Matthew 21:23

Because – believe it or not – we’re not in charge!

• Deity – inherent authority

  • Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 1:1-2; John 16:7-15

• Inspired people – apostles, prophets

  • Acts 2:4; 8:17-18

  • The apostles and prophets carried the authority of God. Their writings carry that same authority.

• Inspired scripture – Bible

  • I Thessalonians 2:13

Sadly, few people seek God’s truth.

• Isaiah 8:19-20

• Commands

  • Matthew 28:18-20

  • Luke 17:7-10

  • I Corinthians 7:19

  • I Thessalonians 4:1-2, 11

  • II Thessalonians 3:4-6, 10-12

  • II Peter 2:21-3:2

  • I John 2:3-4; 3:22-24; 4:21-5:3

  • II John 1:4-6

• Statements

  • Psalms 119:104

  • Matthew 10:34-37; 15:9; 21:42-45

  • Acts 20:35

• Examples

  • John 15:12

  • Acts 20:35

  • I Corinthians 4:16; 10:6-11; 11:1

  • Philippians 3:17; 4:9

  • I Thessalonians 1:6

  • II Thessalonians 3:7-9

  • Hebrews 4:11

  • III John 1:9-11

• Implications

  • Creation → Romans 1:18-21

  • Genesis 2:24 → Matthew 19:3-6

  • Genesis 14:18-20 + Psalms 110:4 → Hebrews 7:7-11; 8:6

  • Exodus 3:6 → Mark 12:26-27

  • Psalms 16:10 → Acts 2:24-32

  • Psalms 110:1 → Matthew 22:41-46; Acts 2:33-36

  • Matthew 9:6 → Matthew 9:2

  • Acts 16:9 → Acts 16:10

• Acts 15:1, 7-29 – The religious matter was decided by looking at the scriptures and hearing from the apostles. It was not decided by voting or by one person deciding which way everyone should go.

God actually cares, and He punishes disobedience.

• Lamentations 1:1, 5

• Jeremiah 5:31

• I Timothy 6:3-4

• Hebrews 10:30-31 – “The Lord will judge His people.”