The Need for Biblical Authority

THE NEED FOR BIBLICAL AUTHORITY

Judges 21:25

Introduction: The Book of Judges presents a classic illustration of the chaos and confusion which results from the lack of a recognized standard of authority.

   I. Possible Standards of Authority

      A. Subjective experience (Prov.14:12)

      B. Human reasoning ("I don't see. . ."; Mt. 16:8)

      C. Family tradition (Luke 14:26)

      D. Will of the majority (Matt. 7:13,14)

      E. Conscience (Acts 23:1)

      F. Emotions or feelings (Gen. 37:33-35)

      G. Philosophy of the world (1 Cor. 1:26 ff.)

      H. Creeds of men (Rev. 22:18,19)

       I. Latter-day revelations (Gal. 1:6-9)

  II. The Source of All Authority

       A. John 16:13-15

            1. All authority resides in God.

            2. God has given all authority to Christ (cf. Matt. 28:18).

            3. The Holy Spirit has taken the things of Christ and revealed them to the apostles.

            4. The apostles have recorded the things revealed by the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:6-13).

            5. When we read their words, we can understand the will of God! (Eph. 3:3-7).

       B. The Bible is the product of these inspired men (2 Pet. 2:20,21; 3:16).

Conclusion: Authority in religion is one of the very basic questions that must be settled.  When Scripture is recognized as the ultimate standard of authority, then there is a foundation for unity in work and in worship!