1. What is your Source of Authority? Matt. 21:23-24

2. What is Authority? Permission to do something! We appeal to this every day. Consider the example of driving a car. A police officer.

3. What is Authority? In religion, authority is also needed Whatever God tells us to do we need to do it – according to His instructions. Col. 3:17 Matt. 7:21-23 1 Cor. 4:6

4. False sources of Authority Your conscience While important, your conscience only good if you know the truth Prov. 14:12 Acts 23:1, 26:9 - Paul

5. False sources of Authority The Wisdom of men Too much confidence placed in men today. Too many seek to explain away the truth 1 Cor. 2:4-5 Jer. 10:23 Acts 17:11

6. False sources of Authority Friends and family Will your family keep you from obeying God? Cf. Luke 16:27-31 Matt. 10:37

7. False sources of Authority The majority Is often wrong! Noah – only saved 8 – 1 Pet. 3:20 The “remnant” Isa. 1:9, 10:20, Jer. 31:7 The “majority” refused to enter Canaan (Num. 13-14) Matt. 7:13-14

8. False sources of Authority Tradition While we must respect God’s pattern, we cannot bind our traditions, etc. Gal. 1:13 Matt. 15:3, 6-9

9. False sources of Authority The Old Law Many appeal to the Old Law as a standard – is it? Gal. 3:19 Colossians 2:14 This is why we do not use instrumental music, offer animal sacrifices, etc.

10. Our true source of Authority Christ has all authority Matt. 28:18-20 Matt. 7:5 Heb. 1:1-2

11. Our true source of Authority Christ has all authority Matt. 28:18-20 Matt. 7:5 Heb. 1:1-2

12. Our true source of Authority The Bible His standard While Jesus did not write the books, it IS His message John 14:25-26, 16:13 John 17:6-7, 14, 17-18 2 Pet. 1:20-21 (vs. 16-18) Gal. 1:11-12, 1 Cor. 14:37 – Paul’s message!

13. Our true source of Authority It is complete! In NT, we have everything we need 2 Tim. 3:16-17 Jude 3 2 Pet. 1:3

14. Our true source of Authority It must be strictly followed God means what He says and says what He means! Deut. 4:2 Rev. 22:18-19 2 John 9

15. Our true source of Authority It must be strictly followed Adam & Eve – Gen. 2:16-17, Ch. 3 Nadab and Abihu – Lev. 10:1- 2 Moses – Num. 20:7-12 Uzzah touched the Ark – 2 Sam. 6:6-7

16. Our true source of Authority It CAN be understood Eph. 3:3-4, Paul explained, “the mystery” Eph. 5:17, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” 2 Tim. 2:15 – you have to STUDY!

17. When you stand before God, what will your standard of authority be? John 12:48, Rom. 2:16