After reading Philippians chapter two together, we were again challenged by the life style Jesus lived and portrayed to the world. Phil. 2:6-8 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. What an awesome commitment He took on Himself. Jesus, who was with the Father in the beginning, became a man. Not only a man, but a servant! Paul writing under the unction of the Holy Spirit says we ought to have the same mind as Christ. To have the same mind is to live the same life. In the natural this becomes an impossible task, however, an understanding of the Word will help us make this continual transition.

There are two issues at hand that allowed Jesus to do what He did. The first is an understanding of authority. Philippians says that Jesus did not think it was robbery to be equal with God. Satan had the same thinking and it cost him his place in the heavenlies. So what was the difference between the two, where one is applauded for being equal and the other was kicked out. The answer is both obvious and simple. Relationship! Jesus is related to the Father, He is the Son, all that belongs to the Father belongs to the Son! Satan on the other hand was a created being, he could never have claim to any equality with God. He was under authority not equal to it. Jesus had both. He had authority and He had relationship. Together these two components made it possible to do what He accomplished on the earth. Once you understand what authority is, and that it is established by God, it flows in direct lines of delegation. Power under control, structured power! It is the privilege to govern by means of position and power. The purpose of authority is order. This order is for the free flowing of God’s purposes and destiny of man. God is a God of order! It is part of His divine character. The perversion of this is a spirit of control, using power and position in a dominating and hurtful manner.

In 2=1 we have lines of authority. This is for the smooth flowing of the ministry. Authority is always downward. Because Godly order gives clear commands, it has the potential to handle tremendous growth. Jesus, an equal with the Father totally understood the concept of authority. Therefore, He could concentrate on discipling the twelve through relationships. The concept of relationships is likened unto ripples in a pond. When you throw a pebble it starts a rippling effect with ever widening circles. Since it is ever increasing it can encompass a lot of people. In the tightest circle of relationships Jesus had three people relate to Him, Peter, James and John. Then come the rest of the twelve and the woman who ministered with Him. The ripple effect continued to extend to others, there were the seventy two, and of course many other individuals He touched. Jesus related to His Father every morning through prayer and then the rest of the day He could build relationships with the disciples. It is relationships that brings cohesiveness to the authority structure. Authority is the skeletal structure. Relationships are the flesh and blood covering the skeleton. The scriptures tell us in 1 Corin. 12 that we are many members. In other words, each member is in relational harmony with each other. When one suffers we all suffer. As leaders in 2=1 you have authoritative structure, it will always be there. Now build meaningful relationships through serving in love to those ministering alongside of you.