THE CHURCH JESUS BUILT (Lesson Four)

                                                          Matthew 16:18

  Introduction

        A.  Review:  The meaning of church and several terms used in the N.T. to describe                 

              the church.

        B.  Let’s think about the authority for Christ’s church.

             1.  The standard of authority is important for those who desire to please God.

             2.  There must be a standard of authority to regulate God’s people.  John 17:20-

                  21.

                  a.  If we measure ourselves according to the same standard, there can be

                       unity among God’s people.  Illustration using  sixteen ounces that

                       constitute one pound.

  What is the standard of authority for Christ’s church?

   1.  Jesus Christ has been given all authority.

        A.  All authority over those in heaven, on earth and under the earth (hadean world).

              Philippians 2:9-11

        B.  All authority in heaven and on earth.  Matthew 28:18

        C.  All authority over the church.  Ephesians 1:22-23

   II.  Jesus delegated authority to His apostles.

        A.  He gave them the keys to the kingdom of heaven (church).  Matthew 16:19;

              18:18

        B.  Jesus gave His apostles the authority to bind and loose ( to teach what was

              permitted and not permitted).  Matthew 16:19: 18:18

        C.  To ensure reliability, Jesus ask God to give the Holy Spirit to His apostles.

              John 14:25-26; 16:12-13

  III.  The apostles have spoken and written what Christ wants us to know.

         A.  The church age began on the Pentecost Feast recorded in Acts 2.  Acts 2: 1-4,

               14-16, 36-39, 42, 47

         B.  The apostle Paul wrote the mystery of Christ.  Ephesians 3: 1-5

         C.  The Holy Spirit revealed truth to apostles and prophets (teachers).  Eph. 3:5;

               2 Peter 3:1-2, 1:1-3; Jude 3

         D.  All truth (teachings passed down in  church by  authority of apostles) - Jude 17

               have been once for all delivered. Jude 3

  Conclusion:  Since Jesus is not with us in physical form, and since all the apostles are

                      dead, what standard of authority has been left for us?  It is through the

                      writings of the N.T. by the authority of Christ that the Lord directs His

                      church.