Desiring God’s Authority God’s faithful want to live by it. Col. 3:17 The self-righteous demanded it. Matt. 21:23-27 Considerations: – Did they even have/use a hermeneutical system when they asked Jesus this question? – Would it look exactly like what we have today?

1 Peter 4:11a (NKJV) “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles (very words) of God.”

THE SOURCE OF AUTHORITY

Except He Reveals Himself We can know some about God through creation. Rom. 1:20-21 But special revelation – His Word – gives us His mind. 1 Cor. 2 (Rom. 10:14-15) Without His God-breathed words we would not know how to live consistent to His good pleasure. 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Eph. 2:10; Rom. 12:1-2; etc.

INHERENT PRINCIPLES Commands and Statements

Commands: It’s Imperative Commandments carry authority from its source. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Stating The Obvious…And Then Some Statements simply is an accounting of facts. Through statements people make inferences based upon their contextual understanding. 26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. Matthew 26:26-27

CONTEXT Understanding Biblical Authority for what we do necessitates context

Who, What, When, Where, Why, How We ask – and strive to answer – these questions when wrapping our minds around the context of a Bible passage/subject. Through these questions we formulate inferences and opinions that aide in the process of establishing context. The more definitive information revealed to us the more authoritative our conclusion.

Example of Establishing Context What Is It? 2” 2.1 ” Facts (Information about this shape) Inferences about this shape? 90°.5” Conclusions Initial Surface: rectangle (not square) Cubed Perimeters Surface Areas Volume

Inferences We make inferences (come up with possible conclusions) based upon the available information revealed (through a variety of commands and statements) to understand the context of a passage or subject.

Examples Example are used to illustrate, support, and confirm what is being taught. It is practically applicable as a pattern, standard. Without a point of reference to illustrate, support or confirm… an example would cease to exist as such.

PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE Harder than it seems… but we’ll strive to our utmost in honoring God.

Easy in Theory / Difficult to Apply Matthew 26:26-27 Is this a binding pattern for the order of the Lord’s Supper?… or, a (incidental) statement of what took place during the meal? Is the “one cup” a binding pattern?… or, a (incidental) statement of what Jesus used to remember Him. Can we bind one but not the other?

More Examples of Binding Difficulties (married) Women to be silent? 1 Cor. 14:34-35 Women to wear head covering? 1 Cor. 11:2ff Are we to fast with our prayers? Acts 13:1-3

Summary of Passages Used Commands and statements were present. Inferences (some might say “necessary”) were employed. Some would use these very passages as “examples” to illustrate or confirm their point.

When All Is Said and Done Philippians 2:12–13 (NASB95) — 12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.