• Disapproved authority: human and/or devilish
    • James 3:15; Matthew 15:7-9; I Corinthians 1:18-26
  • Approved authority: God’s wisdom
    • I Corinthians 1:18-26; 2:10-12; II John 1:9-11
  • Direct operation of the Holy Spirit on apostles and prophets: Ephesians 3:3-5
    • Results in the Word of God being revealed
  • Methods of authority:
    • Direct authority:
      • Command – I Corinthians 11:24
      • Statement – I Corinthians 11:26; Mark 16:16
    • Indirect authority:
      • Necessary inference – Acts 20:7 (compare Exodus 20:8; I Corinthians 16:2 – every first day or every Sabbath was to be observed)
      • Approved, limiting example – Just because Paul walked doesn’t mean we can’t drive or fly in an airplane.
        • I Corinthians 16:1-2 – collection authorized and limited
        • Acts 20:7 – Lord’s Supper authorized and limited
        • When is an approved example limited and restricted?
          • Restricted:
            • Uniformity
            • Harmony
            • Universality
            • Essentiality – Acts 20:7 – eating in the upper story is not essential (John 4:19-24)
            • Limited application
            • Competence
          • The necessity of obedience
            • Matthew 7:21