Have you received authority or obtained help?

“I actually did this in Jerusalem, and I locked up many of the saints in prison, since I had received authority for that from the chief priests. When they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭26:10‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/72/act.26.10.HCSB

“To this very day, I have obtained help that comes from God, and I stand and testify to both small and great, saying nothing else than what the prophets and Moses said would take place —”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭26:22‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/72/act.26.22.HCSB

All too often we look for some kind of authority to be given to us. When instead we should be looking for help in what we are doing. As bond-servants of God, we should be content to continue to do what God has given us to do instead of striving to do more with authority. Paul’s authority came from the Pharisees who pushed him farther from the work God had for him. But when he submitted to the work God gave him he received help to accomplish it. 

“I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/72/php.4.13.HCSB

“Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.28.18-20.HCSB

Authority belongs to God but doing belongs to us. Those who try to usurp this authority to make it their own bypass God and will fall under His judgment. 

“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This came from the Lord and is wonderful in our eyes? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing its fruit. Whoever falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whoever it falls, it will grind him to powder! ”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭21:42-44‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.21.44.HCSB