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 2 - Authority As Seen In The New Testament

A Study Of Bible Authority A Study of Authority Lesson 2 The Need for Authority As Revealed in the New Testament 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 2 - Authority As Seen In The New Testament

Definition - Authority Greek Word – exousia Vine: “The power of authority, the right to exercise power … the power of rule or government … the power of one whose will and commands must be obeyed by others.” (page 89). Thayer: “The power of authority and of right … the power of rule or government”

Jesus Recognized and Taught the Need of Authority Workers of iniquity will be rejected. Matthew 7:21-23 "Iniquity" = "lawlessness". (cf. New American Standard Bible). The workers of iniquity shall be: Matthew 13:41-42 "Gathered out of the kingdom." They shall be cast into a furnace of fire. cf. Revelation 21:8

Jesus Recognized and Taught the Need of Authority The apostasy is called "the mystery of iniquity". 2 Thessalonians 2:7 Lack of respect for divine authority. cf. 1 Timothy 4:1; Acts 20:28ff. NOTE: When one rejects divine authority he will substitute the authority of men … others or self.

Jesus Recognized and Taught the Need of Authority Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders. Matthew 7:24-27 Wise man does the will of the Lord. James 1:22 Foolish man hears but does not obey. Luke 6:46

Jesus Recognized and Taught the Need of Authority The Baptism of John. Matthew 21:23-27 Two possible sources. Heaven Men

The Apostles Taught the Need of Authority The appeal for unity. Philippians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 1:10. John 17:20ff Unity cannot be had without abiding by the same rule. cf. Ephesians 4:1-3; cf. 1 Corinthians 4:17 Postal clerks recognize the same rule. Merchants practice unity in weights and measures because they recognize the same rule as authority.

The Apostles Taught the Need of Authority Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Colossians 3:17 “In the name of” in this text means “by the authority of”. We must not “think of men above that which is written.” 1 Corinthians 4:6 We must abide in the doctrine of Christ. 2 John 9-11 Must not add to or take from the word. Revelation 22:18-19

Conclusion In this lesson we have: Seen that both the Lord and the Apostles taught the need for divine authority. Shown that those who scorn the need for authority overlook a basic principle taught in God’s word regarding our relationship with God. Shown the need to recognize that our standing with God depends upon our accepting and obeying His word.

Lesson 2 The Need for Authority as Revealed in the New Testament Questions ? Lesson 2 The Need for Authority as Revealed in the New Testament

Question 1 Define Iniquity. What will be done with those who practice iniquity? Iniquity (anomia,) lit. Lawlessness. A (neg.) nomos (law). Is used in a way which indicates the meaning as being lawlessness or wickedness. Those who practice iniquity will be cast into the lake of fire (cf. Matthew 13:41-42)

Question 2 Is it enough for a man to claim that what he does is in the name of Jesus? That is, if it appears to be a good work, and I am doing it for God, does that make it acceptable in and of itself? No, it is presumptuous. cf. Luke 6:46, and Matthew 7:21-23. Saying “Lord, Lord” is not sufficient to establish the validity of a practice.

Question 3 Is it “unity” if we all get along despite differences? The “non-denominational” concept is to accept anyone, regardless of conviction. Is this a Biblical principle? No. Biblical unity is based on a standard, the word of God. In order for us to have unity, we must all “have the same mind” and “all speak the same thing” (cf. Philippians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 1:10-ff).

Question 4 Paul, in 1 Corinthians 4:6, said they had established to the Corinthians that we are “not to think beyond what is written.” What does this mean? See verse 2, it is a steward’s place to be faithful. And verse 4, Jesus is the judge. It is not our place to establish ourselves as the standard, but to recognize that Jesus is, and recognize his will (as the apostles did).

Question 5 Do we have the right for any reason (culture, greater enlightenment, new knowledge) to modify in any way the word of God? (Galatians 1:6ff; cf. Revelation 22:18-19). No. God’s will is eternal and unchanging. It is as pertinent today as it ever has been. To change it in any way indicates a lack of respect for his will, and will bring his judgment upon us as evildoers.