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Biblical
references in Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ's nondenominational sermon
outlines are linked directly to text of the King James version of the Bible.
Introduction:
1. I once saw several police officers chasing a young man and commanding him to
stop.
A. Why were they able to do this? Their authority.
1. A lack of respect for authority got this boy in trouble.
2. A lack of respect for biblical authority is getting a lot of churches in
trouble today.
3. It is important for Christians to understand how biblical authority is
established.
4. Biblical authority is so important in the church.
A. It determines how we can be saved.
B. It determines how we are to worship God.
C. It determines how we are to work.
Body:
I. THERE ARE 2 KINDS OF AUTHORITY.
A. First, there is primary authority.
1. Primary authority is not derived, but original, absolute authority; and those
commanded have the duty to obey.
a. God is the fountain of all primary authority whether it be in the civil or
religious field (John 19:10-11).
(1) God has the absolute right to command, because He is our Maker, Preserver
and Benefactor (Genesis 1:1;
II Corinthians 5:18).
(2) God is 1st in position and importance.
(3) God is the highest authority in the universe.
b. We are the creatures of God's hands and the product of His intelligence.
B. Second, there is delegated authority.
1. Delegated authority is the authority which can be given to another by the
party holding primary authority.
(1) Jesus stands nearest to the Father in delegated authority (Hebrews 1:3).
(a) Jesus is a reflection of the Purity of God.
(b) Jesus is a manifestation of the Power of God.
(c) Jesus is a declaration of the Love of God.
b. Second, Christ delegated authority to the apostles.
(1) Jesus instructed them face-to-face while on the earth (Matthew 18:18).
(2) Jesus instructed them through the Holy Spirit from heaven (John 16:13).
c. Third, the apostles delegated authority to no one.
(1) However, the apostolic authority is in the written word (Luke 10:16).
II. THERE IS A CHAIN OF AUTHORITY.
A. Authority extended from the Father to the Son (Matthew 17:1-5).
1. Jesus placed authority is the words He spoke (John 12:48).
a. We will not be judged by:
(3) Our hearts or feelings (Proverbs 28:26).
(4) Preachers, pastors, priests (I Corinthians 4:6).
(5) Creeds, prayer books, manuals.
B. Authority extended from the Son to the apostles.
III. THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS THE BIBLE AUTHORIZES.
A. Authority is found exclusively in the N.T. today.
1. We must have biblical authority for everything we do religiously (Colossians
3:17).
B. Authority is found in the Scriptures in 4 ways.
a. There are 2 kinds of commands:
2. Implications or necessary inferences (Acts 2:42).
3. Approved examples (Acts 20:7).
a. Approved examples are binding on us only if there is an underlying specific
command, making that the exclusive way to obey God.
4. Expediencies.
a. When God tells us what to do without telling us how to do it, we are free to
do that which is in our judgment the most expedient.
(1) Worship - The time and place we meet on Sunday are up to us.
(2) Evangelism - The method and transportation are up to us.
(3) Benevolent - We may help with food or money.
b. But when God tells us what to do and also how to do it, then the how is as
binding as the what.
C. Authority is NOT found in the silence of the Scriptures (I Peter 4:11).
1. When God specifies something to be done, all other alternatives are excluded.
a. There are O.T. examples.
b. There are N.T. applications.
(1) Instrumental music is without divine authority.
(2) Sprinkling is without divine authority.
(3) Infant baptism is without divine authority.
2. Our manner of life, worship, deeds, etc. are to be according to God's
instructions.
IV. THERE MUST BE RESPECT FOR GOD'S ALL AUTHORITATIVE WORD.
A. In preaching, His authority must be respected (II John 9).
B. In worship, His authority must be respected (Matthew 15:9).
C. In Christian living, His authority must be respected (Matthew 7:21).
Conclusion:
1. We have observed the different kinds of authority, the chain of authority,
the different ways the Bible authorizes, and the way we must respect His
authority.
2. Respect for biblical authority must be preeminent in all our lives. Respect for biblical authority must be preeminent in all the church.
3. Jesus simply and beautifully said, "If you love me, keep my commandments."
(John 14:15)
Don Treadway,
January 2003 |
