* If you want power in your life, you have to stay under authority.

* Power is the ability to do something.

* Authority is the right to use power.

* Authority is tied to responsibility.

* If you want authority (power) then stay in your place of responsibility.

* Ex: Adam - he lost his authority cuz he failed in his responsibility.

* Paul talked about freedom in Christ a LOT!

* But he also talked about the proper way to handle your freedom (in relationships).

* Vs 1-2 - four types of government:

* Self govt

* Family govt

* Church govt

* Civil govt

* All government should be UNDER GOD.

* It works like an umbrella in the rain - so long as you stand under it you’re safe.

* Your authority structure is a “relationship hierarchy.”

* It has many different layers depending on where you are in life.

* If you step outside you will have stepped outside God’s protective umbrella.

* You can’t be right with God and wrong with the authority in your life.

* Caveat - the balancing truth of Scripture is when your authority moves out from underneath God’s authority, you stay under God.

* Seeing authority in terms of relationship is why Paul mentions debt in vs 8:

* Debt changes your relationship to another and places you under them.

* If you want power in your life, you have to stay under authority.

* Walking in authority is all about staying in your place of responsibility.