• “Authority” is power to command and to require obedience, with the right of punishment for disobedience.
  • There are three kinds of authority:
    • Inherent, as is characteristic of Deity.
    • Delegated, as given to apostles, (II Corinthians 10:8. This delegated authority is “to assign or entrust power or function to another.” -Webster; thus authorization to act in assigned matters, not the right to assign matters.
    • Usurped, as seen in conventions in some churches and even in some elderships.
  • Jesus has all authority (Matthew 28:18
    • Man has none, be it elders, saint, or any organization.
    • Man has authorization to do certain things, but not authority in the strictest sense.
    • Every teaching and every practice must pass the sentinel of His authority.
    • To practice anything in His service without it passing the sentinel of His authority is to usurp His authority.
  • Authority comes to man in one of two ways:
    • Specific
      • In specific authority, there are no choices left man.
      • To make a choice other than that which is specified is to usurp His authority.
        • He specified sing (Ephesians 5:19
        • To add a mechanical instrument is to usurp His authority.
        • He specified preach the gospel (Romans 1:16.
        • To preach any other message is to usurp His authority.
        • He specified the first day of the week for the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:29.
        • To take the Supper any other day is to usurp His authority.