“Comfort Doctrines” A teaching which is designed to give comfort and remove the fear of consequences to one who refuses to repent of some sinful activity.

Comfort Doctrines (8) “The Bible doesn’t say that” (2) (watering down God’s word)

Changing the Word of God Integrity of the Bible questioned Denying inspiration Scripture has been corrupted Gallup poll, May 2011, Only 30% Believe Bible is literal word of God, 49% - inspired but not literal

“Watering down” the Word of God The authority of the Bible is questioned: Outdated, Changing methods of establishing authority, Reliance on silence & emotions Taking verses out of context or redefining terms – always in their favor

The Bible IS accurate & relevant It is inspired It is without error It is relevant The integrity of the text has been verified and is very accurate

Today: How do we establish authority? What about silence? Are emotions a valid appeal in determining what we do?

Bible Authority What is authority? “The right to command or direct and enforce obedience or administer punishment” Roy E Cogdill, Walking by Faith Permission

Bible Authority Do we truly respect God’s word? God has given us a pattern 2 Tim. 1:13, cf. Heb. 8:5, Phil. 3:17 Respecting His pattern is the only SAFE way to ensure God is pleased!

How to Establish Bible Authority Direct command – a specific statement that either instructs us to do something or prohibits us from doing something.

How to Establish Bible Authority Direct command Examples - Ex. 20:1-17 – the 10 commandments Mark 16:15-16, Col. 3:12- 13, 16, 9 Lists – Gal. 5:19, 1 Cor. 6:9-11, 2 Pet. 1:5-7

How to Establish Bible Authority Approved example – examples that demonstrate God approved specific conduct. Usually deals with HOW something is done.

How to Establish Bible Authority Approved example Commanded to follow examples - John 13:15, Phil. 3:17, Heb. 4:11, Jas. 5:10 Acts 20:7 – when L.S. 1 Cor. 16:1-2 – when giving

How to Establish Bible Authority Necessary inference – reaching an unavoidable conclusion when all facts are considered. “That which, though neither expressly stated nor specifically exemplified, yet is necessarily implied by the clear import and meaning of the language used.” Roy E Cogdill, Walking by Faith

How to Establish Bible Authority Necessary inference Gen. 4:4-5 John 3:2, Matt. 19:3-6 Heb. 7:12 Acts 20:7 – how often we assemble!

How to Establish Bible Authority These rules are applied to every aspect of life – our jobs, our families, the law, etc.

Does silence establish authority? People often say, “Well, the Bible doesn’t say we can’t do it that way” Silence is NEVER a safe way to establish authority. It is guessing and hoping.

Does silence establish authority? We understand this in society, why not in religion?

Does silence establish authority? Silence has never been acceptable before God! Lev 10:1 – Nadab & Abihu Heb. 7:14 – Judah as priests? Acts 15:24 - to whom we gave no such commandment

Does silence establish authority? Respecting God’s boundaries 1 Cor. 4:6 – “Not to think beyond what is written.” 2 John 9 – transgresses Rev. 22:18,19; Deut. 4:1- 2, 12:32, etc.

Do emotions establish authority? “I don’t think God would condemn me for doing it this way.” “I feel that this is right” Is this a safe way to obey instructions?

Do emotions establish authority? Emotional appeals to establish authority are ALWAYS dangerous “Emotions tell us how we feel – not whether we are right or wrong”

Do emotions establish authority? The challenge: Many things done in society today are based upon emotional appeals Emotions ARE a part of our faith – lifeless worship and service not acceptable to God. But should they establish authority?

Do emotions establish authority? Emotions can be deceitful? Are our emotions based upon what we learn or are we using our emotions to determine what we want to do and learn?

Do emotions establish authority? Emotions can be deceitful? Acts 8:9 – Simon deceived the people False teachers – 2 Pet. 2:3, Matt. 24:5 2 Tim. 3:6 – “gullible women” Acts 26:9 – “I thought…”

Do emotions establish authority? Emotional reactions do not change the truth: Num. 20:1-12 Moses sins at Kadesh Matt. 27:15-18, Ac. 13: – Envy of Jewish leaders Don’t gamble your eternity on “I think”

Do emotions establish authority? Let us ensure that all we do is based upon truth with a pure heart and unhypocritical love. John 8:32 John 17:17

Let us NEVER seek to excuse sinful conduct, no matter how small or great, in our lives. Make your salvation sure!