1. A Study Of Bible Authority
A Study of Authority
“And if any man hear my sayings, and keep them not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:47-48)
Title Page for every Lesson on Authority
A. Christ Saves Us
B. Christ’s Words Judge Us
C. If we want to be saved by the Savior, we must conform to the standard of Judgment!
Lesson 3 – The Source Of Authority (What It Isn't)

2. A Study Of Bible Authority
A Study of Authority
Lesson 3
The Source of Authority
(What It Isn’t)
Note: The Presentations in the study are taken from Billy W. Moore’s classbook entitled, A Study of Authority
(Presentations are basically an adaptation of material found in Billy W. Moore’s classbook, A Study of Authority)
Lesson 3 – The Source Of Authority (What It Isn't)

3. Definition - Authority
Greek Word – exousia
Vine: “The power of authority, the right to exercise power … the power of rule or government … the power of one whose will and commands must be obeyed by others” (page 89).
Thayer: “The power of authority and of right … the power of rule or government”

4. Importance Of Divine Authority
Matthew 21:23-27 Importance of authority.
Colossians 3:17 Importance of divine authority.

5. Matthew 21:23
“And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?”
Shows the importance of the proper source of authority!

6. A Caution …
Some things in religion are accepted as authoritative without consideration being given to the source from which it is derived.
We not only must have authority, we must have authority that comes from the right source!

7. The Source of Divine Authority Is NOT…
The Doctrine or Practices of the OT
(Tithing; Instrumental Music; Infant membership; Polygamy)
Old Testament a shadow & removed (Hebrews 10:1; Colossians 2:13-14; Ephesians 2:14-16)

8. The Source of Divine Authority Is NOT…
What the preachers say.
Perhaps the result of the sectarian concept of being “called by the Lord” to preach. cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:14
It is ridiculous to say that “God has called” these preachers who preach so many divergent doctrines.
Preachers must preach THE WORD, not THEIR WORD. 2 Timothy 4:1-2; Titus 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

9. The Source of Divine Authority Is NOT…
Creeds of Men.
Practically every denomination has its manual, discipline, prayer book, or book of minutes which contain its peculiar doctrines.
We cannot please God by accepting creeds of men. Matthew 15:8-9; Colossians 2:20-22; Galatians 1:6-9

10. The Source of Divine Authority Is NOT…
Desires of the congregation.
The idea of democratic vote (pride for this in our day).
The wishes of the congregation may not be right!
Exodus 32:1; 1 Samuel 8:4-7; 1 Samuel 15:15, 24
cf. Matthew 7:13-14; 21-23; Genesis 6; Numbers 13:14

11. The Source of Divine Authority Is NOT…
Elders of a local church.
They are to tend the flock, and exercise oversight but are under the authority of the chief shepherd.
They have no legislative authority in the faith.
Would instrumental music be authorized if OK’d by elders? 1 Peter 5:1-4; cf. 1 Corinthians 4:6; Romans 14:12

12. The Source of Divine Authority Is NOT…
The results accomplished.
End does not justify the means.
“Look at the good works we are doing!”
Example: Nadab and Abihu were getting results (fire was working), but it didn’t make what they did right! Leviticus 10:1-2

13. The Source of Divine Authority Is NOT…
The results accomplished.
Example: David was getting results (ark carried on the cart), but it didn’t make what he did right! 2 Samuel 6:1-11; cf. 1 Chronicles 15:1-14; Note: 1 Samuel 5-6; Numbers 4:1-16
Example: Uzziah was trying to engage in a “good work.” 2 Chronicles 26:16ff; cf. verse 13; cf. Matthew 7:21-23

14. The Source of Divine Authority Is NOT…
Losing touch with reality.
“I’d rather do it wrong than not do it at all.” cf. 2 Timothy 2:5
Why not do God’s work in God’s way?

15. Conclusion In this lesson we have:
Established the need for authority, and that authority must come from the proper source.

16. Conclusion That the proper source is NOT: The Old Testament
What the preachers say
Creeds of men
Desires of the congregation
Elders of the local church
The results accomplished
Losing touch with reality

17. Lesson 3 The Source of Authority (What It Isn’t)
Questions ?
Lesson 3
The Source of Authority
(What It Isn’t)

18. Question 1
If we are no longer under the authority of the Old Testament, what purpose does the Old Testament serve?
A new covenant is now in effect, and it has superseded the old covenant. (cf. Galatians 3:19-25)
As such, the Old Testament serves as an example to us (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:6-11; Romans 15:4)

19. Question 2
Is there anything peculiar about preachers, each claiming to be called by God, and yet preaching different doctrines?
There is only one faith (cf. Ephesians 4:5). God will not contradict Himself (1 Corinthians 14:33). Hence, we are to test those who teach, as to whether they preach the word (cf. Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1).

20. Question 3 Explain why man-made creeds are unacceptable to God?
They are “self-imposed.” They are presumptuous, the created thing taking the place of the creator. cf. Matthew 15:8-9

21. Question 4
Does each denomination have the right to vote on what it will believe and practice (ex: accepting homosexuals, women as clergy, etc.)? If not, why not?
No man has the right to “decide” something different from what God has decreed.
Majority vote can be wrong! (Example: Israel “voted” to take on gods from Egypt when Moses was delayed on Sinai).

22. Question 5
Is it sufficient to say, “The Lord is blessing our works, so what we do is acceptable to Him” (i.e. – the end justifies the means)?
No. First, men are defining “blessing,” rather than God. Does God accept the unjust, since he sends his rain and sun upon him (cf. Matthew 5:45)?
A claim of “blessing” does not make the lawless lawful.