2. 2 doubtlessliving.com Did you know that Indian police officers are paid higher salaries if they can grow out their mustache. Mustaches command authority and foster “a positive and masterful impression on the local people.”

3. For thousands of years, God’s people have been asking the question “By what authority?” Our goal today is to explore the authority of God's Word in the life of the believer. 3 doubtlessliving.com

4. God’s Word tells us the truth doubtlessliving.com 4 2 Kings 22:3-10

5. doubtlessliving.com 5 2 Kings 22:3-10 God’s Word tells us the truth

6. Scarcity of the Word The Word of God had been scarce in Josiah’s day. During the renovation of Solomon’s temple, Hilkiah stumbled upon a scroll that had been hidden for centuries. The scroll happened to be the long-lost Book of the Law, the writings that Moses passed down to Joshua. 6 doubtlessliving.com

7. Culture of upgrades We live in a culture of upgrades – there’s always something faster on the market, something newer. What would you say to someone who thinks Scripture is just an outdated book–a dinosaur—that might have been powerful long ago but lacks relevance today? 7 doubtlessliving.com

8. The authority of Scripture We can say that we believe the Bible is true and authoritative and therefore we are to submit to it, but what we affirm about God’s Word can be denied by actions that undercut the Bible’s authoritativeness. If the Bible is true and if it is truly authoritative, then it must change the way we live! 8 doubtlessliving.com

9. 9 2 Kings 22:11-13 God’s Word cuts to the heart of our sinful condition

10. The art of swordmaking God spent over 2,000 years forging our Sword; a pure and perfect weapon without flaw or impurity. 10 doubtlessliving.com

11. Sharper than any double-edged sword 11 doubtlessliving.com Hebrews 4:12 12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.

12. Wielding God’s Sword 12 doubtlessliving.com Do you read the Bible merely out of habit or do you expect the Lord to convict you of sin and bring you to repentance through His Word?

13. doubtlessliving.com 13 2 Kings 22:14-20 God’s Word is the instrument by which He brings us to repentance

14. doubtlessliving.com 14 2 Kings 22:14-20 Hebrews 4:13 God’s Word is the instrument by which He brings us to repentance

15. What has been so controversial about the new airport body scanners? 15 doubtlessliving.com

16. Exposed before God What has been so controversial about the new airport body scanners? – While we may not want other people to see through us, God sees through all of us all of the time. – Every thought, every action, every hidden sin and secret is known and perfectly perceived by the all-knowing eye of the Almighty. – It’s a dangerous thing to stand naked in the presence of a powerful God. 16 doubtlessliving.com

17. Shielded by Christ When God saw Josiah’s repentance, He said “because you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I Myself have heard you” (2 Kings 22:19). Just like in Josiah’s time, God still uses Scripture today in our lives to convict us of sin and bring us to repentance. One of the main purposes of Scripture is to lead bring us into a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. 17 doubtlessliving.com

18. Ultimate authority does not come from man-made institutions. It does not come from power, wealth, social status, or reputation. Instead, all authority under heaven and earth belongs to God, and you and I submit to the God who speaks by reading and obeying the Word He has spoken. 18 doubtlessliving.com