1. WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT AUTHORITY IN RELIGION A Topic That Never Becomes Obsolete

2. Introduction What is the greatest problem in religion? What separates so many people who say they love God and His Divine Son Jesus? We all should know that there is one main problem that causes all the division in the Christian world. That problem is the matter of authority.

3. Introduction If we all played by the same rulebook, we could all come to the same conclusion. If we all respected the rulebook, we would be careful to do what it says, and there would be not divisions. Someone could probably say “don’t we all believe in the same Bible? Most only give lip-service to the Bible. Millions are accepting something else as their authority in religion.

4. HUMAN REASONING Some place HUMAN REASONING above God's written revelation. Many say- "I know what the Bible teaches, but I just think this would be right." "I just know what I feel.“ “ I believe in my heart.”

5. HUMAN REASONING Many use this type of reasoning to teach faith-only salvation, Instrumental music in the worship, Social drinking, etc. But the Bible teaches that Human reasoning must not be placed above the written word. II Kings 5:9-14 Naaman almost made the "I thought" mistake.

6. HUMAN REASONING Jeremiah 10:23 "O, Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." Proverbs 3:5-"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." There will be those on Judgment day who will reason in their hearts that they are right, only to be condemned. Matthew 7:21-23

7. THEIR OWN OPINIONS Some respect Biblical authority only when it agrees with their OWN OPINIONS. We have all seen this type of individual. They give hearty amen’s to sermons with which they agree. They love to have preachers take a stand against the sins of others.

8. THEIR OWN OPINIONS They defend the truth-when it is in their own interest. A Biblical example- The rich young ruler who came to Jesus. Matthew 19:16-22 The Pharisees had this problem. Matthew 23:23

9. SEEMS POPULAR Some seek to follow after that which SEEMS POPULAR or will stir NO OPPOSITION. Some desire to avoid "controversial issues." Worldliness in the church. marriage/divorce/remarriage.

10. SEEMS POPULAR These are just like the Israelites of old. Isaiah 30:8-10 This contrasts sharply with what Paul told Timothy. II Timothy 4:1-4 Don’t rock the boat.

11. ADDING TO GOD'S REVEALED TRUTH Some see no sin in ADDING TO GOD'S REVEALED TRUTH. This is symptomatic of a trend in the church today. We have seemed to have lost a respect for the silence of the Scriptures. Many think that God will not mind a little adding to his word.

12. ADDING TO GOD'S REVEALED TRUTH But look at God's attitude toward those who add to His word. Cain- Genesis chapter four Nadab and Abihu- (Leviticus 10:1-3) Uzzah- (I Chronicles 13:7-10) II John 7-9

13. BUT WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT AUTHORITY IN RELIGION? The Bible is to be the final authority in religion. Isaiah 8:19,20- John 12:48-"He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." Galatians 1:6-8 Jude 3

14. BUT WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT AUTHORITY IN RELIGION? The Bible furnishes us completely. Psalm 19:8-"The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes." I Timothy 3:16 II Peter 1:3

15. BUT WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT AUTHORITY IN RELIGION? We are required to preach the whole counsel of God. Acts 20:26,27 II Timothy 4:1-2

16. BUT WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT AUTHORITY IN RELIGION? We cannot add or take away from the word of God. Deuteronomy 4:2 Deuteronomy 12:32 Proverbs 30:6 II John 7-9

17. BUT WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT AUTHORITY IN RELIGION? We must rightly divide the word of God. II Timothy 2:15 While we honor the Old Testament we must look to the New Testament to learn the will of God. Colossians 2:13,14 Hebrews 9:15-17

18. WHY SHOULD WE BE SO CONCERNED ABOUT THE AUTHORITY OF THE SCRIPTURES? The word of God is the only thing on this earth that will last forever. Matthew 24:35 Isaiah 40:8 I Peter 1:24,25

19. WHY SHOULD WE BE SO CONCERNED ABOUT THE AUTHORITY OF THE SCRIPTURES? God's word will judge us on the last day. John 12:48-"He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." Revelation 20:12

20. Conclusion Men have tried to build on many different foundations in life. All proved to be sinking sand. The only true answer is to turn to the book given to us by God. True happiness only is found in a right relationship with God. Now, how is your relationship with God?