By What Authority? False Standards of Authority

Bible Authority  Religious authority comes from God because he is our Creator (Gen. 1:1) and God expresses his authority through his word (Heb. 1:1-2)  Both the OT and the NT exemplify the need for God’s authority in our life  There is also a need to distinguish the different covenants in the Bible and handle accurately the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15)

Bible Authority  God authorizes a practice sometimes by speaking generically (allowing for aides, expediencies) and sometimes by speaking specifically or explicitly (not allowing any additions)  How does God authorize something in the NT? How is authority established? God establishes authority the same way governments establish authority through their own written documents … directly (statements, examples) and indirectly (implications / inferences)

Bible Authority  God is silent on some matters, so what are we to do? God’s silence: permissive or prohibited?  Two attitudes have existed down through time regarding this matter:  When God is silent we can act (permissive)  When God is silent we cannot act (prohibitive)

Bible Authority  The world is filled with people who engage in religious activities that have not been authorized by God’s word  There are many false authorities that people appeal to in order to defend or justify their religious practices  Many turn away from the truth and simply follow their own desires (2 Tim. 4:3-4)

False Standards of Authority  Adam appealed to a false standard of authority for his unauthorized practice (Gen. 3:12)  Aaron appealed to a false standard of authority for his unauthorized practice (Ex. 32:22-23)  Saul appealed to a false standard of authority for his unauthorized practice (1 Sam. 13:11-14; 15:15,21,24)

False Standards of Authority  The Pharisees appealed to a false standard of authority for their unauthorized practice (Mk. 7:1-13)  Saul of Tarsus appealed to a false standard of authority for his unauthorized practice (Acts 26:9-11)  The Gnostics appealed to a false standard of authority for their unauthorized practice (Col. 2:8, 16-23)

False Standards of Authority  “Look at all the good it is doing, therefore, it must be right.”  Look at the crowds, the young people, the funds raised, the lost people saved, etc.  This standard says that the end justifies the means (Rom. 3:8; 6:1)

False Standards of Authority  “Great and wise men favor this plan or practice.”  Many religious scholars, leaders, and doctors, like Barnes, Clark, Barclay, and Spurgeon say such-and- such about infant baptism, instrumental music, faith only, etc.  This standard says that the word of men can replace the word of God; man’s word is respected over God’s word (Mt. 15:6; 1 Cor. 2:5)

False Standards of Authority  “The Church approves of the practice.”  Many religious practices are defended by the councils and creeds of “the Church” hierarchy  This standard says that God has given authority to “the Church” leaders who came after the NT apostles (Gal. 1:6-9; Col. 2:8; 2 Thess. 2:15; Jude 3)

False Standards of Authority  “Pioneers of the Restoration Movement and faithful brethren have always done this and said it was right.”  Many religious brethren like Campbell, Stone, Lard, McGarvey, Pendleton and “Brother so-and-so” approved of such practices  This standard says that the practice of brethren is right (Gal. 2:11-14; 2 Tim. 2:17-18)  NOTE: If brethren do what is unauthorized by God’s word, then they are not “faithful”

False Standards of Authority  “Other religious groups who love God are doing it.”  Other religious groups do this in their worship, in their building, etc.  This standard says that the practice of a religious group is right (Mt. 7:21-23; Lk. 6:46; Jn. 14:15)  We must not look to the world for our authority (1 Sam. 8:5); we must seek to please God, not the world (Gal. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:4)

False Standards of Authority  “I had rather do wrong than nothing at all.”  Look at what other religions are doing in the area of recreation, entertainment, business, and education, and we aren’t doing anything  This standard says that one chooses between (1) wrong and (2) nothing; not considering the choice of (3) doing what is right (1 Cor. 15:58; Eph. 2:10; Tit. 2:14)

False Standards of Authority  False standards of authority devised by human wisdom sound good and tickle the ears of those who want man’s word above truth  Let us be content to do God’s will in God’s way!