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Authority (8)

This article explores the concept of authority in the New Testament Church, emphasizing the importance of understanding expedients and additions. It covers various examples, such as transporting the ark, singing, assembling, the work of the church, and baptism. The rules for expedients are also discussed.

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Authority (8)

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  1. The New Testament Church 2017 Authority (8) General & Specific AuthorityExpediencies and Additions

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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)

  5. 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)

  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

  7. 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!

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. EvangelismEdification, … EntertainmentSocial work Work of the church I.e. teachingclasses, work books, PowerPoint, bulletin, etc. facilitate teaching NOT authorizedScripture???ANOTHER type of work!

  13. 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.

  14. Immersion Sprinkling, pouring Baptism PlaceBaptistry, ocean, pool, river, etc.Expediencies to facilitate the command A different type (addition) of “baptism”.NOT facilitating immersion!

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. 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?

  18. 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.

  19. 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

  20. 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?

  21. 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.

  22. How important is God’s will to you?

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