The Old Testament Pattern for Authority

Seth McDonald
09/08/24 - Sunday AM Worship

 
Authority #3: Christ is King

Introduction

1. 1. Noah was given a pattern for the Ark (Genesis 6). Moses was warned to follow the pattern for the tabernacle (Exodus 25.40).
   2. Old Testament examples are for our instruction and can provide hope – Romans 15.4; Hebrews 11
   3. Other examples show the undesirable outcome of those who choose to rebel against God’s authority – 1 Corinthians 10.1-13

1. Humanity’s Independent Authority is a Lie
   1. Adam and Eve (Genesis 3.1-6)
      1. Failed to submit to God’s authority
      2. Listened to the lie that they could establish their own authority
      3. The same lie is prominent today
   2. Tower of Babel (Genesis 11)
      1. Rejects God’s plan for their own
      2. “Make a name for ourselves” = “be our own boss”

2. God’s Smallest Commands Matter
   1. Cain and Abel (Genesis 4)
      1. Abel acted in faithful obedience (Heb 11.4)
      2. Cain’s offering was refused.
         He substituted his own will for God’s.
   2. Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10.1-3)
      1. Offered “strange fire” which the Lord “had not commanded”
      2. God gave a specific command which was not taken seriously
      3. Where God specifies, we cannot generalize.

3. God’s Delegating Authority Must be Respected
   1. Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 16)
      1. Korah questions God’s choice of Aaron’s family as priests
      2. Korah and followers were destroyed
   2. The Failure of Moses (Numbers 20.1-13)
      1. In an otherwise faithful life, even Moses failed to treat God as holy.
      2. Moses was unable to enter the promised land

4. Good Intentions do not Negate Sinful Actions
   1. Uzza and the new cart (1 Chron 13.1-12; 15.12-15)
      1. The ark was supposed to be carried by the Levites
      2. He likely had good intentions, but was struck dead for disobedience
   2. Uzziah entering the temple (2 Chronicles 26.16-20)
      1. The ark was supposed to be carried by the Levites
      2. Uzza likely had good intentions, but was struck dead for disobedience

Conclusion

1. 1. The Bible pattern: “Your God Reigns!” Isa 52.7 & “Listen to Him!” Luke 9.35
   2. Plead for teaching that is deeply rooted in scripture – Isa 8.20; 1 Peter 4.11

Discussion Questions

1. 1. Using Hebrews 8.5, why was it important for Moses to follow the pattern for building the Tabernacle?
      
      
       
   2. Is “look at the good that comes from it!” a good-enough reason to do something?
      
      
      
       
   3. What lessons can we learn from King Saul in 1 Samuel 15.3, 7-9, 11, 13-15, 19-20, 22?