Religious Authority Many religious groups exist and claim to recognize the authority of God. Other religious groups exist that recognize the authority of their forefathers. Others recognize the authority of their idols. And still others recognize authority from their god who they said revealed a message to them.

Religious Authority If we are to serve the God of creation then we must be able to distinguish between real authority and false authority.

Religious Authority 1. Religion of fathers: Eastern religions practice a form of this; ancestor worship. Gal. 1:14 – Paul advanced in the traditions of his fathers 1 Peter 1:17-19 – aimlessness comes from traditions of fathers Acts 7:51-52 – their fathers persecuted the prophets Mark 7:5-13 – traditions of elders and fathers make the commands of God of no effect

Religious Authority 2. Man’s conscience: Judges 17:6; 21:25 - In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Prov. 16:25 – There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Jer. 10:23 – O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.

Religious Authority 2. Man’s conscience: Acts 23:1 – Paul thought he was right in God’s eyes Gal. 1:13 – Paul was an exemplary Jew and persecuted the church Acts 26:9-11 – Paul was honest and sincere in all of his efforts

Religious Authority 3. Majority decision: Ex. 23:2 – the crowd can be headed to do evil Matt. 7:13-14 – the wide, crowded road leads to destruction 1 Kings 18:19-40 – the majority may not have the truth  Rom. 8:31 – If God is for us, who can be against us

Religious Authority 4. Creeds of men: 1 Cor. 2:5 – faith should not be in the wisdom of men Gal. 1:6-8 – the Gospel of Christ has been perverted by the teaching of men 2 Tim. 2:17-18 – the doctrine that the resurrection is already past 3 John 9-11 – the creed of Diotrephes Acts 19:21-41 – the creeds of idolatry

Religious Authority 5. The Word of God: Matt. 17:5 – God said, “Hear Him” 2 Peter 1:19-21 – the word is confirmed by the Spirit, not of private interpretation, and not of man 2 Tim. 3:16-17 – it is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness that man may be complete for every good work

Religious Authority 5. The Word of God: Acts 20:32 – we are built up by the word of His grace Rom. 1:16 – it is the power of salvation Rev. 22:18-19 – it is unalterable John 12:48 – we will be judged according to it

What authority should we follow? What authority should we teach? What authority should we recognize? Religion of fathers Man’s conscience Majority decision Creeds of men The Word of God