1. Bible Authority (Part 6) The Nature of Bible Authority

2. 2 God Has Revealed a Pattern “…make all things according to the pattern shown you…” Hebrews 8:5 “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13

3. 3 Understanding Bible Authority is Fundamental Bible authority is established by commands, apostolic approved examples and necessary inferences To knowing Scriptures and to having faith to properly apply them (since we will be judged by them), 2 Cor. 5:10-11; 2 Tim. 2:15 In order to avoid sinful extremes

4. 4 Two Kinds of Authority GENERIC Includes all things needed to build (tools…) [Means & methods] SPECIFIC Excludes all things not specified in the blueprints [Blueprints to build a house]

5. 5 Generic Authority (Rev. 22:19) INCLUSIVE “go” – Matt. 28:19 HOW? Walk Ride Fly Sail God did not specify CHOICE ALLOWED from variety of options

6. 6 Generic Authority (Rev. 22:19) INCLUSIVE “assembling” – Heb. 10:25 WHERE? Tent Home Rental Meeting house God did not specify CHOICE ALLOWED from variety of options

7. 7 INCLUSIVE “outward apparel” – 1 Pet. 3:3 WHAT? Dress Blouse Pants Robe Tunic God did not specify CHOICE ALLOWED from variety of options Generic Authority (Rev. 22:19)

8. 8 EXCLUSIVE “ark” – Gen. 6:14 GOPHER WOOD PineOakAshElm No CHOICE given Only specified action (wood) APPROVED NOT Specific Authority (Rev. 22:18)

9. 9 EXCLUSIVE “music” – Eph. 5:19 SING Play an instrument No CHOICE given Only specified action (music) APPROVED NOT Specific Authority (Rev. 22:18)

10. 10 EXCLUSIVE “Lord’s Supper” – 1 Cor. 11:23-26 Unl. bread Fruit of vine Beans and cornbread Burger and coke No CHOICE given Only specified action (elements) APPROVED NOT Specific Authority (Rev. 22:18)

11. 11 EXCLUSIVE “apparel” – 1 Tim. 2:9 MODEST Bikini Halter Mini- skirt Etc. No CHOICE given Only specified action (modest) APPROVED NOT Specific Authority (Rev. 22:18)

12. 12 Extremes to Avoid “A LLOWED UNLESS SPECIFICALLY CONDEMNED ” Silence gives consent (“It doesn’t say not to!”) Approval based on “silence” allows… Instrumental music in worship Infant baptism God’s silence constrains, Heb. 7:13-14 Looses where God has bound, 1 Cor. 4:6

13. 13 Extremes to Avoid “O NLY ALLOWED IF SPECIFICALLY APPROVED ” No generic authority and necessary inferences Used to forbid such things as: Organized Bible classes Multiple containers for Lord’s Supper Not consistently applied, Rom. 2:1 (“go”) Binds where God has loosed, Mk. 7:9

14. 14 Pattern of Sound Words P OSITIVE A UTHORITY IS N ECESSARY To please God, Heb. 13:21 No deviation, Joshua 1:7-8 According to “this word,” Isaiah 8:20 Test all things (the standard), 1 Ths. 5:21 What is written, 1 Cor. 4:6 The doctrine of Christ, 2 Jno. 9

15. 15 The Authority of Christ Colossians 3:17 Acts 4:7-12 Without Christ’s authority revealed in the NT, all we say and do is sin

16. 16 Christ’s Authority Col. 3:17 (Acts 4:7-12) G ENERICALLY OR S PECIFICALLY R EVEALED Christ’s authority for how to be saved is specific: Hear the gospel, Jno. 6:45 Believe Jesus is Son of God, Jno. 8:23-24 Confess faith in Him, Rom. 10:9-10 Repent of your sins, Acts 17:30 Be baptized for the remission of sins, Acts 2:38; 22:16