; Acts 1:7; Romans 9:20–21).

  • Human government’s derived authority (Romans 13:1–3).

  • Believers’ granted authority (John 1:12; Revelation 22:14).

  • Christ’s ultimate authority (Matthew 28:18; Mark 2:10–11; John 5:27; John 17:2).

   

• II. Epitagē — God Commands, Not Suggests

  • Titus 2:15 – Preach with authority.

  • Romans 16:25–26 – The everlasting God commands obedience to the faith.

   

• III. Dunastēs — The Sovereign Potentate

  • 1 Timothy 6:15 – God as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

   

• IV. Onoma — Acting by Christ’s Authority

  • Colossians 3:17 – Every word and deed must honor His authority.

   

• Conclusion: Jesus has all authority. Every command of God is binding and essential.

Call to Action:
Examine every practice of your faith and ask, “Do I have divine authority for this?” Jesus Christ has all authority in heaven and on earth. We must submit fully to His commands and not presume upon His silence. Like the early Christians, let us live and worship only by what He has authorized, knowing He alone can forgive sins and give eternal life.

Key Takeaways:

• God’s authority is absolute and eternal (Jude 25).

• Christ possesses all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).

• Believers are granted the right to become God’s children through obedience (John 1:12).

• Every action in faith must be done in recognition of Christ’s authority (Colossians 3:17).

• To act without divine approval is to rebel against God’s rule (Romans 13:1–2).

Scripture Reference List:

• Jude 24–25 – God’s eternal dominion and authority.

• Luke 12:5 – God’s authority to cast into hell.

• Acts 1:7 – Authority over times and seasons belongs to God.

• Romans 9:20–21 – The Potter’s right over the clay.

• Romans 13:1–3 – Civil authorities ordained by God.

• John 1:12 – Believers given the right to become children of God.

• Revelation 22:14 – Obedient believers have right to the tree of life.

• Matthew 28:18 – All authority given to Christ.

• Mark 2:10–11 – Jesus has authority to forgive sins.

• John 5:27 – Authority to execute judgment.

• John 17:2 – Authority to give eternal life.

• Titus 2:15 – Speak and rebuke with authority.

• Romans 16:25–26 – God commands obedience to the faith.

• 1 Timothy 6:15 – God as the only Potentate, King of kings.

• Colossians 3:17 – Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

Authority