1. We Have No Pope… I. Because Jesus Never Taught to Have a Pope. A. In disputes over who is greatest Jesus never set any disciples over the others (Mark 9:33-37; Luke 22:24-30). B. Even when asked, Jesus did not set anyone over another (Matthew 18:1-4).

2. We Have No Pope… II. Because the NT Church Had No Pope. A. The name for some office called “pope” is not found in the NT. B. The highest role in the church is that of elder (1 Peter 5:1-4). 1. Elders oversee a local church (Acts 20:28). 2. No elders are set over multiple congregations.

3. We Have No Pope… III. Because Christ is the Head of the Church. A. Christ alone is the “Head of the church” (Eph. 1:22; 5:23; Col.1:18). B. Christ alone is the “Chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4). 1. It is blasphemous for a man to usurp the role that belongs to Christ.

4. We Have No Pope… IV. Because Man Should Not Be Exalted. A. “Pope” means “father.” Jesus said, “call no man father” (Matthew 23:5-12). 1. Doesn’t refer to human fathers (Acts 16:1-3). 2. Doesn’t refer to respect for age (1 Timothy 5:1-2). 3. Addresses exaltation — Matthew 23:8 - “you are all brethren.”

5. We Have No Pope… IV. Because Man Should Not Be Exalted. B. Man is not to be exalted one above another in the church (Luke 14:7-11). 1. A pope is exalted above every member of the organization he presumes to lead. 2. He wears robes and special vestments and accepts titles of honor and exaltation.

6. We Have No Pope… V. Because There is No Scriptural Authority to Have a Pope. A. All things should be done in the “name” i.e the authority of the Lord (Col. 3:17). B. Divine authority rests in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16,17). 1. Man must not act without scriptural authority.