Pattern of Authority
Categories: Audio Sermons, Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon OutlinesListen
Date written: September 28, 2001
Scripture ref: Colossians 3:17
SUBJECT: Gospel Meeting: Back to the Bible Pattern
TITLE: Pattern for Authority
PROPOSITION: We need to go back to the Bible Pattern for our Authority: 1) For our standard of authority, 2) To learn obedience to God’s authority; 3) To understand the principle of Authority.
OBJECTIVES: The hearer should be able to understand what our authority is today and why; apply Colossians 3:17 to their life and explain the meaning of “in the name of;” and understand what being obedient to God means.
AIM: I hope to impress upon the hearer the lack of respect for God’s authority that has been shown in recent years.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Colossians 3:17
2. About the Text:
1) All things whether word or deed are to be done by Christ’s authority.
2) This does not mean that we go around saying “in the name of the Lord.”
3) This means that we do all things by the authority of Christ.
4) Policeman illustration.
5) Acts 4:7ff example. By what power or in what name have you done this.
3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION: We need to go back to the Bible Pattern…
I. For our Standard of Authority
1. Other standards are inadequate.
1) Our standard is not other men or their authorities or their traditions. (Gal. 1:11-12).
2) Our standard is not “our own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
3) Our standard is not what “seems” right (Proverbs 14:12; Prov. 16:25)
4) Our standard is not our own feelings. (Jeremiah 10:23)
5) Our standard is not angels. (Gal. 1:8)
6) Our standard is not some “new” revelation. (Jude 3; 2 Peter 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
7) Our standard is not our own conscience. (Romans 2:15; Acts 23:1)
2. It is inspired of God.
1) God has inspired the scriptures for our profit; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2) God used the prophets to teach his authoritative truth; 2 Peter 1:21
3) God inspired the Apostles and Prophets word for word; 1 Corinthians 2:13
4) God’s words are authoritative and powerful; (Luke 1:37 ASV; Hebrews 4:12-13)
3. This standard answers all the questions of life.
1) It teaches us how to live – Titus 2:11-12
2) It tells us how to be complete – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
3) Gives us everything that pertains to life and godliness – 2 Peter 1:3-4
4) Takes care of all of our necessities – Matthew 6:33
II. To Understand the Principle of God’s Authority
1. We Must Understand the Principle of God’s Authority
1) Colossians 3:17 – Every word, every deed.
2) 1 Corinthians 10:31 – Whatsoever we do must be done to God’s glory.
a. Romans 4:20 “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;”
b. Romans 10:17 Faith comes by hearing the word.
c. We glorify God through practicing his word.
2. We Must Respect and Practice the Principle of Authority
1) Not going beyond the things which are written (1 Corinthians 4:6).
2) Must abide in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9).
III. To be Obedient to God’s Authority – This is a key problem today as many would rather be rebellious.
1. Following the Example of Christ in Obedience
1) Hebrews 5:8-9 “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”
2) John 8:29 “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.”
2. Obedience in the Home
1) Husbands must be obedient to the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:3.)
2) Wives must be obedient to their husbands. (Titus 2:5)
3) Children must be obedient to their parents. (Ephesians 6:1).
3. Obedience in the Church
1) Hebrews 13:7 “Obey them that have the rule over you.”
2) 1 Corinthians 16:16 – We are to submit to those who have ‘addicted’ themselves to the ministry of the saints.
3) Acts 5:29 – We are to obey God in all service and worship toward him.
4. Obedience in our Nation
1) Titus 3:1 “obey magistrates”
2) Romans 13:1 Must be subject to the higher authority.
5. Obedience to God’s Word
1) Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone that saith….”
2) 2 Thessalonians 8:8; 1 Peter 4:17 – Disobedience will be eternally condemned.
3) Romans 6:17 “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”
CONCLUSION:
1. We must go back to the Bible Pattern for our authority.
1) For our standard of authority.
2) To understand the principle of authority.
3) To be obedient to God’s authority.
2. Invitation
1) If you are a Christian . . .
2) If you are not a Christian this morning . . .
a. Hear the word; Romans 10:17 “Faith comes by hearing . . .”
b. Believe with all your heart; Hebrews 11:6 “For without faith it is impossible…”
c. Repent of your sins (Acts 17:30).
d. Confess Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 16:16).
e. Be Baptized for the remission of your sins (Mark 16:15-16).