Transcript Ruth 1:1-2 (NKJV) Now it came to pass, in the days when

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?
Statutes
and 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 to
the 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 Heart
and 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 Who
Rule 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.
Next Week
The Gift of Grace