THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

Authority (1) Why we need authority? THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH 2017

Matthew 21:23-27 NKJV[23] Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?" [24] But Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: [25] The baptism of John-where was it from? From heaven or from men?" And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' [26] But if we say, 'From men,' we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet." [27] So they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know." And He said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Consider the direction many churches are going! Far too many see no need for an absolute standard A constant call for “tolerance” that overshadows the gospel pattern with compromise and innovations Are we going to give in like many are doing? If that’s is the case, where is the Authority that we follow? Can we come here pretending to worship God, and do whatever we want?

This attitude is not confined to the denominational world Even among brethren, churches are developing progressive mindsets that compromise the truth – to conform to society Some are redefining how we establish authority! And this they do just to please the masses that are demanding “changes” in the church.

We need to appeal to God’s word in all that we do! Typically, the progressive mindset rejects God’s word as the absolute standard of authority! To combat this, we need to understand what authority is and how to properly establish it We need to appeal to God’s word in all that we do! For many “church” goers, the Bible now days has become “irrelevant”. Many do not even study the Bible at church. Many just go for the entertainment.

Because God is sovereign – He demands that we follow Him and His will – 1 John 2:3-5 Romans 9:20-21 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. Judges 21:25 NKJV[25] In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. 1 John 2:3-5 NKJV[3] Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. [4] He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. [5] But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. Romans 9:20-21 NKJV[20] But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?" [21] Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? No authority leads to confusion and chaos cf. Judges 21:25; 1 Corinthians 14:33

To bring accountability cf. 1 Timothy 1:8-11, 1 Peter 2:13-14 To prevent division, and promote unity – John 17:20-21, 1 Corinthians 1:10 To bring accountability cf. 1 Timothy 1:8-11, 1 Peter 2:13-14 Man is designed to be accountable, to establish standards of authority

When the end comes, there will be no time for anything else. One day we will be judged by the standard of His word Revelation 20:12-15 John 12:48 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8 When the end comes, there will be no time for anything else. Authority is important for in that day God will follow His Holy Book.

Authority means permission! “The right to command or direct and enforce obedience or administer punishment” Authority means permission! We appeal to this every day – everywhere - driving, family, jobs, etc. Authority also implies limitations “I want you to imagine Calgary city with out authority. Imagine Calgary or the people without authority or limitations.

We need authority for everything we do Colossians 3:17, Authority in religion – the right established by accurately handling God’s word to determine what He would have us to do and how to do it. We need authority for everything we do Colossians 3:17, Matthew 7:21-23, 1 Corinthians 4:6

Authority involves a standard God’s Word is OUR standard A standard is something set up and established by authority as a rule for measuring – i.e. ruler, pound, litre, kilometre, etc. God’s Word is OUR standard 2 Tim 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3, Gal 1:12 cf. John 12:48, Rev. 20:12 1 Cor 4:6, 14:37 Rev 22:18-19

May all we do, be done “In the name of the Lord”!