Spiritual Authority in the BIG Picture In the first message of this series we used various verbs to describe how authority works. Words such as to recognise and submit, to despise, rebel against, resist or reject, to graciously accept and exercise, to abuse, to assume, to abdicate or to usurp Authority. As far as spiritual authority is concerned, we are only in authority to the extent that we are under authority. Definition of ‘Authority’: Authority is delegated power to rule, to maintain order, to enforce laws etc.