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By What Authority?

Explore the concept of authority in the Bible and how God's word serves as the ultimate standard for religious practices. Learn about false standards of authority and the importance of adhering to God's will.

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By What Authority?

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  1. By What Authority? False Standards of Authority

  2. Bible Authority • Religious authority comes from God because he is our Creator (Gen. 1:1) and God expresses his authority through his word (Heb. 1:1-2) • Both the OT and the NT exemplify the need for God’s authority in our life • There is also a need to distinguish the different covenants in the Bible and handle accurately the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15)

  3. Bible Authority • God authorizes a practice sometimes by speaking generically (allowing for aides, expediencies) and sometimes by speaking specifically or explicitly (not allowing any additions) • How does God authorize something in the NT? How is authority established? God establishes authority the same way governments establish authority through their own written documents … directly (statements, examples) and indirectly (implications / inferences)

  4. Bible Authority • God is silent on some matters, so what are we to do? God’s silence: permissive or prohibited? • Two attitudes have existed down through time regarding this matter: • When God is silent we can act (permissive) • When God is silent we cannot act (prohibitive)

  5. Bible Authority • The world is filled with people who engage in religious activities that have not been authorized by God’s word • There are many false authorities that people appeal to in order to defend or justify their religious practices • Many turn away from the truth and simply follow their own desires (2 Tim. 4:3-4)

  6. False Standards of Authority • Adam appealed to a false standard of authority for his unauthorized practice (Gen. 3:12) • Aaron appealed to a false standard of authority for his unauthorized practice (Ex. 32:22-23) • Saul appealed to a false standard of authority for his unauthorized practice (1 Sam. 13:11-14; 15:15,21,24)

  7. False Standards of Authority • The Pharisees appealed to a false standard of authority for their unauthorized practice (Mk. 7:1-13) • Saul of Tarsus appealed to a false standard of authority for his unauthorized practice (Acts 26:9-11) • The Gnostics appealed to a false standard of authority for their unauthorized practice (Col. 2:8, 16-23)

  8. False Standards of Authority • “Look at all the good it is doing, therefore, it must be right.” • Look at the crowds, the young people, the funds raised, the lost people saved, etc. • This standard says that the end justifies the means (Rom. 3:8; 6:1)

  9. False Standards of Authority • “Great and wise men favor this plan or practice.” • Many religious scholars, leaders, and doctors, like Barnes, Clark, Barclay, and Spurgeon say such-and-such about infant baptism, instrumental music, faith only, etc. • This standard says that the word of men can replace the word of God; man’s word is respected over God’s word (Mt. 15:6; 1 Cor. 2:5)

  10. False Standards of Authority • “The Church approves of the practice.” • Many religious practices are defended by the councils and creeds of “the Church” hierarchy • This standard says that God has given authority to “the Church” leaders who came after the NT apostles (Gal. 1:6-9; Col. 2:8; 2 Thess. 2:15; Jude 3)

  11. False Standards of Authority • “Pioneers of the Restoration Movement and faithful brethren have always done this and said it was right.” • Many religious brethren like Campbell, Stone, Lard, McGarvey, Pendleton and “Brother so-and-so” approved of such practices • This standard says that the practice of brethren is right (Gal. 2:11-14; 2 Tim. 2:17-18) • NOTE: If brethren do what is unauthorized by God’s word, then they are not “faithful”

  12. False Standards of Authority • “Other religious groups who love God are doing it.” • Other religious groups do this in their worship, in their building, etc. • This standard says that the practice of a religious group is right (Mt. 7:21-23; Lk. 6:46; Jn. 14:15) • We must not look to the world for our authority (1 Sam. 8:5); we must seek to please God, not the world (Gal. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:4)

  13. False Standards of Authority • “I had rather do wrong than nothing at all.” • Look at what other religions are doing in the area of recreation, entertainment, business, and education, and we aren’t doing anything • This standard says that one chooses between (1) wrong and (2) nothing; not considering the choice of (3) doing what is right (1 Cor. 15:58; Eph. 2:10; Tit. 2:14)

  14. False Standards of Authority • False standards of authority devised by human wisdom sound good and tickle the ears of those who want man’s word above truth • Let us be content to do God’s will in God’s way!

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