Matt. 21:23-27

Two sources of religious authority - heaven and man.

God's doctrine is revealed in the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16-17; cf. 2 Jn. 1:9).

We cannot follow the doctrines of men, demons (Matt. 15:9; Col. 2:22; 1 Tim. 4:1 cf. 2 Cor. 11:31-15).

"Authority" defined: The Greek noun exousia (translated "authority" in Matt. 21:23, 24, 27) comes from the Greek verb exesti meaning "it is right, lawful." Therefore, "authority" is the power to command what is right, lawful. Jesus has all authority (Matt. 28:18).

A person conducting himself according to Jesus' commands has authority from Jesus for what he does (Col. 3:17). This person's authority is from heaven.

A person not conducting himself according to Jesus' commands does not have authority from Jesus. This person's authority is from man.

Pr. 16:2, 25

The way that seems right to man results in eternal death.

Man's thoughts and ways are different from God's (Is. 55:8-9). Man cannot direct his own steps (Jer. 10:23). We must go to God's word to know His ways (Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Man is incapable of discerning the truth without God (Gen. 37:31-34; 45:26).

Saul lived in good conscience and sinned (Acts 23:1; 22:1-5). We can live in good conscience and be living in sin.

Our faith cannot be in human wisdom (1 Cor. 2:5; cf. Rom. 1:16; 10:17; 1 Cor. 4:6; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

We must avoid worldly wisdom (1 Cor. 3:18-23; cf. 1 Cor. 4:6).

Most people will not go to heaven (Matt. 7:13-14; cf. 1 Pet. 3:20).

Parents are not a safe guide to salvation. We must love Jesus more than family (Matt. 10:37). Paul persecuted the church when living according to his fathers' traditions (Gal. 1:13-16).

God changed the law. The Old Testament is not authoritative today, but it is for our learning (Rom. 15:4; cf. Gal. 3:24-25).

We must hear Jesus, not Moses (Heb. 1:1-2).

The old covenant (Ten Commandments) has been replaced with a new covenant (Heb. 8:8-9; 1 Ki. 8:9, 21). The Ten Commandments are a ministry of death (2 Cor. 3:1-8).

Anyone who tries to keep the Mosaic Law lives under the curse to keep the whole law (Gal. 3:10) and is not justified before God (Gal. 3:11).

If we can be saved by the Old Testament, Christ died in vain (Gal. 2:21).

We must obey Christ's law (cf. Heb. 5:9; 2 Jn. 1:9).

Christ has all authority (Matt. 28:18). Jesus is God (1 Jn. 1:1). God (Father) is not subject to Christ (1 Cor. 15:27-28).

Jesus is our Creator and Sustainor of the creation (Jn. 1:3; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 1:3). He has the right to rule; therefore, we must do all by His authority (Col. 3:17).

We must hear and obey Jesus (Heb. 1:1-2; 5:9).

Everyone who does not obey Christ's gospel will be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord (2 Th. 1:8-10).

Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18

Jesus is Head of the church. All things are under His feet (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 19:16).

Jesus purchased the church with His blood (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 1:18-19).

The church is subject to Christ (Eph. 5:24). Everything must be done by His authority (Col. 3:17).

Any worship not according to His authority is vain (Matt. 15:8-9).