1. A Study Of Bible Authority
A Study of Authority
Lesson 5 (Part 1)
How To Establish Authority
Note: The Presentations in the study are taken from Billy W. Moore’s classbook entitled, A Study of Authority
(Presentations are basically an adaptation of material found in Billy W. Moore’s classbook, A Study of Authority)
Lesson How To Establish Authority

2. A Study Of Bible Authority
Matthew 21:23
“And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?”
Shows the importance of the proper source of authority!
Lesson How To Establish Authority

3. A Quick Summary of Past Lessons
A Study Of Bible Authority
A Quick Summary of Past Lessons
We have established what authority is, and the need for it.
The Old Testament, the preacher, creeds of men, desires of a congregation, elders, or “end justifies the means” are not the source of authority.
Christ is the source of authority as king, and head over the church.
The will of Christ is set forth in the New Testament.
Lesson How To Establish Authority

4. A Study Of Bible Authority
The doctrine of Christ was taught by the apostles and practiced by the disciples.
All the commands of Christ were not specifically written, for some must be learned through observing what the apostles taught. (Acts 20:35; cf. 2 Corinthians 5:20)
a. CHRIST COMMANDED (Matthew 28:18-20)
b. APOSTLES TAUGHT (Matthew 18:18) They did not teach their own doctrine but Christ’s. (Galatians 1:12; cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:13)
c. DISCIPLES OBSERVED (Philippians 4:9) Heaven’s will is exemplified in the inspired history of the NT church.
Lesson How To Establish Authority

5. How to Establish Authority
A Study Of Bible Authority
How to Establish Authority
Three ways by which Authority may be established:
Direct Statement or Command (Precept)
Approved Example (Example approved by an inspired man)
Necessary Inference (A conclusion that is forced)
Lesson How To Establish Authority

6. The Bible Teaches By Command, Direct Statement, or Precept
A Study Of Bible Authority
The Bible Teaches By Command, Direct Statement, or Precept
Lesson How To Establish Authority

7. Illustrations of the Bible teaching by precept:
A Study Of Bible Authority
Illustrations of the Bible teaching by precept:
Genesis 2:17 “thou shalt not eat of it.”
All Must Repent (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3)
Acts 2:38 “Repent and be baptized.”
Hebrews 11:6 Faith necessary.
Romans 10:9-10 Confession necessary.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 We must give.
2 Timothy 2:15 Must study.
Hebrews 10:25 The assembling of the saints
Lesson How To Establish Authority

8. The Bible Teaches By Approved Apostolic Example
A Study Of Bible Authority
The Bible Teaches By Approved Apostolic Example
Philippians 3:17; 4:9; 1 Corinthians 4:16,17; 1 Corinthians 11:1, 23; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-9
Lesson How To Establish Authority

9. Illustrations of Approved Examples
A Study Of Bible Authority
Illustrations of Approved Examples
Breaking Bread on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7)
Churches sending to the relief of others in benevolence (Acts 11:29-30)
Churches cooperating in the relief of needy saints. (1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Romans 15:25ff
Lesson How To Establish Authority

10. The Bible Teaches By Necessary Inference
A Study Of Bible Authority
The Bible Teaches By Necessary Inference
Lesson How To Establish Authority

11. Examples (Or Illustrations) of Necessary Inference
A Study Of Bible Authority
Examples (Or Illustrations) of Necessary Inference
A necessary inference is the only logical conclusion drawn from given data or premises.
Before he was baptized Jesus went down into the water. Matthew 3:16
Baptism is a part of preaching Christ. Acts 8:35-36
There is a resurrection of the dead. Matthew 22:23ff
Lesson How To Establish Authority

12. A Study Of Bible Authority
How To Determine What Is
Authorized
Observance
1 Cor. 11:23-24
Time of Observe.
Acts 20:7
Frequency
Acts 20:7;
cf. Exodus 20:8
Illustrated
Lord’s Supper
verses 13-21
verse 7
verse 12
Acts 15
Circumcision
Command/
Direct
Statement
Approved
Example
Necessary
Inference
Lesson How To Establish Authority

13. A Study Of Bible Authority
Questions
Lesson 5 (Part 1)
How To Establish Authority
Lesson How To Establish Authority

14. A Study Of Bible Authority
Question 1
What are the three ways Bible Authority is Established?
Expressed Command (Precept)
Approved Apostolic Example
Necessary Inference
Lesson How To Establish Authority

15. A Study Of Bible Authority
Question 2
What three things are established by each of the three methods of establishing authority in the lesson example (the Lord’s Supper)?
Command – What to eat and drink
Example – When to eat and drink
Necessary Inference – The frequency of eating and drinking
Lesson How To Establish Authority

16. A Study Of Bible Authority
Question 3
Application: The kingdom of God was established on Pentecost (cf. Mark 9:1; Acts 1:4-8; Acts 2:1-4). Which of the three ways were used to establish this truth?
FACTS:
Promise of the kingdom to come with power.
They would receive power, when Holy Spirit came upon them.
3) Holy Spirit came upon them on Day of Pentecost.
Necessary Inference … Kingdom established on Pentecost!
Lesson How To Establish Authority

17. A Study Of Bible Authority
Question 4
Application: Baptism to the penitent believer is “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Which of the three ways were used to establish this truth?
Direct Command: “Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you…”
Lesson How To Establish Authority

18. A Study Of Bible Authority
Question 5
Application: Are these things authorized or unauthorized? Counting of Beads, burning incense, offering animal sacrifices, confessing sins to a priest, sprinkling for baptism, Thursday night communion?
Unauthorized.
In every example given above, there is no command, apostolic example or necessary inference in the NT which establishes that Christians ever practiced or taught any of these things.
Lesson How To Establish Authority