INTRODUCTION

We are living in a time when a great many people have little or no respect for authority.

1. Our jails are full of those who do not respect the authority of our government.
2. We have many children in our world today who do not respect the authority of their parents
3. And there is a host of people who do not respect the authority of the Bible

We today need to recognize authority ….

The captain on the bridge of a large naval vessel saw a light ahead on a collision course. He signaled, “Alter your course ten degrees south.”

The reply came back, “Alter your course ten degrees north.” The captain then signaled, “Alter your course ten degrees south. I am a captain.”

The reply: “Alter your course ten degrees north. I am a seaman third-class.” The furious captain signaled, “Alter your course ten degrees south. I am a battleship.”

The reply: “Alter your course ten degrees north. I am a lighthouse.”

If we do not recognize where true authority lies – then we will be making many wrong decisions in this life – and especially spiritually speaking… EVERYTHING HINGES ON THIS

DISCUSSION

THE BIBLE IS COMPLETE, UNIFIED, AND INDESTRUCTIBLE, and as such it is:

1. All-sufficient… 2 Peter 1:3
2. Completely furnishes us… 2 Timothy 3:16-17
3. Blesses… James 1:25
4. Written by inspired men… 2 Peter 1:20-21
   • Sixty-six books … written over a period of 1600 years, by forty different men (with varying backgrounds), in three languages
   • Yet the Bible is perfect in harmony…
5. Thus, we agree with the words of the Psalmist… Psalm 119:89
6. God’s word shall stand forever… 1 Peter 1:23-25
7. Consider these truths about the word of God

THE WORD OF GOD IS…

1. Powerful…  Hebrews 4:12; Romans 1:16 
2. Able to cleanse… Psalm 119:9
3. Capable of purifying the soul… 1 Peter 1:22
4. Able to build one up… Acts 20:32
5. Perfect… James 1:25
6. Complete… 2 Timothy 3:16-17
7. Enduring… Matthew 24:35

CHRIST HAS ALL AUTHORITY AND HAS GIVEN US INSTRUCTIONS

1. Authority was given to Jesus by the Father… Matthew 28:18
2. Today Christ speaks through the Bible… Hebrews 1:1-2
3. Christ’s words are truth… John 17:17
4. The way of salvation is not found in man’s words…Jeremiah 10:23
5. We must do all by the authority of Christ… Colossians 3:17
6. Christ’s words can be understood… Ephesians 3:3-4

WE MUST FOLLOW AND KEEP THE WORD OF GOD

1. If we love Christ we will obey Him… John 14:15
2. We must study to be approved of God… 2 Timothy 2:15
3. We must remember God’s word… 2 Peter 3:2
4. Hold forth the word of life… Philippians 2:16
5. Hold to sound words… 2 Timothy 1:13
6. Continue in God’s word… 2 Timothy 3:14
7. Preach the word… 2 Timothy 4:2
8. Stand fast for God’s word… 2 Thessalonians 2:15
9. Be an example in the word… 1 Timothy 4:12
10. Contend earnestly for the faith… Jude 3

WE MUST HANDLE GOD’S WORD CORRECTLY

1. Do not be deceitful…2 Corinthians 4:2
2. Study to be able to handle God word in the right way… 2 Timothy 2:15
3. Do not hear only… James 1:22
4. Do not be led astray… 2 Peter 2:1
5. Do not be deceived… Ephesians 5:6-10

GOD WARNS US NOT TO HANDLE HIS WORD IN THE WRONG WAY

1. Do not add to or take away from the word of God
   • Deuteronomy 4:2
   • Proverbs 30:5-6
   • Revelation 22:18-19
2. Do not pervert the Gospel… Galatians 1:6-10
3. We are not to be unskilled in God’s word… Hebrews 5:12
4. We must be knowledgeable… Romans 10:2-3
5. We must not be disobedient… Hebrews 2:1, 3
6. The Bible will judge us… John 12:48

CONCLUSION

1. We must respect authority, and most importantly we must respect God’s authority.
2. We truly respect the word of God, we will:
   • Study it
   • Love it
   • Obey it
3. If we do not respect God’s authority we will not go to heaven