One of the most important subjects concerning the Bible. How do we know what is pleasing to God? By doing things according to His Word.

Why do we need a lesson on Authority? We need to be reminded of these things quite often. Without teaching about Authority, people will begin to make up their own rules. Error exists, and to keep it in check we must weigh every doctrine against the Bible.

Is Authority Proper Matthew 21:23-27 What gives you the right? Who gives you this authority? Must recognize where proper authority comes from. God or Man? When it comes to religious and spiritual matters, we must follow God’s authority.

Authority Involves Obedience Soldier learns to be obedient to his superior. Soldier not subject to others in authority, unless authorized by his superior. Authority commands and instructs. Authority also condemns and punishes.

Different Realms Of Authority Church—elders, deacons, saints, Home– father, mother, children Work– CEO, president, vp, managers, supervisors, workers. Military– CIC, Secretary, Generals,…privates. Community– laws, law enforcement officers. School –Board, principle, teachers, students

Whatever He Says, Do It. Mary speaking to servants about Jesus for His first miracle water to wine. John 2:5 Whoever is in charge is the one to be listened to. Yet we need the order and everyone needs to be on the same page. Boss tells employee to do something, and the manager gets the employee to do something else. Who gets fired for not doing what they were told to do?

How Is Authority Established Rules are made in each realm. Everyone is to be taught what the rules are in whatever realm of authority they exist. That is the way the world is supposed to work. Now let us look at the spiritual realm.

How To Establish Authority Statement of fact Direct command Approved example Necessary Inference Silence of the scripture to be respected

How To Establish Authority Sometimes a teaching is found in several different passages of scripture. We must learn them all to come to a proper understanding. How to recognize if it applies to us or someone else (times past).

How To Establish Authority All the Bible is consistent, and does not contradict other passages, as long as we remember where they are (OT or NT). One passage will not trump another passage. Must take all passages written on any subject and put them all together.

How To Establish Authority We cannot come up with a teaching or action that conflicts with any passage. We must avoid taking things out of context to force a conclusion not supported by the scriptures. Learn the rules for Bible study—many of them.

Conclusion Since the Bible is the word of God, any teaching that is different from the Bible is error, wrong, and false. To teach error is to: Deny the Deity of Jesus. Deny the authority of God the Father. Deny the work of the Holy Spirit.