HANDOUT FOR SERMON: A TRUE UNDERSTANDING OF BIBLICAL AUTHORITY. Manchester, TN, 2022, 9:30 a.m. service
Introduction: A word we often associate with the word authority is the word Bible. So, in a religious sense we sometimes hear some ask the question: Do we have Bible authority to do that? It is important that we find out what is right and what is wrong or what is acceptable to God and what is not. Unfortunately, there are plenty of places to worship that never mention or study the concept of authority. Instead, they do what they like, whatever feels good to them and what they think will work best for their church. Yet never contemplate or ask if there is permission given in Scripture for whatever they are considering, doing or believing.
Illustration: Father and Son relationship. Authority exists in relationships between 2 or more people. Authority is the bridge between them. Power to act & permission to act.
Jesus has all power to make the rules. Jesus gives us the power and permission to do something. Matthew 28:18, Hebrews 1:1-2,
We are taught to submit to Christ:
Christ is head of the body, the Church. Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 1:22
We are to willingly submit to Christ the Head. James 4:17, 1 Corinthians 11:3
We are to keep the things Jesus said & taught. Matthew 7:21, John 14:5 & 23, 1 Timothy 6:11-14, 1 John 5:3, James 1:22, 2 John 1:6
2 parts or concepts of authority:
One is over the other, authority becomes the bridge between the two /individuals. Authority for those “in power.” An example would be a father’s power to make the rules for his home. Then there is authority for those who are under that power, in other words: permission! Example: the children in the home are given permission by the one IN POWER to act or do something. Children are given the right or permission from the source of power. This is the bridge between the two!
Define AUTHORITY:
The power or right to give orders or demands.
The right to make decisions.
The power or right to enforce the rules, or obedience.
Jurisdiction and control.
The right to act in a specific way.
Jesus has all power over me/over us. Matthew 28:18 He has the right and power to tell us what to do. We have the permission to do as He instructs. He tells us what to believe and how to serve. He is our authority, and we are under Him. We have only the right to follow what He says. We are given permission from Jesus and only then do we have the right or power to do.
Scripture: Matthew 8:2-13 The Centurion man. He understood the concept of authority. This man understood the concept of delegated authority. Jesus marveled over this man’s faith and understanding of authority.
Mark 11:27-33 The Chief priests, scribes and elders. What about the authority for the baptism of John? Jesus challenges them, they knew in their hearts it was from God yet refused to accept it or admit it. They lacked the integrity to do what God commanded even though they knew the baptism was from God.
Matthew 10:1 Jesus gave His disciple the power and permission to do miracles.
Luke 8:31-32 The demons understood they needed permission from Jesus to enter the herd of pigs. They begged Jesus to permit them to do so.
Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus & His disciples. Do something in the name of God means by the authority of God. God says baptize and deity gave us the permission or right to baptize. We should only do what God gives us the right to do.
THE TRUE VINE AND UNDERSTANDING AUTHORIY. Christians are God’s creation. We are born again, John 3:3-5. We are a branch connected to the true vine and are to bear fruit, John 15:1-8. We are His workmanship, Ephesians 2:10. We are all we are because of God. God has all the authority over us because we are His creation.
It is God who delegates authority to us, giving us the right to act or to do.
It is Divine authority, means God has the right to rule, or the right to decide.
This is taught in John 15:1-8.
Other scripture: John 1:1-5, John 5:24-27, Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 1:19-23 His right to rule and to decide.
Branches were created to bear grapes and not any other kind of fruit, not anything else. It is not our choice because God has already decided. (John 15:1-11)
Brought to life by God, not of myself or not for myself. This is about His choice.
Jesus gave us life. John 3:3-8, John 10:28, John 17:1-3, Ephesians 2:10 Jesus created us!
Illustration of the grape vine: Gods right to rule: the source or root of authority. The grape vine: your right to act is the fruit or result of His authority.
Acts 17:24-28 God has the right to rule and decide.
What is underground is important. The root system is crucial if there is to be any fruit.
How well are we connected to the roots, how well are we connected with God?
John 15:4 we are taught to “abide in Him.”
When a branch is disconnected from the vine & the roots the branch will not/can not bear fruit.
So why do we keep expecting disconnected branches to bare the fruit?
We push and preach with no success of bearing fruit because the branches have already disconnected themselves from the vine & root system.
Yet the owner, God, still expects and demands fruit. CONCLUSION: it is very important that we show the honor and respect to Jesus, who is our Savior and light in the world. He has ALL authority, and we are to submit to Him!