2. Our Need for Authority Introduction:
Some roll their eyes when we begin dis-cussing Bible authority.
Some don’t feel Bible authority is a priority, some don’t believe it’s necessary
Those concerned with Bible authority are labeled as modern-day “Pharisees.”
Those minimizing the need for Bible authority, or criticizing the concept, are dead wrong!
Bible Authority

3. Our Need for Authority Introduction
The word “authority” in the Bible comes from the Greek word exousia ; “the right to exercise power” (Vine).
Thayer gives four definitions:
“Power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases, leave or permission.”
“Physical and mental power; the ability or strength with which one is endued, possesses or exercises.”
“The power of authority (influence) and of right.”
“The power of rule or government.”
Bible Authority

4. Our Need for Authority Introduction
Who has the rightful power to command us concerning what we teach and practice as Christians?
Who or what is our source of authority?
How do we establish authority for what we practice and teach in religion?
How do we determine what teaching and practices are authorized by the duly estab-lished authority?
When one acts with “authority” they have the rightful power to command or act.
The concept of authority is essential in all aspects of our lives:
Civil government : e.g., criminal laws
Traffic laws : imagine if no traffic laws?!
Licensing laws : e.g., pilots, doctors, FDA
School : e.g., graduation requirements
Bible Authority

5. Bible Authority:
Lesson 1
Our Need for Authority
Matthew 21:23-27

6. Matthew 21:23-27 1. Man’s need for authority in religion
The chief priests and elders of the Jews were concerned about authority: v. 23
Their questions show two important things regarding authority:
Need for authority : v. 23
Source of authority : v. 23
Jesus answers their questions by posing His own question: vv
Bible Authority

7. Matthew 21:23-27 1. Man’s need for authority in religion
The very fact Jesus answers their question shows He recognizes the need for authority.
His answer shows there are only two sources of authority in religion: vv
“From heaven” : i.e., Divine authority
“from men” : i.e., human authority
Their response showed they agreed with this important principle about religious authority: vv
Bible Authority

8. Matthew 21:23-27
1. Man’s need for authority in religion
“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”
2 John 9-11
Many deny that authority from God is needed for all man does religiously.
Many look to themselves as a source of religious authority: Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23; 2 Kgs. 5:11
Many look to other men as their source of religious authority: Col. 2:20-22; Matt. 15:9
These attitudes are responsible for the rampant religious division we see today.
Bible Authority

9. 2 John 9 2. Need for authority in Old Testament
Adam & Eve: Gen. 2:15-17
Positive: “of every tree of the garden you may eat freely…”
Negative: “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat…”
They acted without Divine authority when they substituted their will for God’s will and paid a big price: 2 Jn. 9; Gen. 3:16-19
Bible Authority

10. 2 John 9 2. Need for authority in Old Testament
Cain & Abel: Gen. 4:3-5
Abel: “The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering…” (v. 4; cf. Heb. 11:4)
“by faith” : How does faith come? Rom. 10:17
This means God told Cain and Abel what to offer; hence, Cain chose to offer what God had not authorized! 2 Jn. 9; Gen. 4:5
Bible Authority

11. 2 John 9
2. Need for authority in Old Testament
“And Moses said to Aaron, ‘This is what the Lord spoke, saying:
‘By those who come near Me
I must be regarded as holy;
And before all the people
I must be glorified.’
So Aaron held his peace.”
Leviticus 10:3
Nadab & Abihu: Lev. 10:1-2
They were the sons of Aaron and nephews of Moses; as priests they were authorized by God to engage in various acts of worship.
They offered fire “which He had not com-manded them” (v. 1; cf. Lev. 16:12).
So what! Big deal! In the great scheme of things who cares where they got the fire! In the end didn’t they accomplish what they were supposed to do?! Lev. 10:2; 2 Jn. 9
Bible Authority

12. 2 John 9 2. Need for authority in Old Testament Uzzah: 2 Sam. 6
Recall when David moved the ark after it was returned by the Philistines (see 1 Sam. 5-7).
Every indication Uzzah acted instinctively to keep the ark from falling off the cart. No problem, right?
“Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died by the ark of God.” 2 Sam. 6:7
“And David became angry because of the Lord’s outbreak against Uzzah….” 2 Sam. 6:8
Bible Authority

13. 2 John 9 2. Need for authority in Old Testament
Over time, David reflected on the incident and came to an entirely different conclusion: 1 Chron. 15:14-15
Key phrase: “God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order.” v. 13
David was right, but what was the “proper order” for transporting the ark?
The ark was only to be carried by the Levites of a specific family and in a specific manner: 1 Chron. 15:14-15; Ex. 25:10-15; Num. 4:15
Bible Authority

14. 2 John 9 2. Need for authority in Old Testament
Uzziah: aka Azariah: 2 Kgs. 15:3-4
Ominous words: “as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper…” 2 Chron. 26:5
Uzziah makes a huge mistake when he acted on his own authority and ignored the Lord’s auth-ority: 2 Chron. 26:18-21
Just because something is a “good work”; we still must have Divine authority to be the one to do it! 1 Tim. 3:2
Remember: 2 Jn. 9
Bible Authority

15. 2 John 9 2. Need for authority in Old Testament
Moses: Ex. 17:1-7; Num. 20:1-13
Moses had to constantly deal with the obstinacy, rebellion, complaining & murmuring of the Israelites.
Ex. 17:6: “strike the rock, and water will come out of it”
Num. 20:8: “Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water…”
“Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abund-antly.” Num. 20:8
Bible Authority

16. 2 John 9 2. Need for authority in Old Testament
No problem…right? This is the mighty Moses!
His actions led to the desired result! The “ends justify the means!” Right?!
“Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.’” Num. 20:12
Remember Romans 15:4 and Colossians 2:17?
What does the “Promised Land” foreshadow? Lev. 10:3; 2 Jn. 9
Bible Authority

17. 2 John 9 Conclusion Authority : “the right to exercise power” (Vine).
Do you believe authority is important?
Ask Adam & Eve!
Ask Cain & Abel!
Ask Nadab & Abihu!
Ask Uzzah!
Ask Uzziah!
Ask Moses!
Remember Romans 15:4!
Bible Authority