How To Interpret The Bible: Understanding Commands and Authority

Why This Matters
Once we understand what a passage of Scripture means, the next essential step is asking: Is this something God authorizes for me to obey today? Not everything in Scripture applies to all people in all times. That’s why we must understand how the Bible communicates authority. Without this clarity, we risk misunderstanding God’s will or applying it wrongly.

One Source of Authority: Scripture Alone
The Bible alone is our divine standard. 1 John 4:6 makes this plain: "We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error." Those who truly belong to God listen to the inspired words of Scripture. Likewise, 2 Thessalonians 3:14 commands us to take note of any who do not obey the apostolic writings. Authority lies in the written Word.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 confirms that all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. The purpose of Scripture is to make us complete and fully equipped. We need nothing more than the Bible to understand and obey God’s will.

How Does the Bible Authorize?
Scripture reveals what is required by using commands, approved examples, and necessary inferences. These are not human inventions; they are the very methods used by the inspired writers to communicate God’s will. Each of these is grounded in how we naturally discern right from wrong in everyday life—by what we are told, by what we see done, and by what is necessarily implied.

Types of Commands in Scripture
Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15). Commands express God’s will plainly. There are multiple kinds of commands in the Bible:

1. Moral Commands
These relate to our treatment of others. Ephesians 4:28 says, "Let him who stole steal no longer." This is not optional. Stealing is sinful, and such commands define how we are to live in harmony with others. The Bible is filled with moral instructions regarding marriage, family, civil authorities, and more.

2. Religious Commands
These define our relationship with God, especially in worship and salvation. Worship has always been commanded and regulated. God has never left it to human opinion. He commands how He is to be worshiped. He also clearly states what we must do to be saved. These are not human traditions; they are divine imperatives.

3. Positive and Negative Commands
The Bible contains commands both to do and not to do. Positive commands tell us what to practice, such as partaking of the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:24–25). Negative commands tell us what to avoid, such as lying or gossip. Negative commands are not restrictive but liberating, giving us clear boundaries that provide peace of mind.

4. Universal and Limited Commands
Some commands apply to all people at all times. For example, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13) and "Repent and be baptized" (Acts 2:38) are universal. Others are limited in scope. Jesus told His apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the Spirit (Luke 24:49). That is not a command for us today. Paul asked Timothy to bring his cloak (2 Timothy 4:13); clearly, that command applied only to Timothy.

5. Temporary and Permanent Commands
God’s commands are sometimes for a limited time. The Sabbath command (Exodus 20:8) was part of a covenant later replaced by the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Galatians 3). Burning incense, Levitical priesthood, and animal sacrifices were temporary. Commands such as baptism (Acts 2:38) and assembling for worship (Hebrews 10:25) are permanent.

Conclusion
Understanding how the Bible authorizes is essential to faithful Christian living. We cannot obey what we do not understand, and we cannot apply what was never meant for us. Commands must be read in context to discern whether they are universal or limited, temporary or permanent, moral or religious. The Bible is not silent about how we learn God’s will—it teaches us exactly how to hear, understand, and obey.

Sermon Outline: How the Bible Authorizes

• Introduction: Why Authority Matters
  • Misunderstanding authority leads to division and disobedience
  • Not all scripture applies equally to all people at all times
• The Only Source of Authority
  • 1 John 4:6 – Those of God listen to the apostles
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:14 – Mark those who disobey
  • 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – Scripture alone is sufficient for every good work
• Three Scriptural Means of Authority
  • Direct Command
  • Approved Example
  • Necessary Inference
• Exploring the Types of Commands
  • Moral Commands – Define treatment of others (e.g., Ephesians 4:28)
  • Religious Commands – Govern worship and salvation (e.g., Acts 2:38)
  • Positive Commands – What we must do (e.g., Lord’s Supper)
  • Negative Commands – What we must not do (e.g., lying, gossip)
  • Universal Commands – For all people, all time (e.g., baptism, repentance)
  • Limited Commands – Specific to individuals (e.g., Paul to Timothy)
  • Temporary Commands – Related to fading covenants (e.g., Sabbath)
  • Permanent Commands – Ongoing in the New Covenant (e.g., assembling)
• Practical Considerations
  • Context always determines application
  • Discernment requires diligent study
  • Authority is not optional—it is binding

Call to Action:
Let us not presume upon God’s Word or ignore its patterns. We must be diligent to rightly divide the Word of truth, submitting our lives to what God has actually authorized—not what we assume or prefer. Study the Scriptures carefully. Apply only what God commands for us today. Respect His authority, and teach others to do the same.