Sermon | Apostolic Authority
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon OutlinesSermon on Apostolic Authority
INTRODUCTION: Read 1 Cor. 2:4-5.
1. The world is full of smart men:
1) with higher degrees,
2) with proven track records,
3) that present their ideas well.
2. Men of proven qualities are sought out, desired for leadership positions.
3. The same was true in Corinth. There were:
1) men who spoke words of wisdom,
2) men that communicated,
3) men that “made sense.”
4. There is a problem, however, with the thoughts of men.
1) Contradicted by the thoughts of other men.
2) This is seen in the existence of political parties.
3) This is seen in the various schools of thought.
4) It is especially evident in the so called “Christian” denominations.
5) It is the reason for the various religions world wide.
6) The problem is that the thoughts of men cause division.
a. Power must be exercised.
b. Further fracture is a given.
5. There is no division in the character of God, Deut. 6:4.
6. The solution to the problems of the divided Corinthian brethren
1) begins with a recognition of Paul’s authority,
2) apostolic authority.
7. Recognizing apostolic authority solves the church’s problems today.
1) Unity
2) Worldliness
3) Worship
4) Leadership
5) Women’s issues
6) Apathy
DISCUSSION:
I. APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY EQUALS GOD’S AUTHORITY
1. Begin with the sovereignty of God, Deut. 4:9.
Know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other (Deut. 4:9, ESV).
2. Remember as well the authority of Jesus, Matt. 28:18.
3. Remember the subjection of Jesus, John 12:48-50. What Jesus spoke was the Word of the sovereign God.
4. Jesus gave that same Word to the apostles, John 17:8
1) This was done through the Holy Spirit, John 14:25-26, 16:13.
2) Many men today claim privileges that neither the Holy Spirit nor Christ have.
5. The apostles wrote it down
1) Paul says they were the commandments of the Lord, 1 Cor. 14:37. Compare with Deut. 4:1-2.
2) We are warned not to go beyond what is written, 1 Cor. 4:6.
3) Peter stated that Paul’s writings were scripture, 2 Pet. 3:15-16.
II. APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY IN WRITTEN FORM WAS CONFIRMED.
1. Was confirmed by signs, Mark 16:20.
2. Was confirmed “with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost (Heb 2:3 KJV).”
3. Peter was authorized to give God’s terms of pardon on the day of Pentecost and we know it because his words were confirmed, Acts 2:38, 2:3-4.
4. Paul claimed apostleship and confirmation, 1 Cor. 1:1, 6; 2:4-5.
5. Paul performed the signs of an apostle, 2 Cor. 12:12.
III. HOW THEN SHALL WE TREAT A MESSAGE FROM AN APOSTLE?
1. 1 Thess. 2:13, “but as it is in truth the word of God.”
2. Follow it, 1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1.
3. Obey it, Rom. 6:17.
1) Don’t go beyond what is written, 1 Cor. 4:6; cp. Deut. 4:2.
2) Don’t substitute anything for it, Gal. 1:8-9.
3) Speak as the apostle speaks, 1 Pet. 4:11.
4. Trust it.
1) Looking for the resurrection, 1 Cor. 15:51ff.; 1 Thess. 4:16-18.
2) Looking for forgiveness of sins, 1 John 2:12.
CONCLUSION:
1. We should come to the conclusion that the words of an apostle are equal to the words of the Lord.
1) Just like the voice of God on Mt. Sinai.
2) Just like the voice of Jesus on this earth.
2. It was God’s plan to speak through chosen men. We know that this is true because of the confirmation by signs and wonders.
3. Recognizing these things should cause us to trust in apostolic authority.
1) That their message is message of God.
2) That God will be pleased when we obey it.
3) That we will be with Jesus if we trust it.