A Study Of Bible Authority A Study of Authority “And if any man hear my sayings, and keep them not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:47-48) Title Page for every Lesson on Authority A. Christ Saves Us B. Christ’s Words Judge Us C. If we want to be saved by the Savior, we must conform to the standard of Judgment! Lesson 4-1 - The Source Of Authority (What It Is)

A Study Of Bible Authority A Study of Authority Lesson 4 (Part 1) The Source of Authority (What It Is) Note: The Presentations in the study are taken from Billy W. Moore’s classbook entitled, A Study of Authority (Presentations are basically an adaptation of material found in Billy W. Moore’s classbook, A Study of Authority) Lesson 4-1 - The Source Of Authority (What It Is)

Matthew 21:23 “And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?” Shows the importance of the proper source of authority!

Recapping What It Isn’t… The doctrine and practices of the Old Testament What the preachers say Creeds of men Desires of the congregation Elders of a local church The results accomplished Losing touch with reality

The Source of Divine Authority Is Jesus Christ! He is God’s ordained spokesman Matthew 17:1-5; Hebrews 1:1-2 Christ is God’s last spokesman, and He requires that we listen to His Son. cf. Deuteronomy 18:18-19

The Source of Divine Authority Is Jesus Christ! He has All Authority in Heaven and Earth. Matthew 28:18 Given by Father (1 Corinthians 15:27) Authority was given to the Son by the Father in Heaven, who has the rightful power, and who put all things under him, with the exception of Himself. Lord of Lords (1 Timothy 6:15)

The Source of Divine Authority Is Jesus Christ! He is the King raised up to sit on the throne of David. 2 Samuel 7:16; Acts 2:30-32; 1 Corinthians 15:24-26 He is reigning today! cf. Daniel 2:44; 7:13-14; Hebrews 12:28

The Source of Divine Authority Is Jesus Christ! He is the head of the body, the church Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18 We are subject to the head. Ephesians 5:23-24

The Source of Divine Authority Is Jesus Christ! All things must be done in His name Colossians 3:17 Some are not content to be restricted by the will of Christ (cf. Matthew 7:23; 15:9)

Conclusion: In this lesson we have: Established that Jesus has the right to command; He has jurisdiction or legal authority… He is God’s ordained spokesman He has all authority in Heaven and on Earth He is the seed of David, reigning as King He is the head of the body, the church He is the one in whose name all teaching and practice must be done.

Lesson 4 The Source of Authority (What It Is!) Questions ? Lesson 4 The Source of Authority (What It Is!)

Question 1 Explain the difference between sending prophets and sending the Son. What is the significance in the fact that the Son was sent last? Son has more authority. The most personal of God’s ambassadors. (Matthew 21:33-41) “Last of all” (KJV) indicates that there will be no others. All “latter day” prophets are false!

Question 2 Is there any limitation to “all authority”? Does that leave any available authority for any other? No, there is no limitation. Jesus alone has authority (cf. Matthew 28:18). Note, while there is no limitation, there is one exception. The Father who gives the authority is excepted (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:27).

Question 3 What is the sign that Jesus is the Christ which God promised he would raise up to sit on the throne of David? The resurrection of Jesus from the dead. (Romans 1:4)

Question 4 What is the most significant aspect of headship? If Christ is head, what does that mean for the body, the church? The most significant aspect of headship is authority. Christ, as head of the body, determines the functions of the body. The body has only to heed the instructions of the head. That is, to submit to the head’s directives.

Question 5 What does it mean to do something in the “name of Jesus”(Colossians 3:17)? Is it simply a verbal affirmation? No. Doing “in the name of” signifies authority. (Example: A diplomat who negotiates “in the name of” the President of the USA). Remember Jesus’ admonition, Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says unto me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven…”