Authority

Accessible Guide from 9Marks Equips Believers to Steward Their God-Given Authority

In every position of power—from executives and world leaders to church elders and parents—lies the potential for life-giving leadership or destructive corruption. Driven by sinful pride or opportunism, many people abuse their God-given influence, harming the ones they’re called to lead and contributing to an intense angst against authority. The answer to bad authority, however, is not no authority, but good authority—the kind that, according to Scripture, causes those under it to flourish.

In this compelling guide from 9Marks, Jonathan Leeman shows that authority, done biblically, is not only good, but is essential to human flourishing. Through Scripture and many first-hand stories, he presents 5 attributes of positive authority and warns against sinfulness that corrupts leadership. Pointing to Jesus as the ultimate model of good authority, Leeman equips readers to pursue godly influence in their personal and professional lives.

Applicable: Challenges readers to identify weaknesses in their own leadership style and offers 5 attributes of godly authority

Engaging: Filled with compelling stories that illustrate key points

A Great Resource for Pastors, Employers, Officers, and Parents: Helps listeners understand how to practice godly authority in church, at home, and in the workplace

1. Opening Credits | Dedication
2. Series Preface
3. Prelude: A Prayer of Confession
4. Introduction: Our Angst about Authority
5. Part 1: What is Authority?
6. Chapter 1: Authority Is God's Good Creation Gift for Sharing His Rule and Glory
7. Chapter 2: Authority Is Satan's Sinister Scheme for Supplanting God
8. Chapter 3: Authority Is Christ's Claim to Rescue and Redeem
9. Part 2: What is Submission?
10. Chapter 4: Submission Is the Path to Growth, Authority, and Likeness to the God-Man
11. Chapter 5: Submission Is Never Absolute and Always Has Limits
12. Part 3: How Does Good Authority Work? Five Principles
13. Chapter 6: Is Is Not Unaccountable, but Submits to a Higher Authority
14. Chapter 7: It Doesn't Steal Life, but Creates It
15. Chapter 8: It Is Not Unteachable, but Seeks Wisdom
16. Chapter 9: It Is neither Permissive nor Authoritarian, but Administers Discipline
17. Chapter 10: It Is Not Self-Protective, but Bears the Costs
18. Part 4: What Does Good Authority Look Like in Action?
19. Chapter 11: Two Kinds of Authority: Command and Counsel
20. Chapter 12: The Husband (Counsel)
21. Chapter 13: The Parent (Command)
22. Chapter 14: The Government (Command)
23. Chapter 15: The Manager (Commmand)
24. Chapter 16: The Church (Commmand)
25. Chapter 17: The Elder (Counsel)
26. Conclusion: Equality, the Fear of God, and a Reward
27. Postlude: A Prayer of Praise
28. Closing Credits