Pattern of Authority Acts 15:1-20. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, & is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,

Pattern of Authority

Acts 15:1-20

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, & is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Authority is...

• The right to command or direct

• The right to enforce obedience

• The right to administer punishment

• The right to empower to act

– Jesus Christ has authority over all things

– Christians submit to His authority

Authority of Jesus Christ

• “Whatever you do” - Col 3:17

• “Abide in the doctrine of Christ” - 2 Jn 9

• “Keep His commandments” - 1 Jn 2:3-6

– “Keep His word”

– “Abide in Him”

– “Walk as He walked”

Authority of the Apostles

• “We are of God” - 1 Jn 4:6

• “In every church” - 1 Cor 4:17

• “No to think beyond-written” - 1 Cor 4:6

• “Walk by the same rule” - Phil 3:16-17

– “Be of the same mind”

– “Following my example”

Authority: Pattern & Practice

Authority

Pattern

Authority

PracticeIllustration

Direct Statement Command

Acts 15:13-20Prophecy

Amos 9:11-12

Divinely Approved Example

Acts 15:12Miracles

Heb 2:1-4

Necessary Conclusion

Acts 15:7-11Holy Spirit

Acts 10:44-48

Authority: Pattern & Practice

Cannot forbid baptismActs 10:47-48

Necessary Conclusion

Gentiles given spiritual gifts

Acts 10:44-46Divinely

Approved Example

Peter given a vision

Acts 10:9-16Direct

Statement Command

IllustrationAuthority Practice

Authority

Pattern

By What Authority?

Worship Authority Authority??

SingingEph 5:19;

Col 3:16

Instrumental Music, Rock bands, Choirs,

praise teams

Prayer Acts 12:5, 12 Gibberish of so-called tongue speaking

Preach/Teach2 Tim 4:1-5;

1 Cor 14:26Magic shows, movies, Easter and Xmas Serv

Collection1 Cor 16:1-2

Monday, Tuesday… bake sale, pancake

breakfast

Lord’s Supper1 Cor 16:1-2; 11;

Acts 20:7

Monday, Tuesday…leavened bread,

cookies

By What Authority?

Work Authority Authority??

Evangelism to the lost

Gal 6:6; 1 Cor 9:11;

1 Thess 1:8

Church sponsored recreation (Lockins,

Gymnasiums, Advertising, Family Life Centers), social

meals, Secular Education, Hospitals, Orphan and Widow

Homes, Church Retreats and Camps,

Secular Activities (CPR, Mechanic classes, Dance classes, singles

programs)

Edification of the saints

Acts 20:32; Eph 4:11-12;

1 Tim 1:3-4

Benevolence to needy saints

2 Cor 8; 9 Rom 15:25-27 Acts 11:27-30

Authority: General or Specific

Case Generic Specific

Noah (Gen 6) Wood “Gopher”

Naaman (2 Kgs 5) Water “Jordan”

Jesus (Mk 16:16) Preach “Gospel”

Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11)

Eat Day, elements,

place

Worship in song(Eph 5:19)

Make Music “Sing”

General Authority: Expedients

Command Authorizes Expedients

Build an Ark Tools Hammer, Saw

Assemble Place Buy, Rent, Build

Lord’s Supper Bread & Grape

juiceTrays & Cups

Baptize PlacePool, Lake, Baptistery

Sing AssemblyBooks, Visual

aid, Tuning fork

Summation

Total Respect &

Complete Submission

to the written Word of God:

– Acting immediately to obey Him– Not adding to His Word – Not acting upon His silence