The Need for Authority

The Lord expects us to understand His word (Ephesians 3:4), and also have unity based on that understanding (1 Corinthians 1:10). This necessitates a proper understanding of hermeneutics (how to interpret the Bible). This lesson will be the first in a series on hermeneutics, and we will begin by discussing the need for authority.

The Authority of Christ

• We are to act with Christ’s authority in all that we do (Colossians 3:17)
• This was the basis for the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18) – the gospel was preached and obeyed because Jesus had all authority (Matthew 28:19); the disciples obeyed the Lord’s commandments because of His authority (Matthew 28:20)
• Recognizing this principle of authority is rooted in faith (Matthew 8:5-10) – if we really believe who Jesus is, we will do His will (Luke 6:46)

Bible Authority

• Many recognize that Christ has all authority, but we need to see how that is connected to His word – Jesus is not here in the flesh, so how can we know what His will is to do it?
• When Jesus told His apostles He was going away, He promised to send the Holy Spirit – the Holy Spirit would remind them of what He taught (John 14:26), testify about Christ (John 15:26-27), and guide them into all truth (John 16:13)
• Because of this, their writings carry the same weight as the words of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Thessalonians 4:2; 2 Peter 3:2)
• In fact, all Scripture is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) – it thoroughly equips us in all that we need to please God; so any question that arises should be answered by going to the Bible (1 Peter 4:11; Acts 17:11); any practice we want to do must be authorized in the Scriptures (Matthew 7:22-23; cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17); anything we want to condemn as sin, we must show where it is condemned in the word of God (Romans 7:7)

Why Authority Is Important

• Because it is rooted in the identity of Christ (Matthew 28:18)
• Because it helps us understand what we are to do to please the Lord (Matthew 7:21-23)
• Because we will be judged based upon what we have done in this life (2 Corinthians 5:10) – we do not want to be surprised at the judgment (Matthew 7:21-23); if the Scriptures equip us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17), we must follow what they teach and do those things that are authorized in His word

Conclusion

• Hemeneutics is important because how we interpret the Bible matters
• Jesus has all authority and His will is expressed to us in His word
• If we hope to interpret the Scriptures properly, we must begin with a respect for Bible authority