UNDERSTANDING BIBLE AUTHORITY Bible Authority I.        Identifying Bible authority      A.        Epitage – commandment (Romans 16:26)      B.        Authenteo – one that works on behalf of self (1 Tim. 2:12)      C.        Huperoche – superiority or authority (1 Cor. 2:1)      D.        Exousia – jurisdiction or rights over something (Matt. 28:18) II.        Absolute truth exists (John 8:31-32) III.        Finding truth requires effort (2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 17:11; 1 Peter 3:15) IV.        We must reason correctly (Acts 26:24ff; 1 Thess. 5:21) V.        There is such a thing as an incorrect interpretation (2 Cor. 4:2ff; Acts 20:27ff). VI.        We must remain in the framework of the Scriptures (Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:          18; 2 John 9-11). VII.       We must have the right attitude (Luke 8:15; Matt. 5:6; 1 Thess. 2:13) VIII.      How do we apply Bible authority      A.        Direct statements – God tells us exactly what we should do or should not do                  (i.e. Gen. 6; Lev. 23:40; Neh. 8). 1.        Generic – Mark 16:15; Matt. 28:19 2.        Specific – Mark 16:16      B.        Approved examples 1.        Lord’s supper – Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:26 2.        Giving – 1 Cor. 16:1-2      C.        Implication 1.        Philip and the eunuch – Acts 8:35 2.        Drinking of alcoholic beverages – 1 Tim.5:23      D.       Expedience – Anything that helps one do only what the New Testament                 has authorized is itself authorized(i.e. song books, microphone, church                 building...)