Understanding Bible Authority through Three Biblical Examples

1. Read Genesis 6:13-22

1) God commanded Noah to make an ark.

2) God used very specific details in how Noah was to make the ark.

3) God established a covenant with Noah

2. Lessons of Bible Authority from this Example.

1) In this example, God issued Noah several direct statements. Many of these statements were in the form of command. Direct statements authorize the subjects of the statements to carry out the content of the statement.

2) When God specifies an item (Gopher Wood), it is exclusive of all other items that could possibly be used.

3) When God gives a general command (Build an Ark), the subject is authorized to use the most expedient means necessary to fulfill that command.

4) God’s covenant with Noah was based upon Noah’s respect for God’s authority.

3. How do we apply these lessons?

1) God authorizes by direct statement today.

a. Imperative (Matthew 28:18)

b. Indicative (John 3:16)

c. Interrogative (Romans 6:1)

d. Other moods; hortatory, optative, infinitive.

2) When God specifies by direct statement we are to respect God’s authority (Women praying; 1 Tim. 2:8 “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”).

3) When God authorizes in a general way, we must use expediency to respect God’s authority (Acts 2:38).

4) Our covenant with God today is based upon our respect for God’s authority (Matthew 7:21 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”).

1. Read Leviticus 10:1-2

1) Nadab and Abihu were priests; God authorized them for temple service as sons of Aaron. (2 Chronicles 26:17-18 “And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God.”.)

2) Exodus 30:7-9 says that the incense is to be a “perpetual” offering and that no strange incense is to be burned upon it. “And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it. And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations. Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.”

3) Leviticus 16:12 says that the high priest must take the fire from the coals of the burnt offering to offer the incense in the holy of holies upon the day of atonement. “And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:”

4) They offered instead, “strange” or unauthorized fire and were consumed by God.

2. Lessons of Bible Authority from this example.

1) God is not pleased with those who disrespect his authority, no matter how small a matter it may be. The men were authorized; the incense was authorized; the censors were authorized; the place of worship was authorized; but the fire was not authorized.

2) God’s silence in regard to areas where he has specified something does not mean we can use whatever we want.

3) Worship to God must be sanctified or authorized by God.

3. How do we apply these lessons?

1) We should respect God’s authority in all things or we can expect punishment (2 Thessalonians 1:8).

2) The phrase “It doesn’t say not to” is not sufficient to authorize us to perform anything “in the name of Christ.” Rather, we should ask the question, what does the Bible teach, say, authorize? “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12; 16:25.

3) Worship is to be in spirit and truth; John 4:24.

4) God disapproves of progressing beyond his will and inventing new and innovative ways of worshipping him. (2 John 9 “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 1 Corinthians 4:6 says “Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not {to go} beyond the things which are written;” ASV).

1. Read 2 Kings 5:1ff

1) Naaman was a Syrian captain.

2) He had a terrible disease called leprosy.

3) He sought out someone who could cure him.

4) He was told what must be done.

5) He first rejected the plan, but then followed it.

6) He was saved from his leprousy.

2. Lessons of Bible Authority from this example.

1) Naaman heard and sought the correct source of authority-God.

2) Once the specific cure had been authorized, no other cure would work regardless of what Naaman thought.

3) God saves those who submit to his authority.

3. How do we apply these lessons.

1) The source of authority today is Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-19 “All authority….”; Colossians 3:17). We must go to Him if we are to find relief from sin.

2) The Bible contains the authorized cure from sin today. No other cure will work regardless of what men think. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

3) God will save those who submit to the authority of the last will and testament of Jesus Christ today. Acts 4:12 “And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved.”