Authority (8)
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The New Testament Church 2017 Authority (8) General & Specific AuthorityExpediencies and Additions
Some seek to confuse types of authority • Unless something is specified, it is not authorized (often misused to justify something they know is not specified) • Unless something is specifically forbidden, it is permitted as generic authority. • Understanding expedients and aids helps us address this
Expediencies and aids • Expediency – something that assists or helps (profitable, aids, facilitates) us carrying out a thought or command we are given (by God). • John 11:50:18, 14 – expedient for Jesus to die
Expediencies and aids • Expediency – in scripture • John 16:7, Jesus said, “it is to your advantage that I go away… • Hebrews 12:10, He disciples us for our profit (our good) • 1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23, “helpful” (expedient – KJV)
Expediencies and aids • Addition – to add to, join to something else. It involves adding something to specified instructions • Revelation 22:18-19, Deuteronomy 12:32, cf. Matthew 15:3-9 – by your traditions you have made the law of no effect (6)
Transporting the Ark A new cart With Poles The LORD’s InstructionsExodus 25:12-14Numbers 4:15 NOT authorized! An addition to the LORD’s words 2 Samuel 6:6-7 – Uzzah struck dead for touching the ark 1 Chronicles 15:11-15 – David repented
Expediencies and aids • Singing – expedients would include song books, a song leader, a pitch pipe, etc. These elements AID us in being able to teach and admonish one another in song – Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, etc.Also the number of songs and order is an expedient. • Instrumental music is NOT an aid, it is an ADDITION!
Singing Playing an Instrument Types of Music CommandedEphesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16 NOT commanded - Scripture???? Singing is NOT playing an instrument and vice-versa.
Singing Playing an Instrument Types of Music ExpedientsSong books and song leader facilitate singing Different type of music – adds to command Singing is NOT playing an instrument and vice-versa.
Expediencies and aids • Assembling – Hebrews 10:25 Implies a place • Many examples in scripture- Acts 5:12 – in the temple - Acts 19:9-10 – school of Tyrannus- Acts 20:7-8 – upper room- 1 Cor. 16:19 – in homes - 1 Cor. 11:22, 34 – a place OTHER than a home • A building, and all the amenities are expedients to fulfill this command
Expediencies and aids • The work of the church – evangelism & teaching – 1 Thess. 1:6-8, 2 Timothy 2:2- spiritual edification – Ephesians 4:16- limited benevolence – 1 Timothy 5:16- worship – 1 Corinthians 14, 11:23-26 • Whatever aids us carrying out these works is authorized. • To ADD additional works or change the structure of the church is NOT an expedient
EvangelismEdification, … EntertainmentSocial work Work of the church I.e. teachingclasses, work books, PowerPoint, bulletin, etc. facilitate teaching NOT authorizedScripture???ANOTHER type of work!
Expediencies and aids • Baptism – by command and example – it is immersion and for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-4, etc. • Where we baptize is generic authority – in the ocean, a river, a pool, OR a baptistry! The baptistry is an expedient, along with the pump, etc.
Immersion Sprinkling, pouring Baptism PlaceBaptistry, ocean, pool, river, etc.Expediencies to facilitate the command A different type (addition) of “baptism”.NOT facilitating immersion!
Rules for Expediencies • First, it must be lawful! • 1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23, 32 • (NOTE: Paul is not saying you have no boundaries, but WITHIN boundaries you have choices – cf. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Colossians 3:17) • Additions and substitutions are NOT lawful! Cf. Galatians 6:6-9
Rules for Expediencies • They cannot change the force or effect of what is commanded or authorized • Respect God’s specifics! 1 Corinthians 4:6 • Example: Instrumental music changes the force of singing.Example: Lord’s supper – containers are expedient. Using soda and cake are changing force of the command
Rules for Expediencies • Expedients involve options or choices • The choices are non-essential and unspecified.You are at liberty to do something a certain way.Example – we may use PowerPoint, workbooks, song books, pitch pipes, etc. But we don’t have to use a particular one. • NOTE: We ask, “What is best and authorized?” Do we respect brethren who choose to do these things a different way?
Rules for Expediencies • Expedients must edify • 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 • Edify means to build up. Our goal in doing what we must do is to be as efficient and considerate as possible.
Rules for Expediencies • Expedients must not offend the conscience of a brother • 1 Corinthians 8:9-12 • 1 Corinthians 10:32-33 “Offense” means to cause to stumble (not merely hurting someone’s feelings, though that might be involved). • Romans 14:14-15, 19
Rules for Expediencies • Expedients should not be self-serving • 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 • Philippians 2:3-4 • Do not forget our purpose is to build up the body, not just me! Cf. 1 Corinthians 12:21, 3 John 9-10 - Diotrephes This is a two way street! Some demand things be done their way and are unwilling to consider another way.IS it fair when all yielding is one sided?
Rules for Expediencies • WE cannot bind an expediency • By its definition, it is a choice (hopefully a wise choice), but it is NOT a test of truth.