THE UNDERSTANDING

I. Authority A. Introduction: 1. Christ is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23). As the head, Christ has authority over the church (Eph. 5:22-33; cf. Matt. 28:18-19). 2. As Christians, we must obey Christ (Heb. 5:9; Gal. 6:2; 1 Cor. 9:21) and do the things He has authorized (Col. 3:17; 1 Cor. 4:16; 1 Pet. 4:11). a. It is imperative that we understand the establishment of authority from God's word (Col. 3:17; 1 Cor. 4:16; Rev. 22:18-19) before we can rightly divide the Scriptures (2 Tim. 2:15) coming to a knowledge of Christ's doctrine of the church (2 Jn. 1:9; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). 3. In this lesson, we review the Bible principles of establishing authority. B. Matthew 21:23-27 Two sources of authority: 1. "Authority" defined: a. The Greek word exousia (translated "authority" in Matt. 21:23, 24, 27) is a noun that comes from the Greek verb exesti meaning it is right, lawful. b. "Authority" is the power to command what is right and lawful. 1. Jesus has all authority (Matt. 28:18). c. A person conducting himself according to Jesus' commands has authority from Jesus for what he does (Col. 3:17). 1. This person has authority from heaven. d. A person not conducting himself according to Jesus' commands does not have authority from Jesus. 1. This person's authority is from man (Col. 2:21-23) and his worship is vain (Matt. 15:8-9; Mk. 7:6-8). 2. There are two sources of authority - heaven and man (Matt. 21:23-27). a. Authority from heaven is God's doctrine (Rom. 6:17; 16:17; 1 Tim. 6:1; Tit. 2:10). It is revealed in the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16-17; cf. 2 Jn. 1:9). 1. People who obey Christ's doctrine (2 Jn. 1:9) will be saved (Heb. 5:9). b. Authority from man is the doctrines of men and demons (Matt. 15:8-9; Mk. 7:6-8; Col. 2:22; 1 Tim. 4:1; cf. 2 Cor. 11:13-15) and results in eternal death (Pr. 16:2, 25). C. The Old Testament is not authoritative today: 1. We must hear and obey Jesus, not Moses or Old Testament prophets (Heb. 1:1-2; 5:9; Matt. 17:5). 2. The old covenant (Ten Commandments) has been replaced with a new covenant (Heb. 8:8-9, 13; 9:11-17; 1 Ki. 8:9, 21). a. The Ten Commandments are a ministry of death (2 Cor. 3:1-8). b. God changed the law (Heb. 7:12; Col. 2:13-14). We must obey the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2; 1 Cor. 9:21; cf. Heb. 5:9; 2 Th. 1:8; 2 Jn. 1:9). 1. Jesus is the Savior of the body (Eph. 5:23) which is the church (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23).