1

BIBLICAL AUTHORITY

"Applying the Principles" Text: Acts 15

2

The Scriptural Dilemma

• Circumcision was commanded by God

• Circumcision was a sign of faithfulness

• Circumcision had been practiced for thousands of years

• Circumcision was a matter of salvation to many Christians - Acts 15:1

• The issue lead to a huge dispute - Acts 15:2, 7

3

Principles of Authority

• Necessary inference - Acts 15:7-11

• Approved (apostle) example - Acts 15:12

• Direct statements/commands - Acts 15:13-21

• Respect for scriptural silence - 15:24

4

Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

• Necessary inference - Acts 2:36-38; 22:16; 16:33; Romans 6:3-7

• Approved example - Acts 8:13; 36-38; 16:15; • Direct statements/commands - Matt 28:18-20; Mark

16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet 3:21• Respect for scriptural silence - "Sinners prayer" not in

Scripture

5

Is the Lord's Supper Necessary?

• Necessary inference - Acts 2:42; 20:7 - "first day of the week"; 1 Cor 16:1-2

• Approved example - Acts 20:7 • Direct statements/commands - 1 Cor 11:23-29• Respect for scriptural silence - No mention of

monthly or annual observance

6

Can the "church treasury" be used to support those "outside" the

church?• Necessary inference - 1 Timothy 5:9-13

• Approved example - Acts 2:44; 4:32; Acts 11; 2 Cor 8:9

• Direct statements/commands - 2 Cor 9:1-6

• Respect for scriptural silence - No mention of supporting non-believers Note: James 1:27 & Gal 6:10 make this an individual responsibility!!!

7

The "church" teaches but "it" does not do it for you! (Eph 4:12)

• Family responsibilities - Eph 5:22-6:4• Community responsibilities - Lk 10:33; Gal 6:10; James

1:27; Col 4:5; Rom 13:1-7• Occupation responsibilities - Eph 4:5-9• Evangelistic responsibilities - Acts 8:1-2• Teaching responsibilities - Deut 6; Titus 2:4• Servitude responsibilities - Jm 1:27; 2 Tim 6:18• Salvation responsibilities - Phil 2:12

8

God's Word is the ONLY Guide

1. Jesus spoke as He was directed by God - John 12:49-50

2. Holy Spirit speaks as He hears from God - John 16:13

3. All Scripture is sufficient - John 16:13-14; 2 Peter 1:3, 19-21; Jude 3

4. Do not add to God’s word – 2 John 9-11; Proverbs 30:5-6

5. Faith comes by hearing the word of God - Romans 10:17

6. We can only speak the oracles of God - 1 Peter 4:11

7. We must respect the written word - 1 Corinthians 4:6