Exegesis de rut

Spiritual Authority
WATCHMAN NEE

Christian Fellowship Publishers, Inc. New York

Copyright ©1972 Christian Fellowship Publishers, Inc. New York All Rights Reserved ISBN 0-935008-35-7

Available from the Publishers at: 11515 Allecingie Parkway Richmond, Virginia 23235

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

CONTENTS
Part ONE: AUTHORITY AND SUBJECTION
1. The Importance of Authority 2. Old TestamentInstances of Rebellion 3. Old Testament Instances of Rebellion (Continued) 4. David’s Knowledge of Authority 5. The Obedience of the Son 6. How God Establishes His Kingdom 7. Men Should Obey Delegated Authority 8. The Authority of the Body 9. The Manifestations of Man’s Rebellion 10. The Manifestations of Man’s Rebellion (Continued) 11. The Measure of Obeying Authority

7 17 25 39 43 51 59 73 83 97105 113 123 133 139 147 155 167 177 185

Part TWO: DELEGATED AUTHORITIES
12. Those Whom God Apprehends As Delegated Authorities 13. Primary Credential for Delegated Authorities: Revelation 14. The Character of Delegated Authorities: Graciousness 15. The Basis for Being Delegated Authorities: Resurrection 16. Misuse of Authority and God’s Governmental Discipline 17. Delegated Authorities MustBe under Authority 18. The Daily Life and Inward Motivation of Delegated Authorities 19. Delegated Authorities Must Sanctify Themselves 20. The Conditions for Being Delegated Authorities

The contents of this volume comprise a series of messages which were delivered in Chinese by the author during a training period for workers held in Kuling, Foochow, China, in 1948, and are now translated fromthe edited notes taken by some who attended that training. Scripture quotations are from the American Standard Version of the Bible (1901), unless otherwise indicated.

PART ONE AUTHORITY AND SUBJECTION

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The Importance of Authority

Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God. Therefore he thatresisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth notthe sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God’s service, attending continually upon this very thing. Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom;fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. (Rom. 13.1-7) Who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Heb. 1.3) How art thou fallen from heaven, Lucifer, son of the morning! Thou art cut down to the ground, that didst prostrate thenations! And thou that didst say in thy heart, I will ascend into the heavens, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit upon the mount of assembly, in the recesses of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High. (Is. 14.12-14 Darby) And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Matt. 6.13) And the high prieststood up, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou art the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Henceforth ye shall see the Son of

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Spiritual Authority man sitting at...