Authority For God’s People

What is this?

Judges 21:25 (ESV) In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

If we wish to avoid chaos, our actions must be governed by an authoritative standard.

This standard cannot be based upon our own likes and dislikes, because it would lack objectivity (neutrality, fairness, lack of bias/prejudice) and be unable to be applied universally (in any and every situation).

Can you tell me what life was like in Israel in the time of the judges?

Judges 21:25 (ESV) In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

Can you tell me what life was like in Israel in the time of the judges?

1. Israelites turn to false gods.2. God allows enemies to overrun Israel.3. Israelites cry out to God for deliverance.4. God raises up a judge.5. The judge is given victory.6. Israel has a period of rest.7. Start over from step 1.

Judges 21:25 (ESV) In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

1. Israelites turn to false gods.2. God allows enemies to overrun Israel.3. Israelites cry out to God for deliverance.4. God raises up a judge.5. The judge is given victory.6. Israel has a period of rest.7. Start over from step 1.

What did God’s people use as a standard for authority

- that brought chaos into their lives?- that brought peace into their lives?

Heb 13:8 (ESV) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Matt 28:18 (ESV) And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

What can God’s people use as a standard for authority

- to bring chaos into their lives?- to bring peace into their lives?

Gal 1:11-12 (ESV) For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

2 Tim 3:16-17 (ESV) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Heb 4:12 (ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

God’s Word is our standard for authority today.

Deut 4:5-8 (ESV) See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. 6 Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ 7 For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? 8 And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?

Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, what did Moses remind them to do?

Num 4:15 (ESV) And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, as the camp sets out, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry these, but they must not touch the holy things, lest they die. These are the things of the tent of meeting that the sons of Kohath are to carry.

2 Sam 6:6-7 (ESV) And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God.

If proper authority comes from God’s Word, is there room for man to change it, even with good intentions?

Matt 16:24 (ESV) Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

If proper authority comes from God’s Word, will it require God’s people to make personal sacrifices?

Acts 14:21-23 (ESV) When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

After establishing churches on the first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas returned to those churches to do what?

Acts 14:21-23 (ESV) When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

After establishing churches on the first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas returned to those churches to do what?

Why do you think they appointed elders?

1 Pet 5:1-5 (ESV) So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

What are the responsibilities of our elders?What are our responsibilities toward them?

Statutesand Judgments

Deut 4:4-6 (ESV) But you who held fast to the Lord your God are all alive today. 5 See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. 6 Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’

The authority for God’s people is derived from God’s decrees. Before the Hebrews entered Canaan, Moses reminded them of this. He reminded them that they were about the reap the rewards that God had promised …

Num 14:1-4 (ESV) Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. 2 And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! 3 Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4 And they said to one another, “Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”

… although the previous generation had let them slip away.

Deut 4:4-6 (ESV) But you who held fast to the Lord your God are all alive today. 5 See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. 6 Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’

Was it enough that God’s people had obeyed God up to that point?

Deut 4:4-6 (ESV) But you who held fast to the Lord your God are all alive today. 5 See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. 6 Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’

What benefits would come from obeying God’s decrees?

2 Tim 3:16-17 (ESV) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Matt 5:14-16 (ESV) “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

What benefits come today from obeying God’s decrees?

According tothe Word of the

Lord

1 Chron 15:11-13 (ESV) Then David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar, and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab, 12 and said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites. Consecrate yourselves, you and your brothers, so that you may bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it. 13 Because you did not carry it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule.”

As David explained the importance of moving the ark properly, he reminded them of what happened when they didn’t.

Num 4:15 (ESV) And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, as the camp sets out, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry these, but they must not touch the holy things, lest they die. These are the things of the tent of meeting that the sons of Kohath are to carry.

2 Sam 6:6-7 (ESV) And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God.

Did Uzzah have good intentions?

1 Chron 15:11-13 (ESV) Then David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar, and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab, 12 and said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites. Consecrate yourselves, you and your brothers, so that you may bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it. 13 Because you did not carry it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule.”

What did David say was the cause of Uzzah’s death?

1 Chron 15:11-13 (ESV) Then David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar, and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab, 12 and said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites. Consecrate yourselves, you and your brothers, so that you may bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it. 13 Because you did not carry it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule.”

What did David say was the cause of Uzzah’s death?

Would David be willing to make that same mistake again?

1 Chron 15:14-15 (ESV) So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel. 15 And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord.

What did they do differently this time?

1 Chron 15:14-15 (ESV) So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel. 15 And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord.

What did they do differently this time?

Where did they find authority for this?

Lev 10:3 (ESV) Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron held his peace.

If we wish to please God, what must we do?

Lev 10:3 (ESV) Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron held his peace.

If we wish to please God, what must we do?

Super Bowl Party

Lev 10:3 (ESV) Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron held his peace.

If we wish to please God, what must we do?

This passage follows the story of Nadab and Abihu and their consequences for doing something unauthorized by God.

Lev 10:1-2 (ESV) Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. 2 And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.

Of One Heartand Soul

Matt 16:24-26 (ESV) Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

Living the way God authorizes sometime requires us to make certain sacrifices.

Sometimes, these sacrifices are ____________.

Acts 4:32-35 (ESV) Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

Living the way God authorizes sometime requires us to make certain sacrifices.

Other times, these sacrifices are ____________.

Acts 4:32-35 (ESV) Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

Although these great sacrifices were commendable, they weren’t/aren’t necessary in every locale. Regardless, Christians who sacrifice to help others certainly follow the example of Jesus who gave Himself for all.

Gal 6:10 (ESV) So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

As God’s people, do we need to extend physical care for our brethren and others in need?

What can come of this?

1 John 3:16-18 (ESV) By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

As God’s people, do we need to extend physical care for our brethren and others in need?

What can come of this?

Obey Those WhoRule Over You

Heb 13:17 (ESV) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

God’s plan made provisions for the local congregations to be governed by elders.

What is their responsibility?Who do they answer to?

1 Tim 3:1-7 (ESV) The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

What qualifications are required to be an elder?

Titus 5-9 (ESV) This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

What qualifications are required to be an elder?

Acts 20:28 (ESV) Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

Why do you think God placed these qualifications on elders?

1 Thess 5:12-13 (ESV) We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Heb 13:17 (ESV) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

How does God want us to treat our elders?Why?

Applications

The death of Uzzah and David’s subsequent reaction teaches us a great deal about acknowledging and submitting to God’s authority.

Although Uzzah’s intention was, no doubt, well meaning, he died because the Israelites failed to follow God’s instructions. David understood this well.

Consequently, when provisions were made to move the ark again, he charged the rightful agents – the Levites – to carry the ark as the Law dictated.

Christians would do well to notice that God’s prescribed course should not be altered.

One application would be with regard to the way we worship. We do not have the right to change what God has set.

Congregations would do well to study the authority vested in the eldership.

Elders are to guard and care for their brethren as a shepherd would his flock.

This does not mean elders have the right to change what God has bound. Nevertheless, elders do possess authority in congregational matters and must be obeyed.

Heb 13:17 (ESV) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

The office of the elders is to be respected, for they are worthy of honor.

1 Tim 5:17 (ESV) Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

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