“Authority” is power to command and to require obedience, with the right of punishment for disobedience.There are three kinds of authority:Inherent, as is characteristic of Deity.Delegated, as given to apostles, (II Corinthians 10:8. This delegated authority is “to assign or entrust power or function to another.” -Webster; thus authorization to act in assigned matters, not the right to assign matters.Usurped, as seen in conventions in some churches and even in some elderships.Jesus has all authority (Matthew 28:18Man has none, be it elders, saint, or any organization.Man has authorization to do certain things, but not authority in the strictest sense.Every teaching and every practice must pass the sentinel of His authority.To practice anything in His service without it passing the sentinel of His authority is to usurp His authority.Authority comes to man in one of two ways:SpecificIn specific authority, there are no choices left man.To make a choice other than that which is specified is to usurp His authority.He specified sing (Ephesians 5:19To add a mechanical instrument is to usurp His authority.He specified preach the gospel (Romans 1:16.To preach any other message is to usurp His authority.He specified the first day of the week for the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:29.To take the Supper any other day is to usurp His authority.
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