Scripture Focus
Matthew 8:9 (KJV)
“For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.”
Introduction
One of the greatest lessons on authority in the Bible did not come from a priest, a prophet, or even one of Jesus’ disciples. It came from a Roman centurion—a military officer who understood a timeless principle: true authority flows from being under authority.
When the centurion approached Jesus concerning his servant who was sick, he did not ask Jesus to come physically to his house. Instead, he simply requested that Jesus speak the word. His confidence was based on his understanding of how authority works.
Jesus was so impressed by his understanding that He declared:
Matthew 8:10 (KJV)
“When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”
What made this man’s faith so remarkable?
It was his revelation of authority.
1. Authority Begins with Submission
The centurion first described himself as “a man under authority.”
He did not begin by talking about the soldiers under him but about the authority over him.
This is one of God’s unchanging principles.
Before God entrusts authority to a person, He first teaches that person submission.
Jesus Himself demonstrated this perfectly.
John 5:30 (KJV)
“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”
Even the Son of God walked in complete submission to the Father.
2. Authority Is Delegated, Not Self-Generated
The centurion understood that his commands carried weight because Rome had vested authority in him.
Likewise, believers do not operate in their own strength.
Our spiritual authority comes from Christ.
Luke 10:19 (KJV)
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Notice that Jesus said “I give unto you.”
Authority is received; it is not invented.
The effectiveness of our prayers, declarations, and ministry depends on remaining connected to the One who delegated that authority.
3. Rebellion Weakens Spiritual Authority
Many desire authority but resist accountability.
The Bible consistently shows that rebellion carries severe consequences.
King Saul lost his kingdom because he refused to remain under God’s instructions.
1 Samuel 15:23 (KJV)
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.”
God honours those who honour His order.
Submission is not weakness; it is wisdom.
4. Faith Understands the Power of God’s Word
The centurion believed that Jesus did not need to be physically present.
He said:
Matthew 8:8 (KJV)
“The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.”
He recognised that Christ’s authority extended beyond distance and circumstance.
When God speaks, creation obeys.
Diseases obey.
Demons obey.
Nature obeys.
Nothing can resist His sovereign authority.
5. Kingdom Leadership Is Built on Servanthood
Jesus later taught His disciples that greatness in God’s Kingdom is different from worldly leadership.
Matthew 20:26-28 (KJV)
“But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Those who lead effectively in God’s Kingdom first learn to serve faithfully.
Humility positions us for divine promotion.
Practical Lessons for Every Believer
- Stay submitted to God and His Word.
- Honour legitimate spiritual and godly authority in your life.
- Recognise that your authority comes from Christ, not from personal ability.
- Speak God’s Word in faith, trusting His power to accomplish what He has promised.
- Lead others with humility and a servant’s heart.
Conclusion
The Roman centurion understood a principle that many still struggle to grasp today: authority is sustained by submission.
The more deeply we walk under God’s authority, the more confidently we can exercise the authority He has entrusted to us.
May we become believers who not only desire power but also embrace the discipline, humility, and obedience that make spiritual authority effective.
James 4:7 (KJV)
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Submission comes first.
Then authority follows.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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