BACK TO THE BASICS - AUTHORITY Introduction I. I once saw several police officers chasing a young man and commanding him to stop. A. Why were they able to do this? >>> Authority. 1. A lack of respect for authority got this boy in trouble. II. A lack of respect for biblical authority is getting a lot of churches in trouble today. III. It is important for Christians to understand how biblical authority is established. IV. Biblical authority is so important in the church. A. It determines how we can be saved. B. It determines how we are to worship God. C. It determines how we are to work. V. In this lesson, we will observe the different kinds of authority, the chain of authority, the different ways the Bible authorizes, and the way we must respect God's authority. Body I. THERE ARE 2 KINDS OF AUTHORITY. A. First, there is primary authority. 1. Primary authority is not derived, but original, absolute authority; and those commanded have the duty to obey. a. God is the fountain of all primary authority whether it be in the civil or religious field (John 19:10-11). (1) God has the absolute right to command, because He is our Maker, Preserver and Benefactor (Gen 1:1; 2 Cor 5:18). (2) God is 1st in position and importance. (3) God is the highest authority in the universe. a. We are the creatures of God's hands and the product of His intelligence. (1) It is our absolute duty to obey Him (Deut 13:4; Acts 5:29). B. Second, there is delegated authority. 1. Delegated authority is the authority which can be given to another by the party holding primary authority. a. First, God delegated authority to His Son (John 5:26-27; Mat 28:18). (1) Jesus stands nearest to the Father in delegated authority (Heb 1:3). (a) Jesus is a reflection of the Purity of God. (b) Jesus is a manifestation of the Power of God. (c) Jesus is a declaration of the Love of God. b. Second, Christ delegated authority to the apostles. (1) Jesus instructed them face-to-face while on the earth (Mat 18:18). (2) Jesus instructed them through the H.S. from heaven (John 16:13). c. Third, the apostles delegated authority to no one. (1) However, the apostolic authority is in the written word (Luke 10:16). II. THERE IS A CHAIN OF AUTHORITY. A. Authority extended from the Father to the Son (Mat 17:1-5). 1. Jesus placed authority is the words He spoke (John 12:48). a. We will not be judged by: (1) What we think (Isa 55:8-9) (2) What seems alright (Prov 14:12). (3) Our hearts or feelings (Prov 28:26). (4) Preachers, pastors, priests (1 Cor 4:6). (5) Creeds, prayer books, manuals. B. Authority extended from the Son to the apostles. C. Authority extended from the apostles to the N.T. (1 Cor 14:37; 2 Pet 3:15-16; 2 Tim 3:16-17). III. THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS THE BIBLE AUTHORIZES. A. Authority is found exclusively in the N.T. today. 1. We must have biblical authority for everything we do religiously (Col 3:17). B. Authority is found in the Scriptures in 4 ways. 1. Direct statements or commands (Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38). a. There are 2 kinds of commands: (1) Specific (Mat 26:26-28; Eph 5:19). (2) Generic (Mk 16:15; Js 1:27). 2. Implications or necessary inferences (Acts 2:42). 3. Approved examples (Acts 20:7). a. Approved examples are binding on us only if there is an underlying specific command, making that the exclusive way to obey God. 4. Expediencies. a. When God tells us what to do without telling us how to do it, we are free to do that which is in our judgment the most expedient. (1) Worship - The time and place we meet on Sunday are up to us. (2) Evangelism - The method and transportation are up to us. (3) Benevolent - We may help the needy with food or money. b. But when God tells us what to do and also how to do it, then the how is as binding as the what. (1) Worship (John 4:24; 1 Cor 14:40). C. Authority is NOT found in the silence of the Scriptures (1 Pet 4:11). 1. When God specifies something to be done, all other alternatives are excluded. a. There are O.T. examples. (1) Lev 10:1-4 - Nadab and Abihu. (2) 1 Sam 6:1-11 - Uzzah. (3) Gen 6:14-16 - Noah (Gopher wood). b. There are N.T. applications. (1) Instrumental music is without divine authority. (2) Sprinkling is without divine authority. (3) Infant baptism is without divine authority. 2. Our manner of life, worship, deeds, etc. are to be according to God's instructions. IV. THERE MUST BE RESPECT FOR GOD'S ALL AUTHORITATIVE WORD. A. In preaching, His authority must be respected (2 John 9). B. In worship, His authority must be respected (Mat 15:9). C. In Christian living, His authority must be respected (Mat 7:21). Conclusion I. We have observed the different kinds of authority, the chain of authority, the different ways the Bible authorizes, and the way we must respect His authority. II. Respect for biblical authority must be preeminent in all our lives. A. Respect for biblical authority must be preeminent in all the church. III. Jesus simply and beautifully said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." ** If you have any questions or if you would like to become a Christian, please let us know. Alan C. Cole 26th St. Church of Christ 101-26th Street Huntington, WV 25703 Phone - (304) 522-0717 E-Mail - Cole8@marshall.edu Homepage - http://mupfc.marshall.edu/~cole8/