Applying Biblical Authority, #1

APPLYING BIBLICAL AUTHORITY

Matthew 28:18-20

     Introduction: The need for Biblical authority is demonstrated by the confusion which results without it (Judges 21:25).  The imperative of Biblical authority is set forth in Colossians 3:17 - "Whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."

     This lesson will focus on Direct Statements (sometimes called "commands").  There are seven kinds of direct statements that communicate Biblical authority to us.

I.  Commands, or Direct Mandates

A. Acts 2:38 - "Repent, and be baptized every one of you. . ."

B. Acts 3:19 - "Repent, therefore, and be converted. . ."

C. Acts 16:31 - "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."

II.  Expressed Desires

A. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 - "Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ."

B. 1 Timothy 2:8 - "I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. . ."

III. Conditional Statements

A. Colossians 3:1 - "If then you were raised with Christ,       seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God."

B. John 14:15 - "If you love me, keep my commandments."

IV. Exhortations

A. Hebrews 4:15 - "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

B. Romans 12:1 - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

V. Declaration of Fact

Mark 16:16 - "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be condemned."

VI. Questions

Romans 6:1, 2 - "What shall we say then?  Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?  Certainly not!  How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?"

VII. Prohibitions

1 Thessalonians 5:19, 20 - "Do not quench the Spirit.  Do not despise prophecies."

Conclusion: As we read and study our Bibles, let us be aware of the various kinds of statements made by the writers and speakers, and make a conscious effort to interpret correctly the actions and attitudes that are authorized by God through His Word!