A Study of Authority “And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him; the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:47-48).

A Study of Authority Lesson 14 Other Applications & Summary (Presentations are basically an adaptation of material found in Billy W. Moore’s classbook, A Study of Authority)

Introduction  We have learned in past lessons the need for authority  Two kinds of authority (Generic & Specific)  Means of establishing authority (Command, Example, Inference)  With this lesson we seek to make application, recognizing our need for authority all areas by utilizing some examples.

The Need for Authority regarding the Worship of the Local Church  We must relegate our worship to God’s divine pattern  Singing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)  Praying (1 Tim. 2:1-8; Eph. 6:18)  Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11: )  Contribution (1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 9:7)  Preaching/Teaching (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 14:6,19)

The Need for Authority regarding the Name of the Church  We must recognize the ownership of our Lord  “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16)  “…of the living God” (1 Tim. 3:15)  “…of God (1 Cor. 1:2)  “body of Christ” (Eph. 1:23)  “house of God” (Heb. 3:6)  “temple of God” (1 Cor. 3:16-17)

The Need for Authority regarding Oganization of the Church  Organization in the Universal church  Christ has all authority (Matt. 28:18)  No universal structure or organization  Organization in the Local church  Elders, Deacons (Philippians 1:1)  Autonomy of the Local church  Range of Elder’s rule (1 Peter 5:1-2)  Organization of Work to be done is always on the local level

The Need for Authority regarding God’s Plan of Salvation for Man  God’s Plan  Hear the Gospel (Romans 10:17)  Believe the Gospel (John 3:16; Rom. 10:9-10)  Repent of Sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:37)  Confess Christ (Acts 8: 37; Rom. 10:9-10)  Be Baptized (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16)  Man’s plans differ, and are without authority

Summary  Must have authority for all practices  Christ is source of all authority  Authority can be established in 3 ways  Expressed Command  Approved Example  Necessary Inference  Two aspects to authority  Generic & Specific  Expediency  We must respect the Silence of Scripture

Questions Lesson 14 Miscellaneous Applications & Summary ?

Question 1  What are the five acts of Worship revealed in the New Testament? 1.Singing 2.Praying 3.Lord’s Supper 4.Contribution 5.Preaching/Teaching

Question 2  Give some examples of the descriptions contained in the New Testament regarding the church? “churches of Christ (Rom. 16:16) “… of the living God” (1 Tim. 3:15) “… of God” (1 Cor. 1:2) Etc…

Question 3  What does Philippians 1:1 say about the organization of the local church? Describe the concept of autonomy. Elders and deacons are to be appointed in the local church. Autonomy means simply, “Self-rule”. No organization larger than, or influencing the local congregation.

Question 4  What are the five steps man must take to be saved, as revealed in the New Testament? 1.Hear the Gospel (Rom. 10:17) 2.Believe the Gospel (Rom. 10:9-10) 3.Repent of Sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38) 4.Confess Christ (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:9-10) 5.Be Baptized (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16)

Question 5  Be able to express concisely the concept of authority as it is established in the scriptures. 1.See “Summary” slide 6 2.Christ has established His will for man, and revealed it in the New Testament scriptures. We must respect and abide by that will, and not be arrogant enough to substitute our will for His.